Archive for Walt Disney Company

125,000 Disney Employees to Receive $1,000 Cash Bonus and Company Launches New $50 Million Higher Education Program

Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that more than 125,000 eligible employees will receive a one-time $1,000 cash bonus. The Company will also make an initial investment of $50 million in a new and ongoing education program specifically designed to cover tuition costs for hourly employees. The two new initiatives represent a total allocation of more than $175 million in this fiscal year.

“I am proud we are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program,” Mr. Iger said. “I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity; it opens doors and creates new possibilities. Matched with the $1,000 cash bonus, these initiatives will have both an immediate and long-term positive impact.”

All full and part-time non-executive employees, either hourly or salaried, who have been with The Walt Disney Company since January 1, 2018, and are based in the United States will be paid a one-time $1,000 cash bonus. Employees will receive the bonus in two payments, the first in March and the second in September of this year. In keeping with applicable federal law, the Company will work with union representatives regarding potential distribution plans for employees currently working under existing union contracts.

The Company is also launching a new education initiative aimed at its hourly workforce in the United States. Nearly 88,000 hourly employees will be eligible and can utilize the program to make an impactful investment in their future. With this new plan, participants can pursue qualifying higher education or vocational training, including courses unrelated to their current responsibilities at Disney. By creating new opportunities for those who wish to continue their education, employees can advance in their current roles or support their long-term career aspirations. After the initial investment of $50 million, Disney will provide up to $25 million in annual funding going forward.

The Company’s current educational reimbursement program, which is open to all full-time employees, will continue and remain unchanged.

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The story of Disney’s secret hunt for land nearly 60 years ago could predict how Amazon’s HQ2 will change its home city

The top secret operation — known as “Project Winter” or “Project X” — began in 1958. Traveling under pseudonyms, men bounced between airports to throw off potential observers. The confidential team investigated spots around America, and eventually set up phony companies to disguise their activities.

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Disney is buying most of 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion

Disney is buying a huge chunk of 21st Century Fox in a deal that promises to reshape the media industry and help the entertainment giant fend off digital rivals such as Netflix.

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How to Buy Walt Disney Stock, and Why You Should Want to

When one thinks of typical childhood rites of passage, watching Cinderella or Bambi with your family, and a vacation to Disney World come to mind for many Americans. But did you know there’s much more to The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) than that?

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Walt Disney Studios: Take a tour of the working lot

Pausing at the intersection of Mickey Ave. and Dopey Drive – which doubles as Pluto’s Corner – it’s evident that The Walt Disney Studios isn’t merely a place where movies are made.

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The Walt Disney Company Donates $500,000 In Humanitarian Aid To Support Mexican Communities Impacted By Recent Earthquakes

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:  DIS) has committed $500,000 to aid in humanitarian relief efforts across Central Mexico in response to the recent earthquakes impacting the region.  The donation will support the disaster response and recovery efforts of the Mexican Red Cross, Save the Children, and UNICEF. Disney will make additional donations of in-kind goods as needs are identified.

“As our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Mexico, we are once again overwhelmed by the resiliency and unity shown in response to a natural disaster,” said Claudio Chiaromonte, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company Latin America. “Disney has a long tradition of supporting communities all over the world, and we are proud to join with the people of Mexico as they begin to recover and rebuild from these terrible tragedies.”

The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates employ more than 250 people in Mexico, between its Disney offices and the ESPN Deportes network, and Disney has a long-standing history in the region dating back to the 1940s.

Disney works on an ongoing basis with numerous nonprofit organizations on emergency preparedness efforts, including sharing lifesaving information with families before and during emergencies, having supplies prepositioned and at-the-ready to respond to natural disasters, and providing resources to activate large-scale responses in the event of a disaster.

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Star Wars Episode IX, the Live-Action Aladdin and More Disney Films Get Release Dates

May you wish upon a star and get a whole lotta Disney films in your future!

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Your Complete Guide to All the Things Owned by Disney

The Walt Disney Company DIS is one of the biggest media and entertainment corporations in the world. Known best for its popular animated feature films and tourist-favorite theme parks and resorts, Disney has held a major piece of America’s media identity since its founding in 1923.

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The Walt Disney Company Reports Third Quarter and Nine Months Earnings for Fiscal 2017

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today reported quarterly earnings for its third fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2017. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter decreased 5% to $1.51 from $1.59 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the quarter decreased 2% to $1.58 from $1.62 in the prior-year quarter. Diluted EPS for the nine months ended July 1, 2017 decreased to $4.55 from $4.63. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the nine months increased to $4.63 from $4.61.

“Today we announced a strategic shift in the way we distribute our content. The media landscape is increasingly defined by direct relationships between content creators and consumers, and our control of BAMTech’s full array of innovative technology will give us the power to forge those connections, along with the flexibility to quickly adapt to shifts in the market,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This acquisition and the launch of our direct-to-consumer services mark an entirely new growth strategy for the Company, one that takes advantage of the incredible opportunity that changing technology provides us to leverage the strength of our great brands.”

“Our results for the quarter reflect the underlying strength of our brands and franchises, and our continued investment in high-quality content. Our ability to successfully execute on our core strategy, coupled with our plans for new direct-to-consumer offerings, give us continued confidence in our ability to drive shareholder value,” said Christine M. McCarthy, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

The following table summarizes the third quarter and nine-month results for fiscal 2017 and 2016 (in millions, except per share amounts):

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The Walt Disney Company Kicks Off Fourth Year of the Disney Accelerator

The Walt Disney Company today announced the eleven 2017 Disney Accelerator companies that are helping build the future of media and entertainment. The Disney Accelerator is designed to connect these Disney portfolio companies with the creativity, imagination, and expertise of The Walt Disney Company, providing them unprecedented access to Disney’s leadership team, mentorship, and support. The 2017 Disney Accelerator is helping shape the future at the intersection of entertainment and technology with some of today’s most innovative entrepreneurs who are creating new entertainment formats, developing new technologies and reimagining digital monetization and personalization.

“The Disney Accelerator has provided The Walt Disney Company incredible opportunities to connect with and be inspired by many talented entrepreneurs from all over the world,” said Michael Abrams, Senior Vice President, Innovation, The Walt Disney Company. “This year, more than ever, we are working with companies with the potential to help define the future of media and entertainment together with Disney.”

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