Trading the Happiest Place on Earth: Walt Disney Stock

When one hears about Disney, they probably associate it with cartoons, Disney princesses and protagonists, or roller coasters.

However, did you know that Disney’s prowess far surpasses the imaginary realm as it plays an important role in the stock market?

In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of Disney and show you how to trade it:

TL;DR

• Disney is an American multinational entertainment and information services company.
• Disney’s business model comprises Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Content Sales/Licensing & Other, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products (DPEP), and Linear Networks.
• Some of Disney’s main competitors include Comcast, Netflix, Amazon, Royal Caribbean, and Carniva.
• Disney stock can be traded with DIS CFDs.

What Is Disney?

Disney, or the Walt Disney Company, is an entertainment and information services giant famously known for its entertainment studios, parks, and media networks like Disney+.

The company was founded in 1923 by the Disney Brothers Studio which comprises two brothers; Roy Disney and Walt Disney and is currently headquartered in Burbank, California.

Additionally, the company’s official tagline states that Disney is “the happiest place on earth.”

Disney’s Main Products & Revenue Streams

Disney’s business model is segmented into “Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)”, “Content Sales/Licensing & Other,” “Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products (DPEP)”, and “Linear Networks.”

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC)

This includes Disney’s direct sales of streaming services to consumers such as Disney+, ESPN, Star+, and Disney+ Hotstar.

Content Sales/ Licensing & Other

This segment includes the content made or purchased by Disney, which is marketed on TV, home entertainment, and subscription video-on-demand (VOD), among other channels.

Examples of such products include but are not limited to Disney’s music distribution, post-production services, and live events licensing (like Broadway musicals), among others.

Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products (DPEP)

This is perhaps one of Disney’s most lucrative business segments and it includes the company’s theme parks which are distributed around the world in cities like Hong Kong, Hawaii, California, and Paris. In addition, it encompasses Disney’s merchandise and cruises.

Linear Networks

Disney’s Linear Networks include international and domestic cable television such as National Geographic, ABC, ESPN, and Disney.

Who Are Disney’s Competitors?

While Disney is certainly a big name in the entertainment field, it is not the only one. Some of Disney’s competitors include the following companies:

• Comcast: This company is considered one of Disney’s main competitors due to film and television subsidiaries such as Universal, and DreamWorks.
• Netflix & Amazon: These streaming service giants are Disney Plus’ (Disney+) main competitors.
• Royal Caribbean & Carnival: These cruising companies compete with Disney’s tourism and travel segments.

Disney Shares: How to Buy Disney’s Stock?

Given its popularity and success, many may be interested in potentially profiting from Disney’s share prices, and this can be done through the following:

One way to potentially take advantage of Disney stock price changes is to buy Disney shares from a broker like Plus500 Invest*. Doing so provides you with shareholder ownership of the Disney stock.

*Availability subject to regulator

Trading Disney’s Contracts For Difference (CFDs)

For those seeking to take advantage of both rising and falling Disney stock prices without having ownership of the shares, trading Disney (DIS) CFDs may be suitable.

Disney CFDs are derivative contracts that offer long and short trading on Disney stock but do not grant the trader actual ownership of the underlying asset. These contracts are leveraged, meaning that both gains and losses are magnified.

You can learn more about CFD trading in our article and video titled “What Is CFD Trading.”

Trading Hours: When to Trade Disney’s Stock

Disney is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and can be traded from 9:30 a.m. EST to 16:00 p.m. EST.

Interesting Facts About Disney

Beyond trading, here are some interesting Disney facts, you may have not known before:

• While Disney’s most popular character is Mickey Mouse, the original form of the infamous mouse was actually a rabbit called “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.”
• The Florida-based Disney World Resort is considered America’s one of the biggest single-site employers.
• During WWII, Disney was asked by the American and Canadian governments to produce war-related propaganda films such as “Education for Death” and anti-Nazi films featuring Donald Duck.

Conclusion

Disney, the entertainment giant is well renowned for its famous cartoons, films, and theme parks. However, its prowess and effect surpass the entertainment sector.

For individuals seeking to gain exposure to rising or falling Disney prices, trading Disney CFDs or investing in Disney’s shares may be the answer.

FAQs

Is Disney a good stock to buy?

There’s no black-or-white answer to that, and Disney, like all stocks, can experience volatility. As such, traders and investors may want to read more about Disney’s performance and assess their trading needs before delving into Disney trading.

Who owns the most stock in Disney?

As of March 2024, Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street Corp. are respectively considered the top Disney shareholders.

Can I buy Disney stock?

Yes, you can buy Disney shares with a stock broker or a trading platform like Plus500 Invest*. In addition, you can also trade Disney CFDs with Plus500.

*Availability subject to operator