BREAKING: Disney+ has achieved a remarkable milestone, growing its subscriber count to 131.6 million following a significant boost from the streaming launch of the live-action Lilo & Stitch. This surge comes despite a $52 million loss in the company’s content sales and licensing activities for the fourth quarter ending September 27, 2025.
During the earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed optimism about future theatrical releases, stating that the upcoming slate for fiscal 2026 is “about as strong as it’s been in a while.” This includes anticipated releases that could reshape the box office landscape. Iger emphasized, “We feel good about the direction of the studio,” indicating confidence in both current and future projects.
Despite these gains in streaming, Disney faced challenges in theatrical performance compared to the previous year, which generated an operating income of $316 million. The company reported a total revenue of $22.5 billion for Q4, remaining stable compared to the same quarter last year, while full-year revenues increased by 3% to $94.4 billion.
In the U.S. and Canada, Disney+ added 1.5 million subscribers, bringing the total to 59.3 million. The international market contributed an additional 2.5 million subscribers, resulting in a total of 72.4 million globally. These figures highlight the growing demand for Disney’s streaming services, particularly with the introduction of new content.
Financial analysts will closely monitor the company’s plan to invest $24 billion in content for the entertainment and sports sectors in fiscal 2026, an increase of $1 billion from the previous year. This investment aims to bolster the company’s offerings and attract even more subscribers.
Amidst the evolving landscape of Hollywood, Disney’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston addressed speculation regarding potential mergers and acquisitions, stating, “We like the hand that we have right now, so I wouldn’t expect us to participate in making any significant moves.” This stance reflects Disney’s strategic focus on enhancing its existing portfolio rather than pursuing external expansions.
As the streaming wars intensify, all eyes will be on Disney’s upcoming releases and their impact on subscriber growth. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality content, which is crucial in maintaining its competitive edge in a rapidly changing market.
Stay tuned for more updates as Disney navigates these challenges and opportunities in the entertainment industry.
