Bob Iger’s CEO Contract Extended (Again), The Bob Iger Question, Iger Hints at Divestitures and Partnerships

Hello everyone. It’s good to be a back after a mini summer vacation.

We kick things off where we left off: with Disney. There was quite a bit of news on the Disney front and Apple is once again being pulled into the story. The update begins with Neil’s thoughts on Bob Iger’s CEO contract being extended for another two years. We then look at the question that needs to be asked regarding Iger and Disney. The discussion concludes with the major takeaways from Iger’s interview with CNBC at Sun Valley.

Let’s jump right in.

Bob Iger’s CEO Contract Extended (Again)

Back in November 2022, the Disney board fired CEO Bob Chapek and appointed his predecessor Bob Iger, as his replacement with a two-year contract.

One of Iger’s top priorities was said to be identifying his successor – something that he supposedly spent years doing prior to hand-picking Chapek to succeed him. This past February, Iger told CNBC he had no intention in staying longer than two years.

It looks like Iger needs more time to find that successor. In a press release issued on July 12th, here’s Disney:

"The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors announced today that Robert A. Iger has agreed to continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 2026. In voting unanimously to extend Mr. Iger’s contract by two years, the independent members of the Board of Directors noted that Iger’s extension provides continuity of leadership during the Company’s ongoing transformation, and allows more time to execute a transition plan for CEO succession, which remains a priority for the Board."

This marks the fifth CEO contract extension for Iger, going back to 2013. In the 2010s, a Bob Iger contract extension was accompanied by confidence and relief that Disney got to benefit from Iger’s expertise for more time. Today, it’s the opposite. An extension only raises more questions and doubt about the company’s leadership and lack of succession. The explanation given by Iger last week

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Disney Earnings, Disney’s Anti-Netflix Strategy, Apple Got It Right With TV+ (Daily Update)

Hello everyone. We will kick things off with Disney earnings. The discussion includes Iger’s strategy for Disney+ and how Disney is following an anti-Netflix strategy. We conclude with the ways Apple got paid video streaming right with Apple TV+. Let's jump right in.

Disney Earnings

It’s been nearly three months since Disney board’s brought Bob Iger back to replace Bob Chapek. Last week’s earnings release represented Iger’s first one back as CEO.

In what has been a recurring earnings theme with Disney, the Parks segment results were stellar (21% revenue growth and $3B of operating income) while Direct-to-Consumer experienced a $1.1B operating loss. Linear networks (U.S.) saw flat revenue and $0.9B of operating income, testaments to how legacy TV continues to hang on.

Here are Disney’s DTC subscription totals (as of December 31st, 2022):

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Disney Fires Bob Chapek, Bob Iger’s Return, Disney M&A (Daily Update)

We kick things off with the big news from Disney. The discussion begins with Neil’s thoughts on why Bob Chapek got fired and what it tells us about Disney’s board. Attention then turns to the most surprising part of Iger returning as Disney CEO. We conclude with a look at Disney M&A and how Iger as CEO impacts the probability of Disney pursuing content M&A.

Hello everyone. Happy Monday.

We have big news from Disney that we will focus on today. There is a lot to talk about.

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Let's jump into today's update.

Disney Fires Bob Chapek

In what will turn out to be one of the top stories in the media space this year, here’s Disney:

“The Walt Disney Company announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.

‘We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,’ said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. ‘The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.’

‘Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide–all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,’ she said.”

The following chart likely played a major role in this announcement.

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Ranking Big Tech’s 3Q22 Performance, Zuckerberg Announces Major Round of Layoffs, Disney 4Q22 Earnings (Daily Update)

In today’s update, we go over Neil’s rankings for how Big Tech performed in 3Q22. We discuss Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. The discussion then turns to Zuckerberg’s drastic move to reduce Meta’s workforce by 13%. We conclude with a closer look at Disney’s earnings. Disney management is making one strategic mistake with Disney+.

Hello everyone. Let's jump right into today's update.

Ranking Big Tech’s 3Q22 Performance

CY3Q22 was a mixed bag for Big Tech (Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta). Macro issues are not being felt evenly. At the same time, competition is impacting some companies more than others. It’s telling that maybe the biggest surprise to come out of 3Q22 earnings season came in November, after everyone reported,

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Above Avalon Membership

Payment is processed and secured by Stripe. Apple Pay and other mobile payment options are accepted. Special Inside Orchard bundle pricing is available for Above Avalon members.

The daily updates have become widely read and influential in the world of Apple and technology. They are unmatched in the marketplace in terms of comprehensive analysis and research on all things Apple. Members reside in 60 countries and hold a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations. They include Silicon Valley executives and investors, the largest Apple shareholders, and the leading Apple journalists in the business.

More information about Above Avalon membership, including the full list of benefits and privileges, is available here.