
How to fix Disney: A road map for the next CEO
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. There has been plenty of drama at Walt Disney over the past decade. Since January 2016, the House of Mouse has released four Star Wars films, built a streaming platform, and overseen the departure and dramatic comeback of CEO Bob Iger.
But it has hardly been a fairy tale for investors. Disney shares were trading at about $110 on Tuesday—just 17% above where they were 10 years ago. Netflix and the S&P 500 are up 832% and 271%, respectively, over the same period.
Still, there’s reason for hope. Barron’s in December named the stock as a top pick for 2026, citing a cheap valuation for a company that controls elite entertainment assets and looks set for strong theme-park earnings growth. There will also be a new CEO.
Iger is set to step down at the end of 2026, with Disney expected to announce his successor within the next few weeks. Parks chief Josh D’Amaro and TV head Dana Walden are the leading candidates, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Disney didn’t respond to a request for comment about its CEO succession plans.
Whoever gets the gig faces a huge task in turning around a lost decade for the shares. Barron’s has drawn up a to-do list for Iger’s replacement. This should be the new boss’ priority.
Investors “need renewed confidence that [streaming] revenue growth and profitability still have meaningful runway," MoffettNathanson analyst Robert Fishman writes in a research note. He rates the stock at Buy, with a $140 price target, implying upside of 27%. Disney looks to be moving in the right direction.
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