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Chapek nightmare continues for Disney’s Bob Iger

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In 2019, The Walt Disney Co. celebrated a string of monumental achievements, from the successful launch of Disney+ to the acquisition of Fox’s entertainment assets and the blockbuster release of “Avengers: Endgame.”

These triumphs underscored Disney’s knack for capitalizing on its intellectual property (IP) across a wide spectrum of platforms, spanning theaters, theme parks, and streaming services.

However, as we approach the four-year mark since these victories, doubts have surfaced about the wisdom of consolidating these diverse assets under a single roof. CEO Bob Iger has raised questions about whether Disney has grown too expansive for its own good, with some voices on Wall Street advocating for a potential breakup.

Disney’s empire is displaying signs of deceleration in various sectors. Its parks business is experiencing a slowdown, the linear TV division is on a downward trajectory, and the once-rapid growth of Disney+ subscribers has lost momentum. Disney’s performance at the box office appears to have lagged behind its competitors, leading to a nine-year low in its stock price and underperformance compared to the S&P 500.

Two entities

MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Nathanson has even gone so far as to propose the creation of two separate Disney entities: one concentrated on parks, Disney+, and studio intellectual property, and the other encompassing everything else, including linear networks, ESPN+, Hulu SVOD, Hulu Live TV, and Disney+ Hotstar.

“Why not make a clean break?” Nathanson queried Iger on the recent earnings call.

Iger has remained tight-lipped about the future structure of the company, underscoring the examination of strategic options for ESPN and the linear networks.

Iger has outlined three pillars to propel Disney’s growth in the forthcoming years: film studios, the parks, and streaming. ESPN, in particular, is poised for a full transition into a direct-to-consumer platform. However, analysts and media experts caution that this journey could prove arduous, given the exorbitant costs associated with sports rights and potential resistance from consumers who are already subscribed to multiple streaming services.

Splitting the company into two entities might enable Disney to shed debt, divest loss-making segments, and provide a clearer vision for its future in a swiftly evolving media landscape.

Studio vs Parks

Bank of America Securities analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich contends against a clean break, asserting that Disney’s assets complement one another, with studio IP driving the parks while linear networks generate funds for investments in growth areas like streaming.

Ehrlich suggests harnessing the brand’s intrinsic value to explore new opportunities, highlighting ESPN’s $2 billion sports betting deal with Penn Entertainment Inc. as an example of untapped potential.

Yet Nathanson believes that the current corporate structure does not fully unlock the value within Disney’s assets and proposes the establishment of a new company combining Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products segment with Disney+ and studio IP, potentially commanding a premium valuation due to its iconic assets and robust revenue growth.

Reevaluating corporate structures is not unique to Disney; other legacy media giants, such as Paramount Global and Lionsgate, have contemplated similar routes. Paramount, for instance, recently abandoned plans to sell a majority stake in BET Media Group, recognizing that it wouldn’t significantly reduce its debt. Lionsgate has also chosen to divide its studio and Starz business, reflecting the broader shift toward the streaming-first era.

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How to make your money work for you over the next decade

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With high interest rates, persistent inflation, and a tight labor market—the next decade is expected to be very different from the last 10 years.

 
Companies and households around the world are still trying to get back to pre-pandemic economic outputs and lifestyles.

So, how can people successfully invest and better manage their personal finances?

James Faris, an Investing Reporter with Insider joins Veronica Dudo to discuss. #InAmericaToday #featured #money #finance #economy #investing

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Parents buying houses for their adult children

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Rise in parents purchasing homes for adult children sparks concerns

A growing trend of parents buying houses for their adult children is causing a stir, raising questions about the potential downsides of such arrangements. While the gesture may seem benevolent, experts warn of the pitfalls associated with this practice.

Financial advisors express concerns about the impact on both generations’ financial independence. By providing ready-made homes, parents might inadvertently hinder their children’s ability to learn crucial financial lessons, such as budgeting, mortgage management, and property ownership responsibilities.

The trend also sparks debates on the long-term implications for the housing market. Critics argue that such parental interventions can distort property prices and exacerbate existing affordability challenges, particularly for younger individuals aspiring to enter the property market independently.

There’s a call for a broader societal discussion on the balance between parental support and fostering financial autonomy. While the intention is often rooted in care, the unintended consequences of sheltering adult children from financial realities are prompting a reassessment of this well-meaning practice.

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Victoria’s Secret criticized for trans woman’s apology

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Victoria’s Secret is facing backlash after issuing an apology to a transgender woman who had a negative experience while trying on bras at one of their stores.

The incident has ignited a debate about inclusivity and sensitivity in the fashion industry.

The controversy began when the trans woman, who remains anonymous, visited a Victoria’s Secret store to shop for bras. She reported feeling uncomfortable and discriminated against by store staff.

In response to her complaint, Victoria’s Secret issued an apology, acknowledging the incident and expressing their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

However, the apology itself has come under fire from both supporters and critics.

Some argue that the brand’s apology is insincere and merely an attempt to save face, while others believe it is a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive shopping experience for all customers.

The incident raises important questions about how brands should handle situations involving discrimination and whether their apologies are genuine or performative.

It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals when accessing spaces traditionally designed for cisgender customers.

As the fashion industry continues to evolve, many are calling for a deeper examination of inclusivity and sensitivity, not just in policies but in practice.

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