Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Key Takeaways Disney is expanding parks and cruise capacity under its $60B, 10-year Experiences investment plan.Fiscal Q3 Experiences revenues rose 10% and operating income 20%, with U.S. attendance up 3%.Weak Asia attendance and about $9B in fiscal 2026 capex make execution and ROIC key investor watchpoints. The Walt Disney Company (DIS - Free Report) is expanding its parks pipeline to add capacity, strengthen guest spending and create a longer runway for Experiences growth. Disney is several years into its $60 billion, 10-year investment plan for Parks, Experiences and Products, with spending focused on theme park and resort expansion, new attractions and cruise capacity. The strategy is already showing results, as Experiences revenues increased 10% year over year in the fiscal third quarter of 2026, while operating income jumped 20%. The pipeline includes major attractions at Disney's U.S. parks, including Villains Land in Orlando and the Avengers Campus expansion in Anaheim, along with additional cruise capacity.

The expansion offers multiple avenues for growth. Domestic attendance increased 3% in the quarter, while per-capita guest spending rose 4%, showing Disney can benefit from both higher visitation and greater spending per visitor. New attractions and lands can also generate additional revenues from admissions, resorts, food and beverages, merchandise and other guest spending. Cruise expansion adds another capacity-driven growth opportunity within Experiences. Importantly, management expects attractive returns from the investment program, making execution and ROIC key measures for investors.

However, international attendance remains a key risk, particularly in Shanghai and Hong Kong, where weaker consumer conditions are weighing on demand. Large capital requirements are another concern, as the company expects fiscal 2026 capital expenditures of approximately $9 billion, primarily reflecting higher Experiences spending on parks, resorts and new attractions.

Overall, ongoing park expansion projects could accelerate Disney's long-term growth, provided the new capacity ensures a sufficient influx of visitors and spending to generate attractive returns on invested capital.

Competitors Challenging DIS in Theme ParksDisney is facing competition as major U.S. operators expand their attractive facilities, invest in new experiences, and strive to build closer engagement with visitors.

Comcast (CMCSA - Free Report) is strengthening its position in the theme park market through Universal’s expanding parks portfolio. Epic Universe continues to perform well, while Universal Kids Resort is open in Frisco and its U.K. park is moving toward construction. Comcast is pursuing long-term parks growth through attractive brands, locations and continued investment in attractions and experiences.

Six Flags Entertainment (FUN - Free Report) is expanding its theme park offering through a growing pipeline of attractions and experiences. Its 2026 lineup includes multiple new attractions, while construction is underway on several 2027 projects. Six Flags is also broadening membership and cross-park visitation, aiming to increase guest engagement, repeat visits and long-term returns from its park investments.

DIS’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesDisney shares have declined 7.5% year to date compared with a 9.7% drop in the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector.

DIS’s YTD Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Disney trades at a forward 12-month P/S ratio of 1.72 compared to the Media Conglomerates industry's multiple of 1.24. DIS carries a Value Score of B.

DIS’s Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DIS’ 2026 revenues is pegged at $101.38 billion, indicating 7.36% year-over-year growth. The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at $6.91 per share, indicating an upward revision over the past 30 days and indicating 16.53% year-over-year growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

DIS stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Walt Disney Company (DIS -0.24%) has raised prices so significantly that it is upsetting longtime fans.

*Stock prices used were the afternoon prices of Sept. 4, 2026. The video was published on Sept. 6, 2026.

Parkev Tatevosian, CFA has positions in Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Parkev Tatevosian is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through his link, he will earn some extra money that supports his channel. His opinions remain his own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.

I am upgrading The Walt Disney Company to a buy, citing strong Q3 performance and attractive valuation. Disney delivered 7% YoY revenue growth and 21% segment operating income growth. Operating leverage expansion indicates strong efficiency. Increased share buybacks and raised repurchase guidance for FY2026 signal management confidence in cash flows and the stock's intrinsic value.

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Zacks #1 Rank Additions Company (Symbol) Research Caterpillar (CAT) Analyst Report Dell Technologies (DELL) Analyst Report Robinhood Markets (HOOD) Analyst Report MongoDB (MDB) Analyst Report Aurora Cannabis (ACB) Snapshot Report Investment Ideas Earnings Analysis More Analysis Reported Earnings Surprises View All Positive Negative Symbol Time Expected Reported %Surprise KNOP 16:24 -0.03 0.10 +433.33 DLTH 05:49 -0.05 0.06 +220.00 PL 16:08 -0.02 0.02 +200.00 EGAN 16:19 0.03 0.08 +166.67 AOUT 16:15 -0.24 0.03 +112.50 EPS Positive Surprises for Sep 04, 2026

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As the entertainment landscape shifts from traditional cable to digital dominance, which media giant is the better addition to your portfolio? This comparison evaluates Walt Disney (DIS -1.07%) against Netflix (NFLX -4.29%).

Disney is a diversified entertainment giant that couples its streaming aspirations with a massive physical presence in theme parks. Netflix is the industry pioneer, focusing almost exclusively on digital content delivery and subscriber scale. Comparing these companies helps you decide between a legacy titan and a high-growth streaming leader.

The case for Walt DisneyThe Walt Disney Company is one of the Big 6 media companies, with a portfolio that includes streaming, theme parks, and media networks. The company leverages its iconic intellectual property to drive revenue across Disney+ and its extensive vacation experiences. It maintains essential distribution agreements with multi-channel video providers.

In fiscal 2025 (ending in September), revenue reached nearly $94 billion, representing approximately 3% growth over the prior year. The company reported net income of roughly $12 billion, which was a significant increase from the $5 billion earned in fiscal 2024. This performance was supported by a net margin of nearly 13%, indicating improved bottom-line performance.

As of its September 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.3x. This ratio compares total debt to the value of shareholder equity, indicating that Disney carries a moderate amount of leverage relative to its ownership stake.

The current ratio is nearly 0.7x, which measures the company's ability to pay its short-term debts with current assets. Free cash flow for the year was roughly $10 billion, representing the cash remaining after the company covers its operating expenses and capital expenditures.

The case for NetflixNetflix operates as a pure-play streaming service with over 300 million paid memberships in more than 190 countries as of early 2026. The company delivers content directly to consumers and, through partnerships with telecommunications operators, integrates its service into set-top boxes.

For 2025, revenue reached $45 billion, which marked an increase of nearly 16% year-over-year. The company reported net income of close to $11 billion, up from $8.7 billion in the previous fiscal year. Its net margin was approximately 24%, indicating a high level of efficiency in converting revenue into profit.

Based on its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 0.5x. This illustrates that for every dollar of equity, the company has fifty cents in total debt.

The current ratio is approximately 1.2x, indicating that current assets are sufficient to cover short-term liabilities. Free cash flow reached nearly $9.5 billion, representing the cash a company generates after accounting for cash outflows to support operations, including content production.

Risk profile comparisonDisney faces intense pressure from other streaming services and traditional media providers, which can impact subscription and advertising revenue. It also deals with high costs for sports programming rights and carries risks of inflationary pressure on production.

The company recently finalized a $50 million settlement to resolve antitrust claims arising from bundling practices that affected subscribers to live TV streaming services, such as FuboTV.

Netflix faces competition for consumer leisure time from a wide variety of sources, including video games and traditional broadcasters. The company also carries risks of operational disruption related to its reliance on third-party cloud infrastructure and potential content-related legal proceedings.

Valuation comparisonNetflix currently carries a higher price tag relative to its P/S ratio and Forward P/E based on future earnings estimates when compared to Disney.

MetricWalt DisneyNetflixForward P/E15.6x22.9xP/S ratio2.0x7.6xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

On almost every measure, Netflix looks like the stronger business and better stock to buy. It's growing revenue at double-digit rates, not only demonstrating stronger growth prospects but also showing that its strategy to maintain a healthy level of revenue per subscriber is working.

Netflix trades at a higher valuation multiple relative to sales and earnings, but that reflects a higher rate of growth and streaming profitability compared to Disney. For example, Disney+ is still operating at a single-digit operating margin, while Netflix reported a stellar 33% margin in the second quarter.

Moreover, the recent pullback in Netflix stock may offer investors a timely buying opportunity. The stock's forward P/E of about 23x is not asking much for a business that analysts expect to grow earnings over 20% annually in the coming years. On the same score, Wall Street analysts expect low-single-digit earnings growth from Disney.

The setup for Netflix looks more attractive for investors right now. Its scale, brand, and growth could deliver superior returns for investors.

As digital commerce and global entertainment landscapes evolve, investors weigh the massive scale of Amazon.com (AMZN +1.54%) against the storied intellectual property of Walt Disney (DIS -0.76%) for long-term growth.

Amazon focuses on operational efficiency and cloud dominance while Disney prioritizes content creation and physical experiences, such as theme parks. Both companies are navigating shifting consumer habits and technological advancements. This comparison helps you evaluate which business model aligns better with your investment goals in 2026.

Amazon operates a vast ecosystem ranging from its online marketplace to its high-margin Amazon Web Services (AWS) division. It serves a diverse group including individual consumers, third-party sellers, and government agencies. The company maintains significant relationships with shipping providers for its logistics, though it faces risks related to dependency on these third parties.

In its 2025 fiscal year (FY), revenue reached $716.9 billion, representing growth of 12.4% over the prior year. Net income for the period was $77.7 billion, resulting in a net margin of 10.8%. This growth reflects the continued expansion of its retail stocks footprint and cloud services.

As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was 0.4x. This ratio measures total debt against shareholder equity, showing how much the company relies on borrowed money. The current ratio, which measures the ability to cover short-term obligations with current assets, was 1.1x. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was $7.7 billion.

The case for Walt DisneyDisney distributes entertainment through its studios, theme parks, and direct-to-consumer streaming services. By late 2025, the Disney+ service had 132 million paid subscribers. The company recently expanded its sports reach by acquiring the NFL Network and exited its partnership in A+E Global Media by selling its stake to Hearst in August of 2026.

In FY 2025, Disney reported revenue of $94.4 billion, which is a 3.4% increase from the prior year. Net income reached $12.4 billion, yielding a net margin of 13.1%. These figures suggest that the company is finding success in monetizing its vast catalog of characters and stories across multiple platforms.

According to its September 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.4x. Its current ratio was 0.7x, indicating that current assets were lower than current liabilities at that time. Free cash flow for the year was $10.1 billion, providing the company with capital to invest in new content and global park upgrades.

Risk profile comparisonAmazon faces intense competition in e-commerce from well-funded rivals like Walmart (WMT +2.20%). The company also deals with ongoing antitrust investigations regarding its marketplace operations, Prime service, and delivery contractor model. Additionally, expanding into international markets involves complex regulatory environments and high fulfillment costs that could impact results.

Disney is navigating a highly competitive media landscape where it must compete with other streaming services, such as NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast (CMCSA -0.60%). The company also faces litigation, including a civil negligence lawsuit and a class action settlement related to antitrust claims in streaming. Economic downturns remain a risk, as results depend heavily on consumer spending and tourism trends.

Valuation comparisonDisney currently trades at lower multiples relative to its sales and future earnings estimates than Amazon, suggesting a more conservative valuation.

MetricAmazon.comWalt DisneyForward P/E23.8x14.2xP/S ratio3.9x2.0xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Which stock would I buy in 2026?While Amazon is known as an e-commerce giant, it's also a competitor to Disney through its Prime Video streaming service. In fact, Amazon's service is larger than Disney's in terms of total subscribers, and it began broadcasting NBA games this year, further solidifying its position.

Yet, it's the retailer's AWS division that makes it stand out as the better investment in 2026, and warrants its stock's higher valuation compared to Disney. AWS is the world leader in cloud computing, and this position helps it capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. AI systems are housed in the cloud, and customers are eagerly adopting Amazon's AI solutions, as demonstrated by AWS second-quarter revenue growing 37% year-over-year to $42.2 billion, the fastest growth in 18 quarters.

By contrast, Disney's highest-growing division was under its Experiences segment, which encompasses theme parks and cruises. This area saw 10% year-over-year sales growth to $10 billion in Disney's fiscal third quarter, ended June 27. The double-digit increase makes sense given the busy summer travel season. However, the entertainment titan doesn't have the massive AI tailwind at its back, and that gives Amazon the edge over Disney as the better stock to buy right now.

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Stock to Watch: Walt Disney (DIS - Free Report) Burbank, CA-based The Walt Disney Company has assets that span movies, television shows and theme parks. Revenues were $94.4 billion in fiscal 2025.

DIS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Consumer Discretionary stock. DIS has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 6.1% over the past four weeks.

For fiscal 2026, seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.05 to $6.91 per share. DIS boasts an average earnings surprise of +6.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, DIS should be on investors' short list.

August was a good month for Walt Disney (DIS -0.65%) investors. Shares of the media bellwether soared 12% last month, after flirting with 52-week lows earlier this summer. A well-received financial update and a market rotation back toward traditional dividend-paying blue chips helped prop up Disney.

Can the bullish momentum continue into September? There won't be a major quarterly update this time, but there is always something happening at the House of Mouse. Let's go over some of the fresh content and theme park additions that could move the shares this month. With Disney stock still trading lower in 2026 despite moving higher in August, every little thing can help.

Image source: Disney.

Sept. 2 There was a disturbance in the Force earlier this year. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu hit theaters in late May, hoping to cash in on the historically busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. The film -- based on the popular TV series that put Disney+ on the map when it launched in 2019 -- failed to live up the market's financial expectations.

The movie would go on to gross $177.7 million domestically and another $167.7 million internationally. The $345.4 million in total box office receipts makes it the worst-performing film among the 12 live-action movies in the Star Wars franchise.

The good news is that the movie hits Disney+ this week. The Mandalorian and Grogu's arrival on Disney's namesake premium streaming platform will naturally help the service. Just because 3% of the country was willing to pay to watch the movie at the local multiplex doesn't mean that millions -- if not tens of millions -- more won't be happy to stream it from home.

A steady trickle of magnetic content naturally helps with retention for any streaming service. The film's availability on the platform should also broaden its exposure. Those who actually saw it in theaters liked it for the most part. A healthy 86% of the moviegoers polled by the reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes recommend the movie. This could also help drum up incremental theme park visits, given the presence of Mando and Grogu at Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. As a bonus, Lego Star Wars: The Mandalorian also premieres on Disney+ on Wednesday.

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Sept. 14 The biggest contributor to Disney's blowout fiscal third quarter last month was its experiences segment. Helmed by its iconic theme parks and expanding cruise ship fleet, the segment posted a 10% increase in revenue, with its operating profit growing even faster. Experiences accounted for more than half of the segment's operating income for the quarter.

With families returning to school this month, you wouldn't expect Disney to introduce something new in September -- but something is happening this month. The Magic of Disney Animation will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida in two weeks. The refreshed indoor space will feature several interactive experiences, including character meet-and-greet stations, an Alice in Wonderland-themed playground area, and a theater where Frozen's snowman Olaf will help guests learn to draw classic animated characters.

Sept. 25 The summer blockbuster season is also in the rearview mirror at this point, and Disney is taking a break from putting out a major theatrical release. It's been a mixed year for Disney at the box office. After back-to-back years of putting out the only three U.S. movies to top $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales apiece, Disney only has Toy Story 5 hitting that mark in 2026. It's odd to see Disney not dominating on that front this year, with other media stocks getting in on the fun with four of the five movies hitting 10 figures in ticket sales for exhibitors.

Disney is a lock to get at least one more release to hit $1 billion later this year. Avengers: Doomsday will be a major draw when it hits theaters during the December holiday season. Hoping to cash in on the buzz, Disney's Marvel will be rereleasing Avengers: Endgame in theaters later this month. Historically, these encore presentations aren't very popular. However, it could be different this time, with September lacking major multiplex draws.

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Brokerage analysts are in charge of determining a company's growth and profitability expectations, or earnings estimates. These analysts work together with company management to evaluate all factors that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.

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Focus List Spotlight: Walt Disney (DIS - Free Report) Burbank, CA-based The Walt Disney Company has assets that span movies, television shows and theme parks. Revenues were $94.4 billion in fiscal 2025.

Since being added to the Focus List on March 23, 2020 at $85.98 per share, shares of DIS have increased 25.73% to $108.1. The stock is currently a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.

Six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.04 to $6.89. DIS boasts an average earnings surprise of 6.6%.

Moreover, analysts are expecting DIS's earnings to grow 16.2% for the current fiscal year.

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You learn a lot writing about the stock market, and I've been doing that for a long time. As a contributor to The Motley Fool since 1995, I've covered a lot of companies. I still get chills down my spine when I come across a new potential investment. It can also be humbling, especially since many of the stocks I wrote about more than 30 years ago are no longer around.

One of the handful of companies I was covering three decades ago that is still thriving is Disney (DIS +1.20%). You wouldn't know it from the stock chart. The shares are down 10% over the past year, while the broader market reaches new heights. Disney stock has been cut nearly in half since peaking a little over five years ago.

I see opportunity in the apathy. Here is why my bullish conviction in the House of Mouse as an investment has never been higher.

Image source: Disney.

Even miracles take a little time This should be a great time for Disney. Content is king again, after back-to-back years of bidding wars among industry leaders for smaller studios. Disney was one of the first to turn their streaming business profitable, clawing out of the red more than two years ago. It's at the point where its entertainment business -- consisting largely of its diminishing legacy media networks outside of ESPN, ascending streaming operations, and studio content -- is growing on both ends of the income statement. Revenue for the entertainment segment rose 6% in its latest quarter and 7% through the first nine months of the fiscal year.

Its leisure market offerings, led by theme park resorts and cruise ships, are faring even better. Disney's experiences segment reported a 10% increase in revenue, with the operating profit rising 20% for the latest quarter. At a time when smaller theme park operators and larger cruise ship fleets are decelerating, Disney is rolling. Disney's experiences business delivered 39% of the media giant's revenue -- but an even more potent 61% of its segment operating profit -- through the first three quarters of this fiscal year.

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Whistle while you work Disney's ecosystem is unmatched among other media stocks. It doesn't matter where you start on the massive flywheel -- movies, theme parks, cruise ships, televised content. Once you're into one part of its business, it permeates the rest.

The entertainment bellwether operates the world's most-visited gated attractions. Its differentiated cruise ship business has a growing fan base willing to pay a premium over traditional operators. It's also dominant at the box office. Since 2024, Disney has released more than half of the movies that have topped $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales.

Being the best across most of its businesses isn't enough to make a great company a great investment. The valuation has to work, and this is where Disney's improving fundamentals, alongside its falling share price, come into play.

Disney is now trading at less than 16 times what it should earn on an adjusted basis for the fiscal year ending next month, based on its guidance earlier this month, which called for 16% bottom-line growth. There's an extra week in the current fiscal year. Analysts currently see adjusted earnings rising 8% in fiscal 2027 -- in line with Disney's target of double-digit growth in the year-ahead if you account for the extra week in fiscal 2026.

Everything leads to Disney's trading at 14.5 times forward earnings. That's a great price for a great stock. The outlook gets even rosier when you consider that Disney has consistently beaten Wall Street profit targets for more than a year.

Disney is not a perfect investment. It will naturally be vulnerable to a global economic slowdown. It can run into a dry spell on the content front. However, a lot of that is already baked into the shares at today's opportunistic entry price. I've owned Disney for even longer than the 30 years that I've spent covering the iconic entertainer. What's holding you back? It's a good time to start taking a closer look.

A sophisticated visitor captures the moment at Shanghai Disney Resort, reflecting an adult Disney consumer whose connection to the brand sits comfortably alongside fashion, travel and a distinctly grown-up sense of style. (Photo by Jade Gao / AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

“Disney Adults” are having another moment.

The latest catalyst is the viral story surrounding a 27-year-old Disneyland content creator whose repeated interactions with Peter Pan have generated millions of views and reignited the internet’s fascination with adults whose relationship with Disney extends well beyond childhood.

It comes in the same month that thousands of Disney fans gathered in Anaheim for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, August 14–16. The scale of D23 offers a rather broader picture of adult fandom. Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars sit alongside archive access, collectibles, exclusive merchandise, cosplay, major entertainment showcases and, this year, a Disney Experiences auction offering rare pieces from Disney history.

Behind the viral Disney Adult stereotype sits a diverse, and potentially extremely valuable, adult consumer.

Predominantly Gen X and older Millennials, often now in their 40s and 50s, one part of this audience is at a very different financial and life stage. They may be DINKs, empty nesters or affluent parents with older children. They have greater discretionary income, travel frequently and are accustomed to premium retail and hospitality.

Their relationship with Disney hasn’t disappeared, yet their spending has evolved - I call this group the ‘Disney Sophisticates’.

Premium PlayersThe ‘Sophisticates’ may still covet Disney, but the preference can move towards archive pieces, limited editions, designer collaborations or fine jewellery rather than overt character merchandise. Within and around the parks and resorts, expenditure shifts towards convenience, gastronomy, access and premium hospitality.

Disney’s own financial results demonstrate the opportunity. In Q1 FY2026, domestic park attendance increased 1%, while per-capita guest spending increased 4%. Disney’s Experiences division delivered a record $10 billion of quarterly revenue and $3.3 billion of operating income.

That higher spending has an increasingly sophisticated ladder, from premium accommodation and Club Level stays through private VIP tours and high-end dining. Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa holds both a Michelin star and AAA Five Diamond status. Disney Vacation Club extends the relationship into long-term vacation ownership, whilst Club 33 provides a private membership proposition and Golden Oak takes Disney hospitality into multimillion-dollar residential property market.

Disney Cruise Line extends the premium offer beyond the parks, combining Disney IP with concierge accommodation, adult-only spaces and high-end restaurants. In Q1, resorts and vacations revenue benefited from a 6% increase in passenger cruise days following the launches of Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny.

Disney appears increasingly willing to meet this consumer at a different price point and with a different design language. Over the past year, its partnerships have stretched well beyond conventional character merchandise, encompassing fashion, jewellery, couture, collectables and sport. Vogue’s new multi-year creative partnership invites global fashion talent into the Disney archives, with AMI Paris founder Alexandre Mattiussi the first designer announced to reinterpret Mickey Mouse. Viktor&Rolf has taken Cinderella into couture collectables, while established collaborators including Ganni and RE/DONE have returned with increasingly design-led, archive-inspired collections.

Pandora has extended Disney into diamonds and fine jewellery, while the Formula 1 relationship places Disney within another valuable world of premium experiences, fashion and fandom.

D23 fits within that same spectrum. It turns affinity into access, membership, collecting and experience. A sold-out D23 studio tour this August offered members access to Walt Disney’s preserved office and the Walt Disney Archives, while the fan event’s auction created a market for rare Disney artefacts. This is fandom operating across very different levels of expenditure.

Beyond conventional Disney retailThe changing mix at Disney Springs provides another current indicator of how the wider offer is accommodating this consumer.

LEVEL99 opened this summer as a large-scale social gaming and hospitality concept, while Six Ravens has brought a darker, gothic food proposition from the creators of Gideon’s Bakehouse. Alongside entertainment and dining, premium lifestyle, performance and footwear brands are broadening the retail mix.

The luxury hotel industries around each park are servicing the same consumer, and one development is providing the perfectly curated offer for this distinguished Disney guest.

Premium Stay After Park Days Crisp linens, restrained interiors and a deliberately serene atmosphere at ette hotel Orlando, just minutes from the parks. Its proposition speaks directly to guests who want Disney access without surrendering the standards of high-end hospitality.

ette hotel

Orlando’s luxury hospitality market increasingly has to accommodate a visitor who may want the emotion and access of Disney without wanting every element of their stay to feel like an extension of the parks.

ette hotel recognised that space: a serene, highly considered alternative almost within touching distance of Orlando’s Walt Disney World, where crisp, restrained rooms, an emphasis on quiet, elevated dining and a notably curated retail offer provide a deliberate counterpoint to the sensory intensity outside.

The 126-room serenity of the ette hotel Orlando has created a proposition closely aligned with the affluent consumer who wants access to the parks without compromising the standards they expect from luxury travel.

Its aesthetic is deliberately removed from conventional Orlando theming: Italian marble, handwoven fabrics, restrained interiors, bespoke fragrance and imported Frette linens. Wellness suites incorporate Peloton and Technogym equipment, while the spa works with premium skincare including Natura Bissé.

Guests wanting the joy of the Orlando parks and then the serenity of a premium hotel, space and food offering enjoy ette Hotel's Michelin star delights

ette Hotel

Food carries similar weight, with Michelin-starred chef Akira Back behind the hotel’s Salt & The Cellar restaurant, combining Mediterranean and Asian influences, with Lipa extending the hotel’s culinary proposition.

The detail continues into areas most hotels keep behind the scenes. The impressive glass-fronted Laundry Museum makes the care of its Frette linens visible to guests. Its Book Room contains art, architecture and luxury publishing, while the pool, gardens and wellness spaces provide a deliberately quieter counterpoint to a day in the parks, and it’s retail offer is particularly relevant.

The ette Shoppe operates more like a luxury boutique than a conventional hotel gift shop, spanning jewellery, books, flowers, home products and fragrance. Its perfume bar includes Lalique, Nishane and Tiziana Terenzi alongside Mind Games, while the hotel’s own candles and diffusers allow guests to purchase the scent associated with their stay.

Fragrance displayed with the theatre and sensory cues of luxury beauty retail. The carefully staged environment is significant at the ette shoppe, just minutes from the heart of Walt DIsney World.

ette Hotel

Rather than selling a conventional souvenir of Orlando, ette is retailing the sensory and lifestyle elements of the stay itself: fragrance, linens, design and objects that travel back into the guest’s everyday life.

That closely reflects the spending profile of the 'Disney Sophisticate’. Premium linen rather than another printed T-shirt; a significant fragrance rather than novelty merchandise; fine dining alongside the parks; wellness and quiet alongside entertainment.

Disney has spent decades building relationships with consumers who first encountered its characters as children. A significant proportion of those consumers are now entering some of their highest earning and spending years.

The viral Disney Adult is one highly visible part of the audience. The consumer who prefers a premium lifestyle and experiences with a touch of the magic represents another - perhaps older, certainly affluent, highly engaged and able to spend considerably more.

Surging artificial-intelligence capabilities and declining attention spans have Chinese producers flooding the zone with short-drama films to see which ones take off.

Vertical-title producers gauge audience interest before committing heavily to distribution and audience acquisition. Compared with traditional entertainment models, which commit much more capital to production, short-drama firms can test demand with less money at risk.

"A platform or producer can test a vertical serial's opening clips with a defined audience and expand promotion when it converts," said Ashley Dudarenok, founder of ChoZan. That allows companies to put more money behind titles that drive engagement and quickly pivot away from those that do not — a fail-fast approach.

Generative AI has accelerated this high-volume production strategy by reducing the time and cost required to make new titles. About 128,000 short-dramas were released in China in the first quarter of 2026, over 95% of which were AI, according to estimates published by China's Netcasting Services Association. CNSA estimated China's microdrama and manju market at about 100 billion yuan (US$15 billion) in 2025. The format overtook long-form video in average daily use, ranking second among audiovisual categories.

Vertical titles can generate strong advertising revenue, with opt-in video ads earning about 11 times Mintegral's Android benchmark in the first half of the year, according to the report.

However, heavy distribution and audience-acquisition spending can erode some of the margins created by cheap production.

While making a short drama may cost only a few hundred thousand yuan, "making the right audience see it can cost far more," Dudarenok said. She estimated that the cost of buying 1,000 promotional ad impressions rose from 50–80 yuan in 2023 to around 150–200 yuan in 2025, sometimes exceeding 300 yuan during competitive periods.

High volume and low production costs do not necessarily translate to commercial success.

While a few stellar hits can generate substantial revenue, most still fail to produce meaningful returns on investment, Dudarenok said.

Competition for viewers is also intensifying, with short drama campaigns paying an average 2.3 times Mintegral's Android benchmark per app install, while the number of active advertisers and advertising creatives more than doubled, according to the report.

'Niu Lai'And one of the most attention-getting short films of the year might not even have worked. According to official China Film Box Office figures, "Niu Lai" grossed 45.5 million yuan (US$6.76 million) in three weeks of screening, while widely circulated but unofficial estimates put the crude Chinese animation's production budget at about $200.

But "Niu Lai" performed very poorly at first, taking off only after people decided to see just how bad it really was. It may not have survived long enough to succeed with the fail-fast approach.

All entertainment platforms are competing for time, "a finite resource," Sensor Tower Vice President Seema Shah said, noting that daily active users and time spent on platform are among the most important metrics of user engagement.

Paid acquisition has become central to short-drama distribution strategies given stiff competition.

"Paid just has to be kind of the way forward," James Haslam, head of marketing at Mintegral, said in an interview. Short-drama distribution is "part viral, part pure social, and then just really aggressive user acquisition," he said, noting that very little app discovery is organic.

Industry experts are split over whether short-drama specialists or traditional incumbents possess the stronger distribution moat.

Specialist short-drama companies may have an edge in agility, performance marketing and familiarity with new acquisition channels over traditional entertainment firms, Haslam said. Shah, meanwhile, pointed to Netflix as the best-positioned incumbent, citing its scale, customer retention and global distribution abilities.

Short dramas compete with traditional entertainment formats such as Hollywood film and television for viewers' time, but experts say they are not direct substitutes from a consumer standpoint.

Short dramas are unlikely to push out incumbent entertainment formats, according to Sensor Tower's Shah. Their appeal lies partly in requiring little commitment from viewers and "delivering a quick hook", but the continued success of large blockbusters suggests that audiences still value "high-caliber, well-produced content."

Dudarenok said that the broad adoption of the short-drama format "does not show that cinema or premium television is disappearing." Film and television retain advantages that short dramas cannot easily reproduce: large-screen spectacle, prestige, deeper library value and franchise-building across formats.

— CNBC's Evelyn Cheng contributed to the story.

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Disney and Boeing both carry years of turnaround promises, but only one of them has started cashing those promises in while also paying shareholders to wait. Figuring out which one matters a great deal if retirement income is on the…

Retirement-focused investors weighing Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS | DIS Price Prediction) against Boeing (NYSE:BA) are really answering one question: which multi-year turnaround has actually produced results, and which is still promising them? Both are iconic American businesses. Both are roughly flat to modestly negative over the past year. Disney is down 5.8% and Boeing down 9.8% over the trailing year as of August 26, 2026. The verdict below focuses on suitability for a reader drawing down a portfolio rather than forecasting relative price performance.

Dimension 1: Is the Turnaround Showing Up in Results? Disney’s evidence is concrete. Fiscal Q3 revenue rose 7% and segment operating income was up 21% versus prior-year results. Streaming reached a 13% SVOD operating margin, and Experiences posted record fiscal Q3 revenue and segment OI. CEO Josh D’Amaro told analysts the company is “operating from a real position of strength” and reaffirmed double-digit adjusted EPS growth for fiscal 26 and fiscal 27.

Boeing’s evidence is mixed and got harder. Q2 2026 core loss per share of $0.76, missing the $0.34 loss estimate, even as deliveries reached 171 airplanes, the highest quarterly total since 2018, and free cash flow turned positive at $631 million. CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged, “We know there’s more work to do and remain clear-eyed about managing the risks in front of us.” FAA certification of the 737-7, 737-10, and 777X models remains an active schedule risk.

Winner: Disney.

Dimension 2: What You Are Paid to Wait Disney has a trailing P/E of 23 and pays an annualized dividend of $1.50 in two semi-annual installments of $0.75. Boeing’s trailing P/E of 76 is distorted by a one-time $9.67 billion divestiture gain, and the last common dividend had an ex-date of February 13, 2020. Practically, a Disney holder collects something while the turnaround plays out and has an earnings base to anchor valuation against. A Boeing holder is rewarded only if the share price rises. Disney’s yield is modest; the point is that it exists at all.

Winner: Disney.

Dimension 3: What Could Break Each Thesis Boeing’s near-term risk is on the calendar. According to reporting from Reuters and Seattle-area outlets, Boeing’s engineers and technical workers voted on August 21 and 22, 2026, to reject the company’s “best and final” offer and authorized a strike. Separate reporting indicates a potential work stoppage in early October 2026, while talks are reported to be resuming. Ortberg himself flagged that Boeing was “looking very hard at what we would do should we have a work stoppage.” A whistleblower documentary has added reputational pressure, according to outside reporting. Importantly, demand remains strong: the company holds a record $715 billion order backlog and a commercial pipeline of more than 6,200 airplanes. The challenge is converting that backlog into delivered aircraft on schedule.

Disney’s risks are structural: linear network decline, ESPN sports-rights costs, and consumer sensitivity in Experiences, where park and cruise spending is discretionary. Josh D’Amaro noted “continued international attendance softness” at Shanghai and Hong Kong. These are known, priced-in pressures that the market has already absorbed.

Winner: Disney, on risk profile suitable for a retiree.

Verdict for Retirees Disney wins clearly for the reader at or near retirement. The turnaround is already visible in reported results, there is an earnings base to value against, and shareholders collect a check while they wait. Boeing may well reward a growth-oriented investor with a long horizon and tolerance for headline risk, but asking a retiree to accept no income, no trailing profitability to anchor valuation, and an unresolved labor confrontation with a date attached is the wrong trade.

Note: Disney is down 37.4% over five years while Boeing is roughly flat at −2.1%, so this verdict addresses suitability rather than relative future performance.

Two checkpoints to monitor. For Boeing: the outcome of the labor vote, and whether the production rate ramp to 47 737s per month and the 777X first delivery in 2027 remain on track. For Disney: whether the 13% SVOD operating margin holds and whether Experiences demand remains resilient into fiscal 2027.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Disney remains a buy, with upside potential driven by an upcoming blockbuster content slate and improving sentiment. DIS trades at a forward P/E of 15, below historical averages, with a price target raised to $185 based on potential multiple/sentiment and earnings growth. Management increased buybacks to $9 billion, signaling confidence and a bias toward capital return, while guiding for double-digit adjusted EPS growth through fiscal 2027.

Walt Disney: Navigating Fluctuating Revenue Patterns Despite Maintaining Massive Global ScaleWalt Disney (DIS +1.20%) primarily generates its foundational business revenue by operating a vast global portfolio of iconic theme parks, distributing cinematic film and television productions, and managing multiple direct-to-consumer streaming platforms for audiences worldwide.

It detailed multiple upcoming infrastructure expansions across its international theme park properties and reported an operating margin of about 15% for the quarter ended June 27, 2026.

Netflix: Sustaining Consistent Double-Digit Revenue Expansion Across Its Global Subscriber NetworkNetflix (NFLX +2.35%) earns the vast majority of its corporate revenue by providing a popular subscription-based streaming library composed of licensed television series, original motion pictures, and digital mobile games to an international consumer base.

It recently finalized a long-term content development and distribution agreement renewal with a major television production partner and posted an operating margin of approximately 33% for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Why Tracking Top-Line Revenue Metrics Matters for Everyday Retail InvestorsRevenue here refers to the income statement revenue line item, and monitoring this fundamental financial figure across consecutive reporting periods helps everyday investors assess whether a business is successfully attracting new paying customers and expanding its broader commercial footprint before underlying operating expenses are factored into the final financial equation.

Comparing Quarterly Revenue Trends for Walt Disney and NetflixCalendar quarterWalt Disney RevenueNetflix RevenueQ3 2024$22.6 billion (quarter ended Sept. 28, 2024)$9.8 billion (quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024)Q4 2024$24.7 billion (quarter ended Dec. 28, 2024)$10.2 billion (quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024)Q1 2025$23.6 billion (quarter ended March 29, 2025)$10.5 billion (quarter ended March 31, 2025)Q2 2025$23.6 billion (quarter ended June 28, 2025)$11.1 billion (quarter ended June 30, 2025)Q3 2025$22.5 billion (quarter ended Sept. 27, 2025)$11.5 billion (quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025)Q4 2025$26.0 billion (quarter ended Dec. 27, 2025)$12.1 billion (quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025)Q1 2026$25.2 billion (quarter ended March 28, 2026)$12.2 billion (quarter ended March 31, 2026)Q2 2026$25.2 billion (quarter ended June 27, 2026)$12.6 billion (quarter ended June 30, 2026)Data source: Company filings. Data as of Aug. 26, 2026.

Foolish TakeThese are two dominant entertainment businesses that reach massive audiences. But most of the growth in entertainment over the last decade has been on the digital side, benefiting Netflix.

Walt Disney's revenue comes from several businesses, with streaming accounting for only a small share. Most of its profit comes from its Experiences segment, including theme parks and cruise lines. This is not a fast-growing business, but it allows Disney to continue earning money from fans long after they watch a movie on Disney+ or in theaters.

As the pure-play in digital entertainment, Netflix has consistently grown its revenue faster than Disney. It commands a much larger subscriber base than Disney's streaming services, including ESPN+ and Hulu. This reflects Netflix's focus on making content that appeals to a wider audience beyond kids and families.

Netflix generates a much higher operating margin than Disney. Although it generates a smaller revenue base, it converts revenue into profit at a more efficient rate than Disney. This is why Netflix's market capitalization is currently $339 billion, compared to Disney's $189 billion, despite generating less revenue.

Investors should watch whether Netflix continues to outpace Disney's revenue growth or whether Disney can make strategic adjustments to accelerate its revenue growth, particularly its Entertainment segment, which includes results from the box office and streaming services.

When Disney announced its Infinity Vision certification brand a few months ago, it was met with some confusion and derision. As a certification program rather than a new format, many found it less than exciting—and a clear response to Spider-Man losing all the IMAX screens to The Odyssey.

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Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Disney is joining other big-name companies in curbing employee benefits, a move that comes as healthcare costs rise.

Starting next year, the entertainment giant will no longer offer medical insurance plans to US employees' spouses if their spouses have jobs that provide such coverage, a Disney spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider. Employees' other dependents won't be impacted.

"Like a growing number of large employers, we're making measured adjustments to our employee benefits in response to rising healthcare costs nationwide," the company said in a statement.

The policy change at Disney, which doesn't apply to dental or vision benefits for workers' spouses, was first reported by the news outlet Puck.

Joshua Lavine, CEO of Capitol Benefits, an insurance advisory firm, described Disney's move as highly unusual. "We've seen employers reducing their contribution toward the spouse's coverage, but not eliminating the coverage option for those people," he said.

Though Disney's policy change doesn't affect employees' spouses who are unemployed or have jobs that don't provide medical insurance, Lavine said it could create problems for those who are undergoing long-term health treatments.

"There are so many options for employers right now to make coverage available to employees that this is really the extreme, nothing-else-can-work solution," he said. "A better solution is to reduce, or if you have to, eliminate the employer contribution for spouses."

Rising healthcare costsDisney also plans to introduce an employee stock-purchase program later in 2027, pending approvals, Business Insider previously reported. The company had about 172,000 US employees as of September 2025.

The Mouse House's move to limit spousal medical coverage comes as US employers' healthcare expenses are projected to rise 9.5% next year, marking the fourth consecutive near-double-digit annual increase, according to a report released Thursday by Aon. The increase extends one of the most sustained periods of healthcare inflation that employers have faced in decades, the insurance brokerage giant said.

Other big employers are also introducing cost-cutting measures. Starbucks recently said it would no longer cover GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss for benefits-eligible employees starting in October. The coffee chain offers health benefits to full- and part-time employees who work at least 20 hours a week.

More businesses may follow their lead. In a survey conducted this spring, nearly half of US employers with 500 or more employees surveyed by Mercer said they plan to make changes to their medical plans next year, such as raising deductibles or copays. Those changes would result in higher out-of-pocket costs for workers, the benefits-consulting firm said.

Some companies are making cuts to other types of employee benefits. Business Insider previously reported that Zoom reduced its paid parental leave this year, while Deloitte plans to do the same for some of its US employees, as well as cutting or paring back annual PTO, a pension plan, and IVF funding, starting in January.

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Sarah E. Needleman You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

Sarah E. Needleman covers leadership and the workplace for Business Insider.Previously, she was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal for more than two decades, covering technology companies, entrepreneurship, and recruiting.In 2022, Sarah received an honorable mention with WSJ colleagues for their coverage of workplace misconduct at Activision Blizzard from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.Sarah graduated from Rutgers University in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives with her husband, daughter, and fur child (an Australian labradoodle) in northern New Jersey.

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Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro's company has unveiled a new employee stock purchase program. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images Disney is shaking up its employee benefits by launching a stock purchase program and switching up its health insurance plans.

Eric Chaisson, Disney's EVP of total rewards and employee services, told US-based employees about the changes in a Wednesday memo.

"We're planning to introduce an Employee Stock Purchase Plan later in 2027, pending approvals, giving eligible employees the opportunity to build company ownership by purchasing Disney stock," Chaisson said in an email, which was viewed by Business Insider.

Details of the stock purchase plan "are still being finalized," Chaisson said, including who's eligible and how the program will be designed.

The new stock program could be a way for Disney to encourage retention and boost morale after multiple rounds of layoffs this year. It could also help Disney staffers make more money without the company giving raises. However, Disney employees won't strike it rich if the stock continues to underperform the market.

Why Disney is more expensive than ever

CEO Josh D'Amaro's company had a major round of cuts in April and reduced stock-based compensation for some tech staffers shortly after. Disney's ESPN let go of additional staffers in July, and some staffers in other parts of the company, including Pixar, were also affected.

Two software engineers previously told Business Insider that their long-term incentive awards, which are restricted stock units vesting every six months for three years, were cut from 35% of their base salary to 25%.

Disney is also changing "most medical plans" next year, Chaisson said, which will affect employee contributions. However, Disney isn't switching health insurers, a person familiar with the updates said.

"Unlike in past years, your current coverage will not automatically roll over: nearly all employees will need to actively choose their plans and re-enroll any dependents for 2027," Chaisson said. He added that Disney is "encouraging everyone to take a fresh look at their options and choose what works best for them and their families."

When asked for comment, Disney spokesperson said: "Like a growing number of large employers, we're making measured adjustments to our employee benefits in response to rising healthcare costs nationwide."

The spokesperson said Disney would share more details about these changes with staffers in the coming months and said the company is "committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive package of high-quality coverage and other benefits that support their total health and well-being."

Businesses across the US are grappling with surging healthcare costs. Employers' healthcare expenses are expected to rise 9.5% next year, insurance brokerage giant Aon said on Thursday.

Disney is also "evolving" well-being programs and consolidating some "to create a more consistent and streamlined experience," Chaisson said. He added that the company is doubling the number of counseling sessions available in its Employee Assistance Program.

Disney at a discountDisney's stock purchase plan announcement comes amid a yearslong share slump. Shares are up over 15% from their late-July low but are down 8% in the past year and 38% in the last five years.

Stock purchase programs let employees buy their firm's shares at a discount, usually about 15% below the market rate, said Josh Bersin, who runs the HR consulting firm The Josh Bersin Company.

That contrasts with stock-based compensation programs, which give eligible employees shares at no charge. Employees must stay at the company for a certain amount of time to collect their shares.

Stock-based compensation can be a highly effective retention tool, especially for staffers at hot companies like OpenAI or Anthropic, Bersin said. But when a stock doesn't move much, like in Disney's case, employees with unvested shares might be less reluctant to leave.

Letting employees buy shares at a discount can be "a better way of managing benefits when the stock is not going up a lot," Bersin said, since they'll profit unless shares tank more than the employee discount.

"They end up with employees who are more committed and feel like owners," Bersin said.

Bill Castellano, a professor of human resource management at Rutgers University, said that an employee stock purchase plan is "much broader based" than stock-based compensation, which is usually reserved for managers or high-ranking staffers.

This new program could be a way for Disney to extend an olive branch to employees and boost morale, given that its April move to cut stock-based compensation "can send a pretty negative signal," Castellano said.

One Disney software engineer said they were "totally stoked" to join the stock purchase program.

Another software engineer was less enthused, saying their level of interest would depend on the program's terms.

Shares acquired through these programs would be taxed at the same rate as ordinary income unless they were held for more than a year.

"The tax complexity is such that it would be beneficial to someone who holds and feels the company is a long-term prospect for growth," the second software engineer said. "It doesn't seem like an easy win."

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Disney, under CEO Josh D'Amaro, is suing Brendan Carr's FCC. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Disney; Eric Lee/Getty Images Disney under Josh D'Amaro is pushing back strongly against Donald Trump's Federal Communications Commission.

Disney-owned ABC sued the FCC on Tuesday morning, alleging that the government agency is violating the First Amendment and trying to influence editorial content it deems unfriendly to the president.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiated a review of ABC's broadcast licenses in late April, shortly after Trump said that ABC should fire comedian Jimmy Kimmel for a joke about Melania Trump.

This move was a "blatant retaliation," ABC alleged in its legal filing. The company wants a judge to grant a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction, which would be emergency actions that would pause the FCC's review.

The FCC had said it was reviewing ABC's broadcast licenses as part of an investigation into Disney's DEI practices.

The FCC said the broadcast network had "possible violations" against FCC rules prohibiting "unlawful discrimination." An early license renewal review was "essential" to make sure ABC was acting in the public interest, it said in April.

ABC's legal complaint said that the FCC "has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts."

ABC's filing included a screenshot of a Truth Social post from Trump in late December that said: "If Network NEWSCASTS, and their Late Night Shows, are almost 100% Negative to President Donald J. Trump, MAGA, and the Republican Party, shouldn't their very valuable Broadcast Licenses be terminated? I say, YES!"

Disney's broadcast network said the Trump administration had repeatedly "attacked" its speech, both its journalists' reporting and its hosts' viewpoints.

"Over time, those attacks have escalated into express demands that ABC be stripped of its broadcast licenses because of its speech," ABC's filing said.

ABC's filing said that "government censorship is deeply un-American."

An FCC spokesperson said in a statement about Disney's filing that the agency "has been examining claims that Disney engaged in illegal DEI discrimination" and said that "Disney is obviously very concerned about the FCC's proceeding."

"All broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest — even Disney," the FCC spokesperson said.

Disney plays offense under D'AmaroD'Amaro has shown a willingness to clash with the Trump administration in his first five months as CEO.

It's a different strategy than the one taken by former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who temporarily took Kimmel off the air last fall following conservative backlash over a controversial joke about the reaction to Charlie Kirk's death.

That decision sparked outrage among critics who said Iger had bowed to pressure from Trump and the FCC. A boycott ensued across Disney's parks and streaming services. Iger's Disney later reversed course, which angered some conservatives.

D'Amaro's Disney, in contrast, has consistently pushed back on the political pressure — and has now escalated the fight.

Business Insider's Peter Kafka put it this way after the Mouse House made a filing in May challenging the FCC's review: "Disney's first approach to Trump 2.0: Give Donald Trump what he wants. Now it's trying something different: The opposite."

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The agency has launched probes into the company's DEI practices and equal-time rules in the wake of criticism of President Trump by Jimmy Kimmel and The View.

ToplineABC filed a lawsuit Tuesday morning against the Trump administration and its Federal Communications Commission for allegedly violating the network’s free speech and waging a “retaliatory campaign” against it, after FCC head Brendan Carr and President Donald Trump have repeatedly railed against the network and threatened its broadcast licenses.

The ABC west headquarters is seen on May 3 in Burbank, Calif.

Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Key FactsABC and parent company Disney filed a lawsuit against the FCC and its commissioners in federal court in Washington, D.C., which alleges the Trump administration is trying to “punish Plaintiffs for their editorial judgments and coverage of the current administration.”

Carr has threatened the FCC could suspend broadcast licenses for ABC affiliates across the country—something that Trump has long pushed for—and ABC wants the court to block the FCC from doing so and rule that the move is a retaliatory attack against the network.

The White House has particularly taken issue with ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The View” and their criticism of the president, with Trump also slamming the network and NBC for not airing his July 16 speech and saying it should warrant “a revocation of their licenses.”

Carr has publicly threatened he could revoke ABC and other networks’ broadcast licenses as Trump has demanded, telling the FT in May about the possibility the FCC could pull ABC affiliates off the air: “If you didn’t take us seriously, now you should.”

The Trump administration “has steadily increased the pressure on ABC,” the network argues in its lawsuit, alleging the government is reviewing the affiliates’ broadcast licenses years ahead of schedule, which suggests the true purpose of the review is “coercing and retaliating against a network that refuses to bow to the Administration’s demands.”

The White House and FCC have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Crucial Quote“Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts,” the lawsuit alleges. It goes on to allege if the administration accomplishes its goal of revoking ABC’s broadcast licenses, “the message to every media company in the country will be unmistakable: tell only the stories the Administration deems favorable, or face the coercive machinery of the federal government. In such a world, the press could in no way be described as free.”

What to Watch forABC’s lawsuit notes the FCC could start the formal process to adjudicate the network’s broadcast licenses “any day now,” after previously asking for formal public comment on the issue. The network argued Tuesday that if it decides to review the licenses, it’s likely that “the only outcomes on the table are adverse to Plaintiffs”—whether that’s pulling networks off the air entirely, or “intentionally prolong[ing] the adjudicative process, miring ABC in years of costly litigation.” The lawsuit asks for the court to hold a “speedy hearing” and block the FCC from moving forward with license renewal proceedings while the litigation proceeds.

Surprising FactABC notes in its lawsuit that even Republican lawmakers allied with Trump have publicly opposed the Trump administration’s public threats against the network. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has said the FCC is acting like a “mafioso” by threatening ABC’s licenses, while Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said at a hearing earlier this month, “Sometimes the FCC scares me right now.” The GOP senator added, “I don’t like some of the stuff that is said on television, but what business is it of the FCC?”

FCC’s Actions Against ABC, ExplainedPrior to Tuesday’s lawsuit, ABC alleges the FCC has taken several steps to carry out its alleged “retaliatory campaign,” including reviving a lawsuit against an ABC affiliate that had previously been dropped. Carr notified ABC in March 2025 he had requested an investigation into whether ABC and Disney had violated “FCC equal employment opportunity regulations by promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination,” citing the company’s diversity efforts, and has repeatedly issued “voluminous requests” for information that are allegedly “unheard of in modern FCC practice.” The agency is separately investigating “The View” for allegedly violating requirements for networks to give equal time to competing political candidates, despite ABC arguing the program has long qualified for an exemption for “bona fide news interview” programs under that rule. That has resulted in ABC deciding not to bring on any political candidates in recent months, it alleged, for fear of the consequences that could arise. In April, the FCC then demanded ABC file early renewal applications for its affiliates, despite their renewal windows still being years away, and gave it only 30 days to prepare the applications, rather than the months the network is typically afforded. That request violates federal law and FCC regulations, ABC alleges.

What Have Trump And Brendan Carr Said About ABC?Trump has long railed against networks that are critical to him and suggested their licenses should be taken away, saying at a 2020 campaign rally, “I keep saying if they’re reporting fake news, how come they can keep getting a license?” The president continued to attack ABC and other networks in the run-up to the 2024 election, particularly attacking ABC for its questions and fact-checking during a presidential debate and suggesting without evidence that it sent questions ahead of time to former Vice President Kamala Harris. If the network “did give the questions to Kamala, ABC’s license should be TERMINATED,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. His attacks have continued into his second term, with Trump repeatedly railing against ABC on Truth Social. After ABC News Chief Correspondent Mary Bruce asked him about releasing the Epstein files in a November 2025 interview, Trump also decried Bruce as a “terrible person” and said, “I think the license should be taken away from ABC because your news is so fake. As FCC commissioner, Carr has repeatedly echoed Trump’s rhetoric about potentially pulling networks’ licenses, and particularly took aim at ABC after late night host Jimmy Kimmel made comments about the death of Charlie Kirk, which resulted in the network briefly taking Kimmel’s show off the air. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” Carr said on a podcast before Kimmel’s show was temporarily suspended.

Key BackgroundABC’s lawsuit against the FCC comes after the network previously reached a controversial settlement with Trump, paying $15 million towards Trump’s presidential library. The president sued the network for comments George Stephanopoulos made that inaccurately suggested Trump had been found liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. (He was found liable for defamation and sexual abuse, but not rape.) Trump has long railed against the media and so-called “fake news,” and has launched a series of legal challenges against media outlets in recent months, including against the BBC, CNN, CBS and New York Times. ABC is the first network that has been squarely targeted by the FCC, however, despite Trump also attacking coverage against him on other networks.

Further ReadingTrump Threatens ABC, NBC Broadcast Licenses Over Not Airing His Speech Live (Forbes)

FCC Launches Review Of 8 ABC Stations’ Licenses After Kimmel’s Melania Trump Joke (Forbes)

ABC Accuses Government Of Alleged First Amendment Violations For Political Coverage (Forbes)

Disney's ABC has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission, calling the government agency's recent investigation into the company a "retaliatory campaign" due to the nature of its programming, which has been critical of President Donald Trump.

The broadcast network filed the lawsuit on Tuesday in a district court in Washington, D.C.

It comes months after the FCC launched an early renewal of a set of ABC's broadcast station licenses, citing concerns around the company's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

However, that early review process came shortly after renewed political backlash against ABC following comments made by TV host Jimmy Kimmel on his late night show, which airs on the broadcast network. ABC has also faced criticism from the government around its daytime talk show, "The View."

ABC's lawsuit calls for the FCC to halt its early broadcast renewal proceedings.

The FCC didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

The agency launched its review of ABC licenses in April, years ahead of their scheduled expiration. ABC shot back in May, saying in filings that it was submitting the applications "under protest in response to an unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional order" from the FCC.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told CNBC at the time the agency's focus was on Disney's DEI practices and that the early license renewal was not tied to First Amendment matters.

Carr was appointed by Trump to lead the federal entity meant to regulate the media and telecommunications industry. It began its investigation into Disney's stations last year for possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC's rules regarding its prohibition on unlawful discrimination.

On Tuesday, ABC said it "continues to face irreparable harm" from the administration, which "has been acting" through the FCC.

Last week, Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro doubled down on the company's position in a CNBC interview.

"I think you saw in our FCC filings our position on this is clear," D'Amaro told CNBC's Julia Boorstin at the time. "We're very principled on this. We're going to stand up to what we believe is journalistic and integrity, and we're not going to be told how to run that side of our business."

D'Amaro took over as CEO in March from longtime Disney chief Bob Iger.

Last week, Iger agreed to purchase a majority stake in the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers alongside Joshua Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital and brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka.

SHANGHAI, CHINA - NOVEMBER 3, 2021 - Children's princess dresses, Mickey Mouse, Duffy and Friends, Linabelle's animated characters and plush toys are seen at the official store of Disneyland in Shanghai, China, on November 3, 2021. On December 12, 2021, Shanghai Disney officially announced the postponement of the 2021 Duffy & Friends Christmas collection. (Photo credit should read Xing Yun / Costfoto/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Future Publishing via Getty Images

Walk down any toy aisle, and you’ll likely see a plethora of merchandise and products branded to Disney Princess. From classic dolls and play dresses to huggable plush toys and more, Disney Consumer Products’ line of Princess items has captivated minds and emptied wallets for decades. But gone are the days of Disney Princess being exclusive to little girls who wish to star in their own fairytale. Today, Disney Princess has global reach with a merchandise pipeline for children all the way to adults.

When the Disney Princess brand was formed in 2000, it featured eight princesses (Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White), and today it has grown to showcase 13 princesses (the original eight, plus Moana, Rapunzel, Tiana, Merida, and Raya). During the initial formation of the brand, $300 million of individual Princess merchandise was sold. Then just five years after the larger brand umbrella was formed, Disney Princess passed $3 billion in worldwide product retail sales.

“Disney Princess has grown into a global lifestyle brand that connects with consumers across generations. Through products and experiences that extend Disney storytelling beyond our films and parks, we’re creating new, meaningful ways for fans and families to connect with beloved Princess characters in their everyday lives,” says Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Brand Commercialization, Disney Consumer Products.

Disney Princess products range in style from play, fashion and beauty to home, accessories and collectibles, making the brand accessible for nearly anyone at any stage of life. And since the brand is an evergreen franchise, the Princess-themed products are relevant year-round, whether they are for children or adults.

In recent years, the brand has morphed into a massive money maker for Disney Consumer Products, which is also the world’s top licensor. In fact, in 2025, Disney Princess generated more than $1 billion in retail sales globally, Gitter shares. While this is a small portion of Disney Consumer Products’ $63 billion in 2025 retail sales, it still shows the enduring power of a princess. Sales have peaked around 100 million in recent years. “Put another way, recent sales could place a Disney doll in the hands of nearly every child in the U.S.,” says Gitter.

Creating Lifetime ConsumersIntelligent and adventurous, Belle writes the ending to her own story. Celebrate this beloved Disney Princess with this beautiful American Girl® 18-inch doll with brown hair and hazel eyes, designed in collaboration with Disney.

The Walt Disney Company

Over the past few years, Disney has continued to expand its Disney Princess products for adults through branded collaborations with companies like Pandora, Little Words Project and Bath & Body Works, along with collector items like dolls made in partnership with American Girl and fashion house Viktor&Rolf.

“Our strategy is to continue serving the core audience of young kids, while building more relevant product expressions for older fans and adults through fashion, beauty and more,” says Gitter.

These strategic collaborations not only bring thoughtful products to the marketplace, but may also bring adults who drifted away from the brand back to Disney Princess thanks to a sense of nostalgia for a favorite movie or character. The collaborations also bring meaningful Disney-branded touch points for those who may already be fully interacting with the company. Disney is essentially meeting fans where they already spend a majority of their time, at work or at home.

The adult-centric products are often limited-edition or available for a short time, making the urge to purchase strong for those who already have an affinity for Disney. For instance, when Disney Princess released its first collaboration with Bath & Body Works in 2025, the products instantly went viral. The initial line of 85 products, inspired by six princesses, included candles, soaps, decor and more. This caused plenty of online buzz, translating to lines out the door at brick-and-mortar stores and a sold-out online store within hours.

Outside of sales, the longevity of Disney Princess for a single consumer can be pointed back to the brand’s ability to grow naturally with its audience. Parents may buy dolls and play sets themed around Disney Princess for their children. Those same children may then go on to buy royal-themed accessories as tweens and teens, and continue to purchase home goods and luxury products as adults, making them lifetime consumers of the brand.