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It's time to play the music...it's time to light the lights...Walt Disney Records' Soundtrack Disney's The Muppets Features O...
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS)
Today : Friday 14 October 2011
Kermit, Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy are back and in top vocal form, as Walt Disney Records releases the soundtrack to Disney's "The Muppets," the upcoming brand new big-screen adventure starring Jason Segel, Amy Adams and the beloved Muppet gang. Featuring songs written by Bret McKenzie ("Flight of the Conchords"), updated versions of Muppet classics and familiar hits given the Muppet treatment, the soundtrack arrives in stores and at online retailers Nov. 21, 2011. The film opens nationwide Nov. 23.
When Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary's girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater. Stars Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Chris Cooper join in the singing, as do special guests Feist, Mickey Rooney, Joanna Newsom, Disney Music Group artist Nathan Pacheco and the whistling skills of Andrew Bird.
Bret McKenzie, who created, co-wrote, executive produced and starred in the hit HBO television series "Flight of the Conchords," is the music supervisor, as well as the writer/producer of four original songs, including "Life's a Happy Song," "Let's Talk About Me," "Man or Muppet" and "Me Party." McKenzie also produced "Pictures in My Head" and "Rainbow Connection."
The Muppets turn in new renditions for "The Muppet Show Theme" (co-written by Jim Henson) and another treasured Muppet classic, the Oscar®-nominated "Rainbow Connection," as well as the original 1969 version of "Mah Na Mah Na." The felt gloves come off in new Muppet interpretations of Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
Also included, the original versions of Paul Simon's 1972 hit "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" and Starship's 1985 chart-topper "We Built This City." The album also features 15 dialogue interstitials from the film.
The following is a complete song list:
•"The Muppet Show Theme" - The Muppets
•"Life's a Happy Song"- Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Walter
•"Pictures in My Head" – Kermit the Frog and The Muppets
•"Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" – Paul Simon
•"Rainbow Connection (Moopets Version)" – The Moopets
•"We Built This City" – Starship
•"Me Party" – Miss Piggy, Amy Adams
•"Let's Talk About Me" – Chris Cooper, Nathan Pacheco
•"Man or Muppet" – Jason Segel, Walter
•"Smells Like Teen Spirit" – The Muppet Barbershop Quartet: Rowlf, Beaker, Link Hogthrob and Sam the Eagle
•"Forget You" – Camilla and the Chickens
•"Rainbow Connection" – The Muppets
•"The Whistling Caruso" – Andrew Bird
•"Life's a Happy Song Finale" – Entire Cast
•"Mah Na Mah Na" – Mahna Mahna and The Two Snowths
On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary's girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With a screenplay by Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller, the film is directed by James Bobin. Featuring signature celebrity cameos, Disney's "The Muppets" hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.
ABOUT THE MUPPETS STUDIO
For more than 55 years, the Muppets have entertained film and television audiences with their blend of heart and humor. The creation of the late visionary, Jim Henson, the Muppets are among the world's most recognized and beloved characters, led by the world's most famous amphibian, Kermit the Frog. Since The Muppets Studio joined The Walt Disney Company in 2004, the Muppets have starred in a series of award-winning viral music videos, multiple television specials, attractions and appearances at Disney Parks, and have an array of Muppets merchandise.
Disney's The Muppets soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on Nov. 21, 2011. The album is available for pre-order at Amazon.com, http://amzn.to/n0CsrG . For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
SOURCE Walt Disney Records
China is paying tribute to Jobs as well.. many were giving thanks for the life changing employment opportunities apple brought to china..
A.N.T. Farm Soundtrack Features Songs From and Inspired by the Hit Disney Channel Series, Performed by Show Stars China Anne ...
Date : 10/10/2011 @ 6:00AM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : Walt Disney (DIS)
Quote : 32.88 1.18 (3.72%) @ 11:39AM
A.N.T. Farm Soundtrack Features Songs From and Inspired by the Hit Disney Channel Series, Performed by Show Stars China Anne ...
Walt Disney (NYSE:DI
Today : Monday 10 October 2011
Turns out TV's favorite "Advanced Natural Talents" really are naturals. Walt Disney Records is set to release an album of songs inspired by the new hit Disney Channel original series "A.N.T. Farm," performed by cast members from the show. Capturing all of the show's youthful fun, the album features new and classic songs sung by Hollywood Records artist and "A.N.T. Farm" star China Anne McClain, her sisters Sierra and Lauryn, and "A.N.T. Farm" co-stars Stefanie Scott and Carlon Jeffery. The "A.N.T. Farm" soundtrack, which includes the new single "Calling All the Monsters," arrives in stores and to online retailers on Oct. 11.
"A.N.T. Farm" star China Anne McClain sings six songs solo, including the upbeat "Exceptional," the #1 Radio Disney smash cover of "Dynamite," the breaking Radio Disney hit "Calling All the Monsters," "Unstoppable," the sweetly romantic "My Crush" and a sensational cover of the Christina Aguilera classic, "Beautiful." China and her sisters also star in the "Calling All the Monsters" companion video, which had its world premiere Sept. 18 on Disney Channel.
Also featured on the album: "Pose," a duet from "A.N.T. Farm" co-stars Stefanie Scott (who plays Lexi, Chyna Park's rival) and Carlon Jeffery (who plays Chyna Park's older brother Cameron). Carlon raps solo on the slow jam "Summertime," while China Anne and her sisters perform "Perfect Mistake" and "Electronic Apology."
The series which has ranked No. 2 among kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14, stars China Anne McClain as Chyna Parks, a tween musical prodigy who is enrolled in the prestigious A.N.T. (Advanced Natural Talents) program at a San Francisco high school. Using their multiple musical, artistic and intellectual talents to their advantage, she and her fellow A.N.T.s find themselves having all kinds of adventures.
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.
The A.N.T. Farm soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on Oct. 11. For more information on Walt Disney Records' releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
SOURCE Walt Disney Records
UTV Software To Buy 30% More In Indiagames For INR945.6 Million
Date : 10/08/2011 @ 9:05AM
Source : Dow Jones News
Stock : Walt Disney Co. (DIS)
Quote : 31.7 -0.33 (-1.03%) @ 7:48PM
UTV Software To Buy 30% More In Indiagames For INR945.6 Million
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS)
Today : Saturday 8 October 2011
UTV Software Communications Ltd.(532619.BY), majority owner of Indiagames, said it has entered into an agreement with the founder promoters and employee shareholders of the gaming company, to buy 30.02% more in the company for INR945.6 million.
UTV's stake will increase to 86.02% after the acquisition, it said in an e-mailed statement to the media. UTV also wants to buy the rest of the shares in Indiagames, the statement added.
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) in July said, it will take full control of UTV Software and delist the company, as the U.S. entertainment giant seeks to expand in the South Asian nation's fast-growing media industry.
Mumbai-based UTV's businesses include producing and distributing movies, producing content for television, running TV channels, and gaming and animation. Disney operates television channels, including Hungama TV and Disney XD, and distributes content in India.
-By Sourav Mishra; Dow Jones Newswires; 91-22-61456112 sourav.mishra@dowjones.com
So, Who's up for the vacant spot on Disney's BOD?
Will there be a special election?
Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company on Steve Jobs’ Passing
The following is a statement from Robert A. Iger, President and CEO, The Walt Disney Company on Steve Jobs’ passing:
Steve Jobs was a great friend as well as a trusted advisor. His legacy will extend far beyond the products he created or the businesses he built. It will be the millions of people he inspired, the lives he changed, and the culture he defined. Steve was such an “original,” with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=49437037
--DIS--MeeKies Tail is getting Shorter and Shorter::)))(:)
Disney Introduces Appmates Mobile Application Toys – First Toy to Allow Kids to Use Apple iPad® as Virtual Play Mat
In an industry first, Disney introduced today Disney AppMATesTM Mobile Application Toys, a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet’s screen as a virtual play mat. Developed in collaboration between Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and Disney Mobile and featuring patent-pending technology, the Appmates toy line features miniature Disney•Pixar Cars 2 vehicles with sensors on the base of each toy that are recognized as a unique footprint by an app with no cable or Bluetooth connection required. Simply download the free Cars 2 Appmates app from the iTunes app store, place your favorite Appmates toy character on the screen and play.
In an industry first, Disney introduced today Disney AppMATes(TM) Mobile Application Toys, a new toy line that comes to life digitally when used with an Apple iPad by allowing kids to use the tablet's screen as a virtual play mat. (Photo: Business Wire)
(Editor's note: Product images available at http://bit.ly/AppmatesImages, demo video available at http://bit.ly/Appmates-Demo)
“We have cracked the technology code in changing the way kids play with their toys,” said Sunny Lauridsen, director of digital toys for DCP. “Kids will always use toys to play out their favorite Disney stories, but Disney Appmates now allows them to include technology which has become a way of life for them through a beautifully rich app.”
The magic begins when kids place their vehicle on the iPad and begin to explore the world of Cars. Available for download in early to mid-October, Cars 2 Appmates app is a free app created by Disney exclusively for use with Appmates toys. By guiding the Appmates vehicle on the screen, the iPad becomes a virtual play mat where kids can experience the world of Radiator Springs.
“We believe iPad is becoming a critical canvas for the next generation of storytelling, and with Appmates we’re bringing Disney characters to life in a way never previously imagined,” said Bart Decrem, general manager of Disney Mobile.
Cars 2 Appmates features include:
Exploration – Drive around the world of Radiator Springs to discover landscapes and hidden secrets by simply placing the Cars toy character on the screen and turning it in any direction. Drive through mud and up ramps, visit friends at Flo’s V8 Café or check out your Car’s reflection, showing off your latest gear and gadgets.
Directed Game Play – Perform missions unique to each character. Completed missions – like helping bring a tow hook back to Mater – gain hubcaps, the virtual currency. Collect enough hubcaps to personalize each car with special features like a unique horn sound, customized tire tracks, and cool gear like a rocket launcher or spy vision goggles.
Racing – Rev up the action by racing against World Grand Prix opponents and your Radiator Springs friends. Five racetracks are available at launch. Race around Willy’s Butte, jump off Carburetor Mesa and roar through downtown Radiator Springs earning hubcaps in day or night races.
Each toy unlocks different features and content within the app specific to the character, allowing kids to come back over and over to enjoy an imaginative, open-ended play experience using the Appmates toys. Fans can download and test the app by simply using their fingers to drive a virtual car through the world, but the play experience is optimized to come to life with the Appmates toy vehicles.
Created in collaboration with Spin Master, Disney Appmates toys are available starting Oct. 1 at national retailers, Apple Store, Apple Store online, Disney Store and DisneyStore.com with vehicle two-packs (SRP $19.99) featuring four characters including Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Finn McMissile, and Holley Shiftwell. Two additional characters – Francesco Bernoulli and Shu Todoroki – will launch in November and be available exclusively through Apple Store and Apple Store online.
With dominant market share, the Apple iPad has become the leading tablet and a shared family device. Just in time for the holiday season, DCP will also introduce an expanded line of ‘appcessory’ products to engage and inspire creativity with kids using the iPad. Products include a durable and protective iPad case featuring a Disney•Pixar Cars design (SRP $49.99); Disney Pix Camera that allows kids to take their own pictures and connect them back to the iPad to personalize photos and create albums (SRP $79.99); and Disney Spotlight mic that gives kids a fun way to sing along – karaoke style – with their favorite Disney music (SRP $59.99 wired mic, $99.99 wireless mic).
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. This is accomplished through DCP's various lines of business which include: Disney Toys, Disney Fashion & Home and Disney Food, Health & Beauty. Other businesses involved in Disney's consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, and www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk, the company's official shopping portals. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving and www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving.
About Disney Interactive Media Group
Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG), one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the segment of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and lifestyle content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. DIMG produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from its five primary lines of business: Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Online, Disney Online Studios, Disney Mobile, and Playdom. Products and content released and operated by DIMG include blockbuster online virtual worlds, #1-ranked community-family and parenting web destination that includes Disney.com and the Disney Family network of websites, mobile applications, and video games.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50009279&lang=en
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=49320197
Technology Enables More Moms to be Household CEOs According to Just Released Study by Disney Interactive Media Group
Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) announced today results from the second installment of its "M.O.M. – Mom on a Mission" research study, started in 2010, that illustrate how women are utilizing technology and the Internet to make being a mom easier. The study revealed that more moms are taking on the role of Household CEO and using technology products to help get the job done.
Mom's use of computers, mobile phones and tablet computers continues to grow as she finds them even more essential to stay connected with family and friends and manage household activities. 96% of the moms surveyed said they owned or used a computer, up 9% from 2010; and 91% use a mobile device, up 11% from 2010, with 44% using a smartphone. 7% of moms surveyed owned a tablet, up 133% from 2010.
"Today's moms are adopting emerging technologies at an impressive rate to help manage their families' busy lives and use as entertainment platforms with their kids," said Dave Dickman, SVP of digital media sales for DIMG. "For digital marketers who are trying to reach moms, we believe this second wave will help them better understand the shifting behavior."
Mobile Phone is Mom's Lifeline to Family and Friends
Mom's mobile phone use has increased significantly, particularly to communicate with her family. She is texting, visiting social networks and searching for coupons far more than last year. The moms who were surveyed said they conducted the following activities on their mobile phones at least once a week:
Text with spouse/partner: 63%, up 17% (from 2010)
Talk to child: 53%
Visit social networks: 45%, up 32%
Take pictures of family: 44%, up 13%
Browse websites: 43%, up 39%
Use mobile search engine: 40%, up 38%
Manage calendar: 40%, up 18%
Play games with her child on mobile phone: 30%, up 25%
Look for discounts/coupons: 25%, up 213%
Smartphone Mom Uses Her Device Almost 4 Hours a Day!
44% of the moms surveyed with mobile phones own smartphones. On average, moms with smartphones spend 3.9 hours per day using the device for a host of activities ranging from email and texting to visiting social networks and talking. The study also showed that mom uses her smartphone to have fun with her child. Playing games, taking pictures and videos and watching videos with her child are some of her favorite activities.
Mom's Tablet Makes Her Feel Like Super Mom!
For those surveyed who own tablet PCs, in addition to emailing and visiting social networks, mom is managing her schedule, reading news, doing her banking, couponing and meal planning on her tablet. More than half the moms with tablets said the device is helping them be more efficient in getting things done and managing their life and family.
Another surprising finding was that mom is using her tablet to play with her child, especially to play games. 48% of moms who own a tablet and 39% of moms who own a smartphone, said the number one activity they engage in with their children on their respective devices is playing a game.
Mom's Use of the Internet Continues to Increase
Mom leverages her multiple technology devices to access the Internet and get more done. According to the survey, she performs the following household-related activities online:
Online Banking/Investing: 62%, up 9% (from 2010)
Look up directions: 61%
Find recipes/plan meals: 59%, up 9%
Find/print coupons: 58%, up 21%
Shop for her family: 54%, up 15%
Research products: 42%
Look for family travel ideas: 37%
Look for family activities and crafts: 36%
M.O.M. – Mom on a Mission Study
Disney Online's M.O.M. – Mom on a Mission study was conducted in June 2011 by Ipsos OTX MediaCT, with the objective of gaining insights to understand today's mom, her roles, and how technology and the Internet affect her life. The study was conducted in two phases: consumer immersion blogs and online quantitative study. In Phase One, eight moms interacted in an online, secure blogging environment by uploading images, video and text for one week. In Phase Two, an online quantitative study was conducted with a sample of 3,300 females, ages 21-54, who were either currently pregnant or had one child in their household between the ages of 0-14 years.
About Disney Interactive Media Group
Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG), one of the world's largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the segment of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and lifestyle content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. DIMG produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from its five primary lines of business: Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Online, Disney Online Studios, Disney Mobile, and Playdom. Products and content released and operated by DIMG include blockbuster online virtual worlds, #1-ranked community-family and parenting web destination* that includes Disney.com and the Disney Family network of websites, mobile applications, and video games.
The Disney Family network of sites provide inspiration and ideas for parents on a variety of topics important to today's families, including easy recipes, crafts, traveling with children, pregnancy, and parenting. Sites in the portfolio include Disney Family.com, Kaboose.com, FamilyFun.com and BabyZone.com.
Disney Interactive Media Group is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).
About Ipsos OTX MediaCT
Ipsos OTX MediaCT is the market research specialization group within Ipsos built to reach, engage and more effectively understand today's digitally-driven consumer in the fast moving media, content and technology space. By integrating new technologies and immersive techniques with extensive traditional research experience, Ipsos OTX MediaCT's market leading research solutions help clients better understand media and technology consumption, evaluate content, monitor the value of brands and provide guidance for successful innovation. The Ipsos OTX MediaCT approach results in deeper and more profound consumer insights that allow companies to maximize their return on investment. To learn more, please visit www.ipsos-na.com/media.
*comScore Media Metrix
CONTACT:Dana Henry BensonDana.Henry@disney.comO: 818-623-3420
Kirsten EricksonKirsten.Erickson@disney.comO: 818-623-3886
SOURCE Disney Interactive Media Group
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=49270079
In the $29 range now...overall economy bs affecting price short term
Disney, Fox and James Cameron to Bring AVATAR to Life at Disney Parks
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS)
Intraday Stock Chart
Today : Wednesday 21 September 2011
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide is joining forces with visionary filmmaker James Cameron and Fox Filmed Entertainment to bring the world of AVATAR to life at Disney parks. Through an exclusive agreement announced today by Disney, Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and Fox, Disney will partner with Cameron and producing partner Jon Landau to create themed lands that will give theme park guests the opportunity to explore the mysterious universe of AVATAR first hand. Disney plans to build the first AVATAR themed land at Walt Disney World, within the Animal Kingdom park. With its emphasis on living in harmony with nature, Animal Kingdom is a natural fit for the AVATAR stories, which share the same philosophy. Construction is expected to begin by 2013.
“James Cameron is a groundbreaking filmmaker and gifted storyteller who shares our passion for creativity, technological innovation and delivering the best experience possible,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “With this agreement, we have the extraordinary opportunity to combine James’ talent and vision with the imagination and expertise of Disney.”
“AVATAR created a world which audiences can discover again and again and now, through this incredible partnership with Disney, we'll be able to bring Pandora to life like never before. With two new AVATAR films currently in development, we'll have even more locations, characters and stories to explore,” said James Cameron. “I'm chomping at the bit to start work with Disney's legendary Imagineers to bring our AVATAR universe to life. Our goal is to go beyond current boundaries of technical innovation and experiential storytelling, and give park goers the chance to see, hear, and touch the world of AVATAR with an unprecedented sense of reality.”
The agreement announced today gives The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) exclusive global theme park rights to the AVATAR franchise and provides for additional AVATAR themed lands at other Disney parks. The other locations will be determined by Disney and its international theme park partners. James Cameron, Jon Landau and their Lightstorm Entertainment group will serve as creative consultants on the projects and will partner with Walt Disney Imagineering in the design and development of the AVATAR themed lands.
“This exciting new venture combines the world of AVATAR with the enormous reach of Disney and the incomparable talent of Jim Cameron,” commented Fox Filmed Entertainment chairmen Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman. “While Jim is bringing audiences further into Pandora with the next two chapters in the AVATAR motion picture saga, the theme park attraction will likewise bring a new dimension to the amazing universe he created.”
“AVATAR is a uniquely powerful franchise that has global appeal with audiences of all ages. Its spectacular settings, intriguing characters, imaginative creatures, and strong themes of family and loyalty make it a perfect fit for Disney,” said Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We can’t wait to give our guests the ability to journey to Pandora and explore the incredible immersive world of AVATAR in person.”
In addition to setting a global box office record, AVATAR has been hailed as one of the most innovative and visually stunning movies ever produced. With its advanced motion capture and 3-D digital projection technologies developed by James Cameron and his team, moviegoers were able to connect with the world of AVATAR in new and engaging ways.
This new venture complements Walt Disney Parks & Resorts’ strategic efforts to continue to invest in its core theme park businesses around the world while simultaneously expanding into other parts of the family vacation business.
About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. More than 50 years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of five of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island. A sixth resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, is currently under construction in Pudong New District, Shanghai. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.
About Fox Filmed Entertainment
One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation, Blue Sky Studios and Fox International Productions.
Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of our views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company as well as from developments beyond the Company's control, including governmental actions and changes in domestic and global economic conditions. Additional factors are set forth in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 2, 2010 and subsequent reports.
Disney (Walt) Co (DIS) (32.31 -0.20)
Sept 20 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co : * Disney, Fox and James Cameron to bring AVATAR to life at Disney parks * Disney plans to build the first avatar themed land at Walt Disney world, within the animal kingdom park * Long-term agreement will bring avatar themed lands to Disney parks, with the first at Walt Disney world in Orlando * Says construction is expected to begin by 2013 * Says agreement gives the company exclusive global theme park rights to the avatar franchise * Agreement provides for additional avatar themed lands at other disney parks ((Bangalore Equities Newsroom; +91 80 4135 5800; within (Thomson Reuters 01:46 PM ET 09/20/2011 More...)
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Disney (Walt) Co (DIS) (32.31 -0.20)
Sept 20 (Reuters) - Moviegoers pining for a return to the lush moon of Pandora in James Cameron's "Avatar" will finally get their chance -- first-hand. Walt Disney Co , teaming with the Oscar-winning director and News Corp unit Fox Filmed Entertainment, will begin building from 2013 a section at its Orlando theme park that will mimic the thriving green landscape depicted in the highest-grossing movie of all time. Under their agreement, Disney -- which typically sticks to its own franchises and properties in designing rides -- won exclusive global theme park rights to the Avatar franchise. It will eventually take Avatar "lands" beyond Orlando's Disney World. "Our goal is to go beyond current boundaries of technical innovation and experiential storytelling, and give park-goers the chance to see, hear, and touch the world of 'Avatar' with an unprecedented sense of reality," Cameron said in a statement. "Avatar," which chronicled the (Thomson Reuters 04:10 PM ET 09/20/2011 More...)
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Disney (Walt) Co (DIS) (32.31 -0.20)
Sept 20 (Reuters) - Rupert Murdoch's News Corp bought back more than $1 billion of its shares in the last month, according to a filing, as it seeks to improve relations with shareholders frustrated by what they say is the media company's unpredictable capital allocation strategy. Filings show News Corp, which owns Fox TV, Twentieth Century Fox studios, The Wall Street Journal and The Sun in the United Kingdom, bought back more than 65.6 million Class A shares at between $15.64 and $17.34 in the period from Aug. 15 to Sept. 18. News Corp shares have risen about 10 percent since July 12, when it announced it would buy back $5 billion in stock over 12 months. Murdoch's decision to pursue the aggressive buyback strategy was confirmed a day before the company announced it would drop its controversial bid to take full control of UK satellite TV operator BSkyB in the wake of a phone tapping scandal at its UK newspaper unit. News Corp shares typically (Thomson Reuters 04:50 PM ET 09/20/2011 More...)
SOURCE: SCHWAB PORTFOLIO NEWS
Jay Rasulo, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Walt Disney Company, to Speak at the Goldman Sachs 20th Annual Communacopia Conference [NOTE: Two announcements in this posting...Stockinvestor]
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Jay Rasulo, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS - News), will participate in a question-and-answer session at the Goldman Sachs 20th Annual Communacopia Conference on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 1:15 p.m. EDT / 10:15 a.m. PDT. To listen to a live Webcast of the session, please point your browser to www.disney.com/investors approximately five minutes prior to the start time. A re-play will be provided through Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. PDT.
Disney Channels Head Carolina Lightcap Resigns Unexpectedly
Carolina Lightcap resigned unexpectedly as president of Disney Channels Worldwide after less than two years on the job.
Gary Marsh was named president and chief creative officer of the unit, Burbank, California-based Walt Disney Co. (DIS) said today in an e-mailed statement.
The move puts children’s networks including Disney Channel and Disney XD into the hands of the creator of some of its biggest shows, including “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical.” Lightcap, plucked from Disney Channels’ Latin American operations in November 2009, said she was leaving with some Disney cable channels’ ratings at their highest ever.
“I readily embrace change as a good thing, and really look forward to the next chapter of my career,” Lightcap said in a letter to her staff.
The departure by Lightcap, an 11-year Disney veteran who had headed marketing in Latin America, is the second high-level resignation at Disney this month.
On Sept. 6, Andrew P. Mooney resigned as chairman of the consumer products unit to seek a larger executive role.
The Disney Channel’s ratings were up by 10 percent in the company’s most recent quarter, Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger said in a Aug. 9 earnings conference call. Ratings at XD channel, which is targeted at boys, increased by 24 percent.
For the period ended July 2, the worldwide Disney Channel operation contributed to the company’s 11 percent increase in operating earnings for its media networks unit, which includes the ESPN sports channel, Disney said on Aug. 9.
‘Phineas and Ferb’
Marsh, who was president of entertainment and chief creative officer at Disney Channels, most recently developed the “Phineas and Ferb” franchise. A movie based on the characters, “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension,” was cable TV’s most-watched movie this past summer, Disney said on Aug. 6.
Disney, the world’s largest theme-park company and the owner of Pixar and Marvel movie studios, rose 65 cents to $32.94 today in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares have declined 12 percent this year.
To contact the reporter on this story: Ronald Grover in Los Angeles at rgrover5@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.net
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-15/disney-s-carolina-lightcap-resigns-as-disney-channels-president.html?cmpid=yhoo
Disney Makes Healthy Living Fun with New 'D-Lightful Living' Program To Help Families Make Better Health & Nutrition Choices
Today : Wednesday 14 September 2011
Getting kids to become animated about healthy lifestyle habits is not always easy. Today Disney Consumer Products (DCP) announces an exciting new program to help equip parents and busy families with the tools they need to incorporate more of these habits into a busy schedule.
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) announces an exciting new program to help equip parents and busy families with the tools they need to incorporate more of these habits into a busy schedule. Through a series of weekly challenges over the course of 12 weeks, D-Lightful Living: Animate Your Daily Routine will give parents tips inspired by fun Disney-branded products on how to help motivate their families to make simple and easy changes. (Photo: Business Wire)
Through a series of weekly challenges over the course of 12 weeks, D-Lightful Living: Animate Your Daily Routine will give parents tips inspired by fun Disney-branded products on how to help motivate their families to make simple and easy changes like eating more fruits and vegetables, improving oral care habits and preparing for cold and flu season. Hosted on DCP's official Facebook page known as Disney Living, each week DCP will feature a video challenge from the "Go-To Mom," Kimberley Clayton Blaine — a mom blogger, child development expert and licensed child therapist. She will showcase simple tips and product suggestions to help other parents guide their kids toward a healthier lifestyle using products that feature their favorite Disney characters. The program will run weekly through the end of November.
"Encouraging children to incorporate health-minded changes, even small ones, into their daily routines is often frustrating for parents," said Blaine, a mom of two boys. "With help and inspiration from Disney-branded products that feature some of kids' favorite characters, moms and dads can inspire healthier habits that feel like fun and not a task.”
Beginning today, families can visit the D-Lightful Living page on Disney Living Facebook to find out information on each weekly challenge including tips from Blaine and information about relevant Disney-branded products to help succeed with each challenge. Parents can also download a checklist outlining all 12 weekly challenges and tack this up around the house to help track the family's progress. They can also join in the online forum to share their own tips toward healthier habits and enter to win a weekly Disney-branded product prize package. Through a sharing function, program participants are encouraged to let their Facebook friends in on all the action by inviting them to participate or working together to help each other meet their family's goals.
"From our nutritional guidelines to the 'Magic of Healthy Living' PSAs and programming, Disney has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to encouraging families to make better choices concerning their health and nutrition," said Embola Ndi, vice president of Food Health & Beauty, DCP. "The D-Lightful Living campaign gives moms meaningful ideas and product solutions to help her family make these better choices while also showing kids that Disney makes healthy living fun."
In 2006, Disney announced new food guidelines aimed at giving parents and children healthier eating options. Under these guidelines, Disney committed to using its name and characters on kid-focused food products that meet specific criteria, including limits on calories, fat, saturated fat and sugar. The guidelines also included a long-term target for balancing the licensed food portfolio such that 85% will be everyday foods with the smaller 15% comprised of special-occasion treats. DCP has achieved this goal in North America.
Editor's note: Product images available at http://bit.ly/D-lightfulLivingImages, no log-in required.
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home décor and books and magazines to foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and fine art. This is accomplished through DCP's various lines of business which include: Disney Toys, Disney Fashion & Home and Disney Food, Health & Beauty. Other businesses involved in Disney's consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, and www.DisneyStore.com and www.DisneyStore.co.uk, the company's official shopping portals. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products or follow us at www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving, www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving and www.Twitter.com/DisneyLiving.
About Disney Magic of Healthy Living
Through the Magic of Healthy Living initiative, Disney is partnering with parents in their quest to raise healthy, happy kids. With entertaining content, useful tools, and engaging experiences, the program reinforces the work of parents and inspires kids by making healthy lifestyles simple and fun. Magic of Healthy Living builds on the landmark nutritional guidelines Disney introduced in 2006. For more information, please visit: www.disney.com/TRYit.
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=49160699&symbol=DIS
Volitility is cash in the bank....
Only problem is IMO the market will tank between now and Oct 31st. Taking DIS down with it.
34.06 very nice...
Marching on like a soldier....33.58 almost up 2.00 from 8/21 call.
32.40 Nice pinch formation....still a good buy here...on it's way to 40.00...jmo
Disney, Walton, Ford, Gates: Tales of When Legends Leave
By JOE LIGHT And SCOTT THURM
The founder of a successful corporation steps down. Then what?
At Ford Motor Co. and Walt Disney Co., long periods of stagnation or decline, followed by renewal. At Wal-Mart Stores Inc., continued success for a time, then new challenges.
Now it is Apple Inc.'s turn, following Steve Jobs's resignation as CEO on Wednesday. Tim Cook, Apple's new CEO, gets high marks for running the company during Mr. Jobs's two medical leaves in recent years. "Apple has done a better job than most to prepare for this," says Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, who knows several Apple executives.
But history suggests it will not be a smooth ride. [I don't agree with this statement, but the article mentions Disney and is somewhat interesting, imo, Stockinvestor]
There are perils in every course. Disney got in trouble for hewing too close to its founder's vision. Wal-Mart is faulted now for veering too far from its founder's strategy.
The tension isn't limited to the U.S. Japan's Sony Corp. lost its market leadership in electronics after charismatic founder Akio Morita stepped down as chairman in 1994. By contrast, some of Honda Motor Co.'s most innovative vehicles—and greatest market successes—came after founder Soichiro Honda retired in 1973.
Students of leadership say the companies that navigate the transition most successfully are those that embed the founder's values in the organization and groom multiple generations of leaders.
"The difference between a cult and a religion is that one outlasts the founder," said Harvard Business School professor Rakesh Khurana, who has written extensively about CEO succession.
Strong leaders can help, but Mr. Khurana offers a sober outlook. "Most firms don't survive," he said. "In tech in particular, it's like watching fruit flies."
Here are four visions of Apple's future, captured from the past century of American business:
Disney
Associated Press
Roy Disney
Walt Disney's death in 1966 ushered in nearly two decades of unsettled leadership.
The company clung fervently to his vision, preserving his office exactly as he left it and adding few new animated features. That left the company creatively dormant.
Subsequent leadership modernized the company but at a price: Key constituencies ended up alienated by the new chief's brusque style. Mr. Disney's older brother, Roy, and other executives, tried, and largely failed, to recreate Walt Disney's magic, particularly in animation.
By the 1970s, Disney was the object of hostile takeover attempts. Its best-known movies from the era were live-action family titles like "Freaky Friday" and "Escape to Witch Mountain."
It wasn't until the board recruited Michael Eisner from Paramount Pictures to be chairman and CEO in 1984 that the company regained focus.
Journal Community
During Mr. Eisner's 20-year tenure, he transformed Disney into a media conglomerate. The 1996 acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC brought in ESPN, which today is the company's biggest source of profit. The company also rebuilt its animation studio and released hits including "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Lion King."
But the successes and growth were marred by internal rancor and executive turnover. Jeffrey Katzenberg and Michael Ovitz both left amid clashes with Mr. Eisner; their departures cost Disney hundreds of millions of dollars in severance and legal costs.
Mr. Eisner also squabbled with the board of directors. In 2003, a faction led by Roy E. Disney, a nephew of Walt, and Stanley Gold wrote in a public letter that the company was perceived as "rapacious, soul-less, and always looking for the 'quick buck' rather than long-term value."
Mr. Eisner stepped down as CEO in 2005, and was succeeded by his No. 2, Disney President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Iger.
Mr. Iger quickly moved to smooth the many feathers ruffled by Mr. Eisner—including those of Steve Jobs. Mr. Eisner alienated Pixar Animation, where Mr. Jobs was CEO, with his interpretation of a distribution agreement. By the time of Mr. Eisner's departure in 2005, relations with Mr. Jobs were so tense the men were barely speaking.
Messrs. Jobs and Iger quickly reached détente. The following year, Disney bought Pixar for $7.4 billion, making Mr. Jobs Disney's largest shareholder.
—Ethan Smith
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Associated Press
Sam Walton, 1984
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Associated Press
David Glass
Wal-Mart
Sam Walton, the folksy co-founder of Wal-Mart Stores, who died in 1992 at age 74, provides a cautionary tale of what can happen when a founder's winning formulas are forgotten or cast aside by successors.
Mr. Walton built Wal-Mart from a five-and-dime store in the backwoods of Arkansas into a giant that eventually became the planet's largest retailer. He did so with an indefatigable work ethic—he often began working at 4:30 am — and love for the humdrum details of the retail business. Years after he turned Wal-Mart into a powerhouse, Mr. Walton still visited his stores, and rivals', to soak up intelligence, dictating observations into a tape recorder.
Mr. Walton's almost religious devotion to retailing spawned a unique culture. Workers from headquarters to far-flung store focused on simple maxims such as offering "every day low prices" and "every day low cost" to generate profits.
Mr. Walton handed the chief executive reins to a trusted disciple, David Glass, in 1988. Mr. Glass continued Mr. Walton's vision and accelerated construction of "supercenters." By the end of the 1990s, Wal-Mart was the largest private employer in the world, a title it still holds.
But as years passed and fewer executives in Wal-Mart's Bentonville, Ark., headquarters could claim to have worked with Mr. Walton, some of his principles fell out of favor. With sales growth slowing and fewer spots to build new stores, Wal-Mart in the past decade shifted away from "every day low prices" toward more sales gimmicks, and embarked on expensive store remodeling that raised costs.
Wal-Mart is now trying to reverse an unprecedented nine consecutive quarters of sales declines at U.S. stores open at least a year by returning to ideas Mr. Walton championed. It is cutting back on the remodeling program and curbing promotions in favor of consistently low prices.
—Miguel Bustillo
Everett Collection
Henry Ford, 1919
Ford
Henry Ford remained a dominating presence at his namesake company for nearly 25 years after stepping down. Ford didn't benefit.
When he handed the president title to son Edsel in 1919, Ford had already started to lose its grip on the American market. General Motors Corp. had begun offering cars in different styles, prices and colors. Henry Ford insisted on sticking with the Model T—only in black—and rebuffed Edsel's efforts to make a new car.
By 1933, Ford had fallen behind both GM and Chrysler. It survived the Depression only because of the family's vast fortune.
Edsel died of cancer in 1943, and Henry Ford retook control. But he was in poor health and his grandson, Henry Ford II, was pulled from the Navy in WWII to help run the company.
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Associated Press
Henry Ford II
Mr. Ford II launched a major restructuring. He hired former GM execs and a group of bright, young Army Air Corps veterans with no auto experience who became known as the "Whiz Kids."
Ford introduced its first group of post-war cars in 1949; the following year, it passed Chrysler to again be the No. 2 auto maker in the U.S.
Ford sold shares to the public in 1956 and grew well into the 1990s, gaining huge profits from selling SUVs. But its fortunes flagged again, particularly after a major recall of Firestone tires in 2000. Ford had too many plants in the U.S. and its luxury brands, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, were losing money.
Bill Ford Jr., the great grandson of Henry Ford, became chairman in 1999 and later CEO, before ceding the post to Alan Mulally in 2006. Mr. Mulally closed plants and borrowed heavily to restructure and develop new products, moves that helped it survive the 2008 economic collapse. Last year Ford reported a profit of $6.6 billion, the most in a decade.
—Michael Ramsey
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Getty Images
Bill Gates, 1984
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Associated Press
Steve Ballmer
Microsoft
Few successors were better groomed than Steve Ballmer. Mr. Ballmer had known Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates for a quarter-century and worked at Microsoft for 20 years when he was named CEO of the software maker in 2000.
But the familiarity didn't make for a completely smooth transition, and Microsoft under Mr. Ballmer has struggled to keep pace with Apple's innovations in fields like music, mobile phones and tablet computers.
"Microsoft has never been the same since [Mr. Gates] handed the reins to Ballmer," said Michael Cusumano, a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He says Microsoft is now a "steady-as-you-go, mind-the-store company."
Mr. Gates withdrew from Microsoft in stages, ceding the CEO role to Mr. Ballmer in 2000 to become "chief software architect." In 2006, he announced he would transition from full-time work and in 2008 he stepped back from day-to-day involvement. Over the period, the two men clashed occasionally.
Before Mr. Gates's departure, Mr. Ballmer studied German sociologist Max Weber, who wrote about how organizations handle the disappearance of "charismatic leaders" in the hopes of finding a way to preserve Mr. Gates's role of technology visionary inside the company.
But by many accounts, the forward-thinking technology company of Mr. Gates is now more staid. Microsoft is trying to steer the profits of its Windows and Office franchises into innovations in fields like mobile computing and Internet search technology. It has introduced many new products, often ahead of rivals, but has yet to land its next "killer app."
"The Gates era was characterized by leadership that reveled in technology, in creating new products that would change the world. In Ballmer's era, I'd argue that it's more of a professional manager focus," said Richard Williams, a senior software analyst for Cross Research.
Microsoft declined to comment.
Since June 2008, Microsoft's annual revenues have grown nearly 16% and its profits by almost 31%. But shares have been roughly flat, suggesting investors are worried about Microsoft's ability to penetrate the tablet and mobile markets, Mr. Williams said.
—Joe Light
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904875404576530864214225444.html?ru=yahoo&mod=yahoo_hs
31.85 Getting close to load time....get on board for the ride to 40.00....jmo
The Walt Disney Company Reports Third Quarter Earnings
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) today reported earnings for its third fiscal quarter and nine months ended July 2, 2011. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter increased 15% to $0.77, compared to $0.67 in the prior-year quarter. Diluted EPS for the nine-months ended July 2, 2011 was $1.93 compared to $1.60 in the prior-year period.
EPS for the current quarter included restructuring and impairment charges totaling $34 million primarily at Studio Entertainment. Excluding these charges, EPS for the quarter increased 16% to $0.78 compared to $0.67 in the prior-year quarter.
“Our third quarter demonstrates the continued strength of our Media Networks, including ESPN, Parks and Resorts and Consumer Products,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “In these turbulent times, our company and its array of strong brands are well-positioned to deliver long-term shareholder value.”
The following table summarizes the third quarter and nine-month results for fiscal 2011 and 2010 (in millions, except per share amounts):
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change July 2,
2011 July 3,
2010 Change
Revenues $ 10,675 $ 10,002 7 % $ 30,468 $ 28,321 8 %
Segment operating income (1) $ 2,731 $ 2,537 8 % $ 6,712 $ 5,869 14 %
Net income (2) $ 1,476 $ 1,331 11 % $ 3,720 $ 3,128 19 %
Diluted EPS (2) $ 0.77 $ 0.67 15 % $ 1.93 $ 1.60 21 %
Cash provided by operations $ 1,822 $ 1,883 (3 ) % $ 4,890 $ 4,372 12 %
Free cash flow (1) $ 1,106 $ 1,377 (20 ) % $ 2,329 $ 3,059 (24 ) %
(1) Aggregate segment operating income and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures below.
(2) Reflects amounts attributable to shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, i.e. after deduction of noncontrolling (minority) interests.
SEGMENT RESULTS
The following table summarizes the third quarter and nine-month segment operating results for fiscal 2011 and 2010 (in millions):
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change
Revenues:
Media Networks $ 4,949 $ 4,729 5 % $ 13,916 $ 12,748 9 %
Parks and Resorts 3,170 2,831 12 % 8,668 7,942 9 %
Studio Entertainment 1,620 1,639 (1 ) % 4,892 5,110 (4 ) %
Consumer Products 685 606 13 % 2,233 1,948 15 %
Interactive Media 251 197 27 % 759 573 32 %
$ 10,675 $ 10,002 7 % $ 30,468 $ 28,321 8 %
Segment operating income (loss):
Media Networks $ 2,094 $ 1,885 11 % $ 4,684 $ 3,915 20 %
Parks and Resorts 519 477 9 % 1,132 1,002 13 %
Studio Entertainment 49 123 (60 ) % 501 589 (15 ) %
Consumer Products 155 117 32 % 609 493 24 %
Interactive Media (86 ) (65 )) (32 ) % (214 ) (130 ) (65 ) %
$ 2,731 $ 2,537 8 % $ 6,712 $ 5,869 14 %
Media Networks
Media Networks revenues for the quarter increased 5% to $4.9 billion and segment operating income increased 11% to $2.1 billion. The following table provides further detail of the Media Networks results (in millions):
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change
Revenues:
Cable Networks $ 3,516 $ 3,280 7 % $ 9,410 $ 8,346 13 %
Broadcasting 1,433 1,449 (1 ) % 4,506 4,402 2 %
$ 4,949 $ 4,729 5 % $ 13,916 $ 12,748 9 %
Segment operating income:
Cable Networks $ 1,844 $ 1,676 10 % $ 3,972 $ 3,403 17 %
Broadcasting 250 209 20 % 712 512 39 %
$ 2,094 $ 1,885 11 % $ 4,684 $ 3,915 20 %
Cable Networks
Operating income at Cable Networks increased $168 million to $1.8 billion for the quarter due to growth at ESPN and, to a lesser extent, higher equity income and an increase at the worldwide Disney Channels. These increases were partially offset by a decrease at ABC Family. The increase at ESPN reflected higher affiliate revenue driven by higher contractual rates and lower programming and production costs, partially offset by higher labor and marketing and sales costs. Recognition of previously deferred revenue at ESPN was comparable to the prior-year period as ESPN achieved the same levels of programming commitments in the current quarter as in the prior-year quarter. Advertising revenue at ESPN was essentially flat as higher rates were offset by the absence of the FIFA World Cup and game seven of the NBA finals and lower ratings. Lower programming and production costs reflected the absence of programming costs for the FIFA World Cup. Additionally, ESPN benefited from a decrease in the cost of time for ESPN programming aired on the ABC Television Network. Increased equity income reflected decreased cricket programming costs at our ESPN Star Sports joint venture due to fewer cricket matches aired in the current quarter and also decreased losses from our UTV investment. The increase at the worldwide Disney Channels was driven by higher affiliate revenue due to higher contractual rates domestically and subscriber growth internationally, partially offset by higher costs including increases in programming and marketing and sales. The decrease at ABC Family reflected higher programming costs, partially offset by higher advertising revenue. Higher programming costs at both the worldwide Disney Channels and ABC Family reflected more episodes of original programming.
Broadcasting
Operating income at Broadcasting increased $41 million to $250 million driven by lower programming and production costs and higher advertising revenue at the ABC Television Network. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the cost charged to ESPN for programming aired on the ABC Television Network and lower advertising revenue at the owned television stations. Decreased programming and production costs reflected a lower cost mix of programming in primetime due to a shift in hours from original scripted programming to reality programming and the benefit of cost saving initiatives at news and daytime. Higher advertising revenues at the ABC Television Network reflected higher rates, partially offset by lower ratings, while decreased advertising revenue at the owned television stations was due to lower political advertising.
Parks and Resorts
Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 12% to $3.2 billion and segment operating income increased 9% to $519 million. Results for the quarter were driven by increases at our domestic parks and resorts, Disney Cruise Line, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, partially offset by decreases at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort. The decrease at Tokyo Disney Resort was driven by the impact of the March 2011 earthquake in Japan which resulted in a temporary closure of the two parks and hotels and a continuing reduction in volume after reopening. Results at both our domestic and international parks and resorts reflected a favorable impact due to a shift in the timing of the Easter holiday relative to our fiscal periods.
Higher operating income at our domestic parks and resorts was driven by higher guest spending and, to a lesser extent, attendance, partially offset by increased costs. Increased guest spending reflected higher average ticket prices, daily hotel room rates and food, beverage and merchandise spending. Increased costs reflected labor cost inflation, higher pension and healthcare costs, marketing and sales for new guest offerings, and expansion costs for Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort.
Higher operating income at Disney Cruise Line was due to increased passenger cruise ship days due to a full quarter of operations for the Disney Dream, partially offset by the related incremental operating costs.
The improvement at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort reflected higher guest spending and attendance. Guest spending was driven by increased merchandise, food and beverage spending, and increased daily hotel room rates. The decrease at Disneyland Paris was due to a prior-year sale of real estate and increased costs which were driven by volume related costs, repairs and maintenance and labor cost inflation. These decreases were partially offset by increased guest spending which was due to higher average ticket prices and daily hotel room rates.
Studio Entertainment
Studio Entertainment revenues were essentially flat at $1.6 billion and segment operating income decreased 60% to $49 million. Lower operating income was primarily due to a decrease in worldwide theatrical results, partially offset by lower film cost write-downs.
Lower theatrical results reflected the strong performance of Toy Story 3 and Iron Man 2 in the prior year compared to Cars 2 and Thor in the current year. The decrease in revenues due to the performance of these titles was largely offset by an increase in revenues from the strong performance of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which was released in the current quarter, compared to the ongoing performance of Alice in Wonderland, which was released in the second quarter of the prior year, and Prince of Persia, which was released in the prior-year third quarter. This revenue increase was partially offset by higher costs for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides including production cost amortization and marketing and distribution costs. The majority of the marketing and distribution costs for Alice in Wonderland were incurred in the second quarter of the prior year.
Consumer Products
Consumer Products revenues for the quarter increased 13% to $685 million and segment operating income increased 32% to $155 million driven by an increase at Merchandise Licensing.
Improved Merchandise Licensing results reflected the strong performance of Cars merchandise and higher revenue from Marvel properties. The increase in revenue from Marvel properties reflected the impact of acquisition accounting which reduced revenue recognition in the prior-year quarter. These increases were partially offset by a higher revenue share with the Studio Entertainment segment in the current quarter primarily due to the performance of Cars merchandise.
Interactive Media
Interactive Media revenues for the quarter increased 27% to $251 million and segment operating results decreased by $21 million to a loss of $86 million. Lower segment operating results were driven by the inclusion of Playdom, including the impact of acquisition accounting, partially offset by an improvement at our console game business.
The improvement at our console games business reflected higher unit sales and lower marketing costs. The increase in unit sales was driven by the performance of Lego Pirates of the Caribbean and Cars 2 in the current quarter compared to Toy Story 3 and Split Second in the prior year. These increases were partially offset by higher cost of sales reflecting fees paid to the developer of Lego Pirates of the Caribbean.
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses decreased from $119 million to $101 million driven by the timing of expenses.
Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense was as follows (in millions):
Quarter Ended
July 2, 2011 July 3, 2010
Interest expense $ (113 ) $ (103 )
Interest and investment income 25 14
Net interest expense $ (88 ) $ (89 )
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the current-year quarter was 33.7% compared to 35.6% in the prior year quarter. The current quarter income tax rate reflects the benefit of an increase in the domestic production deduction rate.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased from $174 million to $187 million driven by improved results at ESPN and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, partially offset by lower results at Disneyland Paris. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined based on income after royalties, financing costs and income taxes.
Cash Flow
Cash provided by operations and free cash flow were as follows (in millions):
Nine Months Ended
July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change
Cash provided by operations $ 4,890 $ 4,372 $ 518
Investments in parks, resorts and
other property (2,561 ) (1,313 ) (1,248 )
Free cash flow (1) $ 2,329 $ 3,059 $ (730 )
(1) Free cash flow is not a financial measure defined by GAAP. See the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures that follows below.
Cash provided by operations of $4.9 billion for the current nine month period increased 12% compared to the prior-year nine month period. The increase was primarily due to higher operating cash receipts driven by higher revenues at our Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Interactive Media and Consumer Products businesses and the timing of receivable collections at our Media Networks and Consumer Products businesses. These increases were partially offset by higher cash payments at Corporate and at our Parks and Resorts, Interactive Media and Consumer Products businesses. The increase in cash payments at Corporate was driven by higher contributions to our pension plans. The increase in cash payments at Parks and Resorts was driven by labor cost inflation, costs associated with our new cruise ship, the Disney Dream, higher marketing and sales expenses and expansion costs for Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort, while the increase in cash payments at Interactive Media reflects the inclusion of Playdom, which was acquired subsequent to the prior-year nine month period. The increase in cash payments at Consumer Products was primarily due to the acquisitions of The Disney Store Japan and Marvel.
The increase in capital expenditures was primarily due to the final payment on our new cruise ship, the Disney Dream, theme park and resort expansions and new guest offerings at Walt Disney World Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Disney California Adventure and the development of Shanghai Disney Resort.
Capital Expenditures and Depreciation Expense
Investments in parks, resorts and other property by segment were as follows (in millions):
Nine Months Ended
July 2, 2011 July 3, 2010
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 79 $ 60
Broadcasting 86 52
Total Media Networks 165 112
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,799 851
International 270 148
Total Parks and Resorts 2,069 999
Studio Entertainment 86 65
Consumer Products 63 41
Interactive Media 16 13
Corporate 162 83
Total investments in parks, resorts and other property $ 2,561 $ 1,313
Depreciation expense is as follows (in millions):
Nine Months Ended
July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 99 $ 87
Broadcasting 76 71
Total Media Networks 175 158
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 628 614
International 241 249
Total Parks and Resorts 869 863
Studio Entertainment 42 42
Consumer Products 36 22
Interactive Media 12 16
Corporate 111 103
Total depreciation expense $ 1,245 $ 1,204
Borrowings
Total borrowings and net borrowings are detailed below (in millions):
July 2,
2011
Oct. 2,
2010 Change
Current portion of borrowings $ 4,062 $ 2,350 $ 1,712
Long-term borrowings 9,176 10,130 (954 )
Total borrowings 13,238 12,480 758
Less: cash and cash equivalents (3,519 ) (2,722 ) (797 )
Net borrowings (1) $ 9,719 $ 9,758 $ (39 )
(1) Net borrowings is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures that follows.
The total borrowings shown above include $2,479 million and $2,586 million attributable to Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as of July 2, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents attributable to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort totaled $706 million and $657 million as of July 2, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This earnings release presents earnings per share excluding the impact of certain items, net borrowings, free cash flow, and aggregate segment operating income, all of which are important financial measures for the Company but are not financial measures defined by GAAP.
These measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as alternative measures of earnings per share, borrowings, cash flow or net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Net borrowings, free cash flow, and aggregate segment operating income as we have calculated them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Earnings per share excluding certain items – The Company uses earnings per share excluding certain items to evaluate the performance of the Company’s operations exclusive of certain items that impact the comparability of results from period to period. The Company believes that information about earnings per share exclusive of these impacts is useful to investors, particularly where the impact of the excluded items is significant in relation to reported earnings, because the measure allows for comparability between periods of the operating performance of the Company’s business and allows investors to evaluate the impact of these items separately from the impact of the operations of the business. The following table reconciles reported earnings per share to earnings per share excluding certain items:
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change July 2,
2011
July 3,
2010
Change
Diluted EPS as reported $ 0.77 $ 0.67 15 % $ 1.93 $ 1.60 21 %
Exclude:
Restructuring and impairment charges (1) 0.01 0.01 - % - 0.07 nm
Other income (2) - (0.01 ) nm 0.02 (0.05 ) nm
Diluted EPS excluding certain items $ 0.78 $ 0.67 16 % $ 1.95 $ 1.62 20 %
(1) Restructuring and impairment charges for the current quarter totaled $34 million primarily for severance and facilities costs at our Studio Entertainment and Interactive Media segments. Restructuring and impairment charges for the prior-year quarter totaled $36 million and were primarily for the closure of five ESPN Zone locations.
Restructuring and impairment charges for the current nine months totaled $46 million and consist of severance and facilities costs totaling $36 million and a $10 million impairment charge related to the sale of assets. The impairment charge related to assets that had tax basis significantly in excess of the book value, resulting in a $44 million tax benefit on the restructuring and impairment charges. Restructuring and impairment charges for the prior-year nine months totaled $212 million and were related to organizational and cost structure initiatives primarily at our Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments. Impairment charges were $126 million and consisted of write-offs of capitalized costs primarily related to abandoned film projects and the closure of a studio production facility and the closure of the ESPN Zones which was recorded in the third quarter of the prior year. Restructuring charges were $86 million and primarily reflected severance costs.
(2) Other income for the current nine months consists of gains on the sales of Miramax and BASS ($75 million). The tax effect on these gains exceeded the pretax benefit resulting in a $32 million net loss. Other income for the prior-year nine months consists of gains on the sales of our investments in television services in Europe in the first and second quarters, an accounting gain related to the acquisition of the Disney Stores in Japan in the second quarter and a gain on the sale of the Power Rangers in the third quarter which collectively totaled $140 million.
Net borrowings – The Company believes that information about net borrowings provides investors with a useful perspective on our financial condition. Net borrowings reflect the subtraction of cash and cash equivalents from total borrowings. Since we earn interest income on our cash balances that offsets a portion of the interest expense we pay on our borrowings, net borrowings can be used as a measure to gauge net interest expense. In addition, a portion of our cash and cash equivalents is available to repay outstanding indebtedness when the indebtedness matures or when other circumstances arise. However, we may not immediately apply cash and cash equivalents to the reduction of debt, nor do we expect that we would use all of our available cash and cash equivalents to repay debt in the ordinary course of business.
Free cash flow – The Company uses free cash flow (cash provided by operations less investments in parks, resorts and other property), among other measures, to evaluate the ability of its operations to generate cash that is available for purposes other than capital expenditures. Management believes that information about free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments and pay dividends or repurchase shares.
Aggregate segment operating income – The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the performance of operating businesses separate from non-operating factors. The Company believes that information about aggregate segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing separate insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results.
A reconciliation of segment operating income to net income is as follows (in millions):
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
July 2, 2011 July 3, 2010 July 2, 2011 July 3, 2010
Segment operating income $ 2,731 $ 2,537 $ 6,712 $ 5,869
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (101 ) (119 ) (335 ) (282 )
Restructuring and impairment charges (34 ) (36 ) (46 ) (212 )
Other income - 43 75 140
Net interest expense (88 ) (89 ) (266 ) (322 )
Income before income taxes 2,508 2,336 6,140 5,193
Income taxes (845 ) (831 ) (2,133 ) (1,846 )
Net income $ 1,663 $ 1,505 $ 4,007 $ 3,347
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
In conjunction with this release, The Walt Disney Company will host a conference call today, August 9, 2011, at 5:00 PM EST/2:00 PM PST via a live Webcast. To access the Webcast go to www.disney.com/investors. The discussion will be available via replay through August 23, 2011 at 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST.
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=48766617&symbol=DIS
Disney holdiong strong considering dow is taking alot of hits
UPDATE: Walt Disney Plans To Buy Out UTV Software Holders, Delist Firm
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) plans to take full control of India's UTV Software Communications Ltd. (532619.BY) and delist the company, as the U.S. entertainment giant seeks to expand in the South Asian nation's fast-growing media industry.
UTV Software said Tuesday its board approved a proposal from Walt Disney, which held 50.4% of the Indian media company's 40.6 million outstanding shares as of June 30, to buy out other shareholders for a maximum price of INR1,000 a share.
The deal, potentially valued at INR20.14 billion ($448 million), is one of the largest in the Indian media industry, say analysts. Executives at Disney weren't immediately available for comment.
The offer--at an almost 11% premium to the stock's closing price of INR901.80 on the Bombay Stock Exchange Monday--enthused investors Tuesday. UTV shares jumped 4.4% to INR941.30 at 0640 GMT in a weak broader market.
Disney's move to consolidate its five-year partnership with UTV comes amid a boom in the country's media and entertainment industry triggered by a rise in advertising spending and consumption.
India is the world's third-largest TV market--after China and the U.S.--with almost 138 million TV households, as per a report by KPMG and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The country has about 88 million non-TV households, indicating the growth potential. The media and entertainment industry is likely to expand 14% annually until 2015, with segments such as TV, gaming and animation expected to outpace the industry growth, the report said.
Mumbai-based UTV's businesses include producing and distributing movies, producing content for television, running TV channels, and gaming and animation. Disney operates television channels, including Hungama TV and Disney XD, and distributes content in India.
UTV's founder group--R.S. Promoters, including Rohinton Screwvala, Unilazer Exports and Management Consultants Ltd., Unilazer Ltd. and Zarina Mehta--holds 19.8% of the company while the remaining is with public shareholders.
UTV said in a statement that Disney will first buy out the public holders and then the founder group at the same price offered to public shareholders. It will eventually delist the firm from the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange.
Post delisting, Screwvala, the founder chairman and current chief executive of UTV, will head Walt Disney Co. India Pvt. Ltd. as managing director, overseeing the Indian businesses of the companies owned and managed by the Disney group.
If the delisting is unsuccessful, Disney may "evaluate all potential strategies and opportunities" in relation to its investment in UTV Software, the Indian company said, without elaborating.
-By Dhanya Ann Thoppil, Dow Jones Newswires; +91-9886929464; dhanya.thoppil@dowjones.com
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=48567011
Disney Interactive Media Group to Give D23 Expo Attendees Hands-On Fun With the Latest Interactive Games and Online Art Activiti
Monday 25 July 2011
Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) invites Disney fans and families to step into its pavilion at the D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—for hands-on fun with the latest interactive entertainment products for video game consoles, mobile devices and online, based on beloved Disney stories and characters. Every day of the D23 Expo, taking place August 19-21, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center, will be packed with hours of game play, special guests, interactive art contests, giveaways and more!
Guests of the D23 Expo will be able to suit up, power up and team up as they enter Disney Universe, a multiplayer action-adventure video game set in a mix-up of Disney and Disney Pixar inspired worlds that will be released this fall.
The Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension video game, inspired by the Disney Channel Original Movie, will be available for hands-on gameplay. Fans will be able to play as their favorite Phineas and Ferb characters as they journey through new dimensions to battle the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
Guests can also immerse themselves in the recently released and critically acclaimed Cars 2: The Video Game. Inspired by the Disney Pixar animated film, the game allows players to dive into the Cars 2 universe alongside some of their favorite Cars personalities in exotic locations spanning the globe.
The award-winning video game Disney Epic Mickey will be featured in the DIMG pavilion and the game's creator, legendary game designer Warren Spector, will be on hand. Mr. Spector will be making special appearances at the booth on August 19 and 20 to meet guests and sign autographs.
Online gamers can play Disney's latest social games, including this summer's smash hit Gardens of Time and the popular online virtual world for kids Club Penguin. Guests who want Disney games on the go, can try out the latest mobile games, such as Cars 2 and Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
For aspiring young Disney artists and animators, Disney.com's Create will offer its newest collection of online creativity tools for making digital paintings, comic books, animated pets, photo mashups, music slideshows and animations. During the D23 Expo, the new Disney Epic Mickey Digital Painter will be featured in the booth and guests will be invited to participate in daily art contests judged by Warren Spector for the chance to win exclusive D23 DIMG prize packages.
About D23 Expo 2011
The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as never before. Tickets for D23 Expo 2011 will fall into three different pricing tiers, based on purchase date (visit www.D23Expo.com for details), and D23 Members can enjoy additional savings plus members-only benefits. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public.
About D23
The name "D23" pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney's 88-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a new collectibles line, the Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, August 19-21, 2011.
Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, all Disney Store locations within the United States, select shops at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us "DisneyD23" at Twitter and on Facebook.
Disney Interactive Media Group
Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG), one of the world's largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the segment of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and lifestyle content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. DIMG produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from its five primary lines of business: Disney Interactive Studios, Disney Online, Disney Online Studios, Disney Mobile, and Playdom. Products and content released and operated by DIMG include blockbuster online virtual worlds, #1-ranked web destinations Disney.com and the Disney Family network of websites*, mobile applications, and video games.
Disney Interactive Media Group is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NSYE: DIS).
*comScore MediaMetrix
Contacts:
Dana Henry Benson
Disney Interactive Media Group
818-623-3420
Dana.Henry@disney.com
Kirsten Erickson
Disney Interactive Media Group
818-623-3886
Kirsten.Erickson@disney.com
Lisa Scalzo
The Walt Disney Company / D23
818.560.3117
Lisa.R.Scalzo@disney.com
SOURCE Disney D23
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=48559911
NHL Gets In Toon With Disney’s Phineas and Ferb
The National Hockey League, which currently has a comic book promotion going with Stan Lee, has signed a deal with Disney Consumer Products to co-brand merchandise featuring characters from Disney Channel’s animated series, Phineas and Ferb. The products will appear during the 2011-12 season. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The Disney and the NHL collection will include apparel, headwear, house & home products and collectibles featuring characters from Phineas and Ferb wearing NHL and team-branded merchandise. NHL and Disney licensees will deliver the new products to retail stores throughout North America in fall 2011, just in time for the new school year and the 2011-12 NHL season.
According to Jim Haskins, NHL group vice president, Consumer Product Licensing, “The NHL is thrilled to be working with such a premier Disney property as nearly one third of NHL fans are between the ages of six and 17, and 65% of those fans watch the Disney Channel.”
http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/07/20/michael-vick-adds-another-endorsement-nhl-ices-disney-deal
Thanks, Happy July 4th to you and all.
I have seen the two of them in 2D. I don't know if I would see them in 3D if I had the chance.
Did you watch it in 3D? Or, the standard 2D? I saw Pirates of the Caribbean in 3D...don't think it was worth the extra couple of bucks.
Just saw Cars 2 last night. It was better than the first one. Should be a summer hit and they are already getting kids ready to buy toys as they give you a Cars 2 poster at the movie.
A little bit of Disney guidance here:
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=64436041
haaaaa haaaaaaaaaaa lmao thats great but true.
I think they got all the races now... black, brown, yellow, white...Next Disney Princess is going to be an alien (take care of the green demographic).
lmao..... thats a good one
Disney will officially welcome Rapunzel as the 10th Disney Princess character at a high profile, star-studded celebration, to take place in front of a global audience on October 2, 2011. In a world first, Kensington Palace, London, UK, was chosen by Disney as the perfect location for this magical welcoming ceremony of a Disney Princess, as it has been the home of many real life princesses over the centuries. Little princesses from across the globe will watch Rapunzel be welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Snow White and Tiana.
...FYI, Ariel was the hottest....even though she was part fish.
Your my new chart adviser guy lol
looking at a 3 year chart (I'm no chart guy) I would say 30.00 to 35.00 is a safe place to start buying
Any ideas on how much lower it may go on general market weakness. id hope for low 30s
Disney to slash 200 jobs at it's film division.
They also shelled out a ton for the PAC12 - Just in time for USC to come off of sanctions and start winning more championships again.
they lost the bid for the Olympics. that means it's a buy.
LOL.. just remember that as you pay (what is it now to get in ? )$80.00 or something like that ..have fun any how ! and see if they are doing any Stan lee stuff their for the pown..sters that watch this board
Heading to Disneyland next week...well, Downtown Disney.
I like walking around and saying I'm the owner. :D
Disney Baby Launches Disney Cuddly Bodysuit™
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today announced a dedicated collection of Disney Baby brand products designed to equip parents with the essentials they need for Creating Magical Moments Right From The Start™. The collection debuts with the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit™, an infant bodysuit made of Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton™ with a second row of snaps that allow the bodysuit to “grow” with baby, available on Amazon.com/DisneyBaby this month and at select retailers this fall. Developed by Disney “Momgineers” in collaboration with leading licensees and manufacturers, the Disney Baby collection provides mom with conscientious products for every stage, including Apparel, Nursery, On the Go, Bathtime, Feeding, Discovery and Celebration. A multifaceted online resource for families, the Disney Baby brand now offers a new consumer facing website DisneyBaby.com, Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/DisneyBaby), YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/disneybaby) and Twitter account (www.Twitter.com/DisneyBaby).
Disney Baby, creating magical moments right from the start. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit is the only infant bodysuit made of Disney Huggable Soft 100% Cotton and features snaps that grow with baby, outfitting baby with comfort and style through the first magical year. Disney’s research found that infant bodysuits are a wardrobe staple for baby, with the average mom purchasing more than 35 bodysuits in the first year alone. The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit, however, is an infant bodysuit that grows with your baby, as the design features two rows of snaps for an inch of longer wear. As babies typically grow in length fastest, the second row of snaps provides both comfort for baby and convenience for mom. For a demo video and a look at the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit’s styles and features, please visit:
Disney, US Navy Battling Over SEAL Team Trademark -Fox News
The U.S. Navy is challenging an attempt by Walt Disney Co. (DIS) to trademark the name of the elite SEAL Team 6 that was responsible for killing terrorist Osama bin Laden, Fox News Channel reported Wednesday.
Disney 3 filed trademark applications to use the name "SEAL Team 6" on toys, video games, clothing, footwear and even Christmas ornaments and snow globes, on May 3 -- just one day after bin Laden was killed at his fortified hideout in Pakistan.
Disney's applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office cover three separate categories of goods and services, indicating the entertainment giant doesn't yet have consumer products but intends to develop and market them in the future.
But the Navy hit back on May 13, filing two applications seeking trademark status for "SEAL Team" posters and clothing, as well as "Navy SEAL" goods and services.
Trademark attorneys interviewed by Fox News said Disney might have a case for getting the rights to the name because its application was filed first.
Full story at http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/25/navy-seals-fights-mickey-mouse-trademark/
-Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2900
Saw Pirates of the Carribean last night (in 3D).
Not worth it to see it in 3D...just an FYI. Predictable movie line...I'm sure they'll do another one, but IMO this one should have been the last. Unless they do what Indiana Jones alluded to...i.e. Depp and Cruz have a kid and the kid is the new "Sparrow". JMO.
Disney is stretching and needs to get something with a bit of Pop again.
FYI...the Pirate's ride at Disney has really upped the ante on capitalizing on the movie's popularity :)
Super Rad Toys signs deal with Marvel Comics.. owned by Disney
Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and The Hulk.
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Outstanding Shares: 1.69B
Institute Own: 63%
Address: 500 S. Buena Vista St
BURBANK, CA 91521-0001
Website: http://thewaltdisneycompany.com
Full Description:
The Walt Disney Company, incorporated on July 28, 1995, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company.
The Company operates in five business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products and Interactive.
The Company has a 63% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, a 5,510-acre development located in Marne-la-Vallee, approximately 20 miles east of Paris,
France. The Company manages and has a 40% equity interest in Euro Disney S.C.A.
The Company owns a 48% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited. On November 7, 2012,
the Company sold its 50% interest in ESPN STAR Sports (ESS). On November 7, 2012,
the Company sold its 50% equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports (ESS). On December 21, 2012, the Company acquired Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC.
Media Networks
The Media Networks segment includes international and domestic cable television networks, a domestic broadcast television network, television production operations,
domestic and international television distribution, domestic television stations, domestic broadcast radio networks and stations, and publishing and digital operations.
The Company’s cable networks include ESPN, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family, and SOAPnet. The Company also operates the UTV/Bindass networks in India.
The cable networks group produces its own programs or acquires rights from third-parties to air programs on its networks.
ESPN is a multimedia, multinational sports entertainment company that operates eight 24-hour domestic television sports networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS,
ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes (a Spanish language network), ESPNU (a network devoted to college sports), ESPN 3D, and the regionally focused Longhorn Network
(a network dedicated to The University of Texas athletics). Disney Channels Worldwide is a portfolio of over 100 entertainment channels and/
or channel feeds available in 35 languages and 167 countries/territories and includes Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Cinemagic,
Hungama and Radio Disney. ABC Family is a United States television programming service that targets viewers in the 14-34 demographic.
ABC Family produces original live-action programming including the returning series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Switched at Birth,
Melissa & Joey, as well as new original series Bunheads, Baby Daddy and the reality series Beverly Hills Nannies. SOAPnet offers same-day episodes of daytime dramas
and classic episodes of daytime dramas and primetime series. Programming includes daytime dramas such as Days of its Lives, General Hospital and The Young
and the Restless and classic episodes from series such as All My Children, One Life to Live, The O.C., One Tree Hill, Beverly Hills 90210,
The Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars and Brothers & Sisters.
Parks and Resorts
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in California, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii,
the Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. The Company manages and has effective ownership interests of 51% in
Disneyland Paris, 48% in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and 43% in Shanghai Disney Resort. The Company also licenses the operations of the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.
The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs and develops new theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
The Walt Disney World Resort is located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, on approximately 25,000 acres of owned land.
The resort includes theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom); hotels; vacation club properties;
a retail, dining and entertainment complex; a sports complex; conference centers; campgrounds; golf courses; water parks;
and other recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.
The Company owns 461 acres and has the rights under long-term lease for use of an additional 49 acres of land in Anaheim, California.
The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three hotels and Downtown Disney, a retail,
dining and entertainment complex designed to attract visitors for an extended stay. Tokyo Disney Resort is located on approximately 494 acres of land,
six miles east of downtown Tokyo, Japan. The resort includes two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea); three Disney-branded hotels;
six independently operated hotels; and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
The Disney Vacation Club offers ownership interests in 11 resort facilities located at the Walt Disney World Resort; Disneyland Resort; Vero Beach, Florida;
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Oahu, Hawaii. Disney Cruise Line, which operates out of ports in North America and Europe, is a vacation cruise line
that includes four ships: the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy. Adventures by Disney offers all-inclusive guided
vacation tour packages predominantly at non-Disney sites around the world. Walt Disney Imagineering provides master planning, real estate development,
attraction, entertainment and show design, engineering support, production support, project management and other development services, including
research and development for the Company’s operations.
Studio Entertainment
The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures,
direct-to-video content, musical recordings and live stage plays. The Company distributes produced and acquired films
(including its film and television library) in the theatrical, home entertainment and television markets primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar and Marvel banners.
The Company produces and distributes Indian movies worldwide through its UTV banner. The Company holds a 99% interest in UTV, film production studios
and film distributors in India, which produces and co-produces live-action and animated content. During fiscal year ended September 29, 2012 (fiscal 2012),
UTV releases included Rowdy Rathore and Barfi. The Company produces and distributes both live-action films and full-length animated films. In the domestic
market, the Company distributes home entertainment releases directly under each of its motion picture banners.
The Disney Music Group includes Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records (including the Mammoth Records and Buena Vista Records labels), Lyric Street Records,
Buena Vista Concerts and Disney Music Publishing. Disney Theatrical Productions develops produces and licenses live entertainment events.
The Company has produced and licensed Broadway musicals around the world, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida,
Mary Poppins (a coproduction with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Little Mermaid, Newsies, and TARZAN.
Consumer Products
The Consumer Products segment engages with among others licensees, publishers and retailers throughout the world who design, develop, publish,
promote and sell a range of products based on existing and new characters and other Company intellectual property through its Merchandise Licensing, Publishing
and Retail businesses. The Company’s merchandise licensing operations cover a diverse range of product categories, which include toys, apparel, home decor and f
urnishings, stationery, health and beauty, accessories, food, footwear, and consumer electronics. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) creates, distributes,
licenses and publishes children’s books, magazines and digital products in multiple countries and languages based on
the Company’s Disney-, Pixar- and Marvel-branded franchises. The Company markets Disney- and Marvel-themed products through retail stores
operated under the Disney Store name and through Internet sites in North America (DisneyStore.com and Marvelstore.com),
Western Europe, and Japan. The Company owns and operates 216 stores in North America, 106 stores in Europe, and 47 stores in Japan.
Interactive
The Interactive Games business creates, develops, markets and distributes console and handheld, games worldwide, including 2012 titles,
such as Disney Universe and Brave. The Interactive Games business also produces online games, such as Disney’s Club Penguin and Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow,
interactive games for social networking websites such as Gardens of Time and Marvel Avengers Alliance, and games for smartphone platforms,
such as Where’s My Water and Where’s My Perry. Certain properties are also licensed to third-party video game publishers. Interactive Media develops,
publishes and distributes content for branded online services intended for kids and family entertainment through a portfolio of websites including Disney.com
and the Disney Family Network. Interactive Media also provides Website maintenance and design for other Company businesses.
Officers and Directors:
Executive Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer: Robert A. Iger -
Mr. Robert A. Iger is Executive Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer of Walt Disney Company. Prior to that time,
he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2005, having previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2000
and as President of Walt Disney International and Chairman of the ABC Group from 1999 to 2000. From 1974 to 1998, Mr. Iger
held a series of increasingly responsible positions at ABC, Inc. and its predecessor Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., culminating in service as President of the
ABC Network Television Group from 1993 to 1994 and President and Chief Operating Officer of ABC, Inc. from 1994 to 1999.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of Apple, Inc., the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City and the
National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Mr. Iger has been a Director of the Company since 2000. Mr. Iger contributes to the mix of experience
and qualifications the Board seeks to maintain primarily through his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his long
experience with the business of the Company. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and as a result of the experience he gained in 40 years at ABC and Disney,
Mr. Iger has an intimate knowledge of all aspects of the Company's business and close working relationships with all of the Company's senior executives.
Chief Financial Officer, Senior Executive Vice President, Treasureer: Christine M. McCarthy - Ms. Christine M. McCarthy is Chief Financial Officer,
Senior Executive Vice President, Treasurer of Walt Disney Company. She has been Executive Vice President - Corporate Finance and Real Estate since June 2005
and Treasurer since January 2000. Prior to her appointment as Executive Vice President, Corporate Finance and Real Estate,
Ms. McCarthy was Senior Vice President and Treasurer from January 2000 to June 2005. She is responsible for the company wide management
of a variety of functions including corporate finance, capital markets, financial risk management, pension and investments, risk management,
global cash management, and credit and collections, as well as the real estate organization, including facilities development, operations and portfolio management.
Prior to joining Disney, Ms. McCarthy was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Imperial Bancorp from 1997 to 1999. From 1981 to 1996,
she held various finance and planning positions at First Interstate Bancorp. In 1993, she was elected Executive Vice President in Finance.
Ms. McCarthy is a current Board member and former Chairman of the Finance Committee of Phoenix House of California, and is also a Governor of the UCLA Foundation
and a member of its Investment Committee. In 2002, she completed terms as the Treasurer and a Director of the Alumnae Association of Smith College,
and as a member of the Smith College Investment Committee. She also served as a Board member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association from 1998 to 2001.
In 2003 she became a Director of the Advisory Board of FM Global. Ms. McCarthy completed her Bachelor's Degree in Biology at Smith College,
where she received an award for excellence in botany, and later earned an MBA in Marketing and Finance from The Anderson School at UCLA.
Chief Operating Officer: Thomas O. Staggs - Mr. Thomas O. Staggs is Chief Operating Officer of Company. He was Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and
Resorts of The Walt Disney Company on January 1, 2010. Mr. Staggs was Chief Financial Officer, Senior Executive Vice President of The Walt Disney Company until January 1, 2010.
He joined Disney in 1990 as Manager of Strategic Planning and soon advanced through a series of positions of increased responsibility,
becoming Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Development in 1995 before becoming CFO and Executive Vice President in 1998. Born in Illinois,
he received a BS in business from University of Minnesota and an MBA from Stanford University. He worked in investment banking at Morgan Stanley & Co. before joining Disney.
Chief Human Resource Officer, Executive Vice President: Mary Jayne Parker - Ms. Mary Jayne Parker is Chief Human Resource Officer,
Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Company. She designated as an executive officer of the Company October 2, 2009.
Ms. Parker was previously Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts from October 2005 to July 2007 and
Vice President Human Resources Administration for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts from March 2003 to October 2005. Previously,
Ms. Parker served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide.
She also served as a member of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Executive Committee. Ms. Jayne began her Disney career in 1988,
developing the programs that became a part of the Disney Institute. Over the next 20 years, she took on positions of increasing responsibility,
including Manager and Director of Disney University, Director and Vice President of Organization Improvement and Vice President of Organization and Professional Development.
Prior to joining Disney, Jayne was a consultant with Wilson Learning Corporation, where she was responsible for designing and developing media-based programs and
management development seminars for education and assessment. During that time, products she developed were awarded first and second place by the
International Television & Video Association. Ms. Jayne is a member of the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) and has held positions with the
ASTD Instructional Technology (IT) PPA Executive Committee. She has also assisted in the design of several ASTD National Conventions. In addition,
Ms. Jayne is a member of The Conference Board's Council for Division Leaders-Human Resources. Ms. Jayne holds degrees in communications and
education, a master's in instruction design and technology and an M.B.A., all from the University of Central Florida.
Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary: Alan N. Braveman: Mr. Alan N. Braverman is Senior Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of Walt Disney Company. Mr. Braverman was named executive vice president and general counsel of
The Walt Disney Company in January, 2003. Mr. Braverman serves as the chief legal officer of the company and oversees its team of attorneys responsible for all aspects of
Disney's legal affairs around the world. Previously, Mr. Braverman was executive vice president and general counsel, ABC, Inc. and deputy general counsel,
The Walt Disney Company. In that capacity he oversaw the legal affairs of the ABC Broadcast Group, ESPN and Disney/ABC Cable, as well as labor relations.
In August 1996, prior to Disney's acquisition of ABC, Inc., Mr. Braverman was named senior vice president and general counsel, ABC, Inc. In October 1994,
he was promoted to vice president and general counsel. He joined ABC, Inc. in November 1993, as vice president and deputy general counsel. In his positions with ABC, Inc.
Mr. Braverman had broad responsibilities for the operation of the legal department, for government relations and for the Corporation's legal affairs.
Mr. Braverman joined Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. from the Washington, D.C. law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, where he started in 1976. He became a partner in 1983,
specializing in complex commercial and administrative litigation.
Before joining Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, Braverman was a law clerk to the
Honorable Thomas W. Pomeroy, Jr., Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mr. Braverman received a B.A. degree from Brandeis University in 1969
and worked for two years as a Vista volunteer in Gary, Indiana. In 1975, he received a J.D. degree summa cum laude from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh,
where he was also editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer: Kevin A. Mayer - Mr. Kevin A. Mayer is Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer of Walt Disney Company.
He previously was Partner and Head of the Global Media and Entertainment Practice of L.E.K. Consulting LLC, a consulting firm, from February 2002,
and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Interactive, a division of Clear Channel Worldwide, a media company, from September 2000 to December 2001.
Mr. Mayer rejoined Disney from L.E.K. Consulting LLC, where he was a partner and head of the Global Media and Entertainment practice.
Prior to L.E.K., Mr. Mayer held positions at interactive and Internet businesses.
As chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Interactive he managed all aspects of new media business, including content, sales, business and technology development,
and distribution. While at Clear Channel, Mr. Mayer launched local subscription ticketing services. He also served as president and CEO of Playboy.com, Inc.
where he established the overall strategy and financial plans for the interactive business. While at Disney, Mr. Mayer worked in both strategic planning and at Walt Disney Internet Group.
At the Internet group, he served as executive vice president and as such was responsible for the operations, business plans, creative direction and
distribution of Disney's popular Web sites, including ESPN.com and ABCNews.com. Mr. Mayer first joined Disney in 1993 as manager,
Strategic Planning where he spearheaded strategy and business development for all of Disney's interactive/Internet and television businesses worldwide.
Mr. Mayer received his M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1990, and holds a M.S.E.E. from San Diego State University and a B.S.M.E. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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