The Walt Disney Company had a great first quarter of fiscal 2026, beating analysts’ expectations and marking a high point in Bob Iger’s time as CEO. Iger was proud of the company’s accomplishments over the past three years, including huge hits in 2025 like Zootopia 2 and Fire Ash, which boosted sales in movies, parks, and streaming. This performance makes it clear that he will leave before his contract ends in late 2026.
Josh D’Amaro, who runs Disney’s experiences division, is the most likely person to take over as CEO after Iger. There are still questions about whether Iger will stay involved after the handover, maybe as a board member. The board, which is led by new chairman James Gorman, wants to make a decision by early 2026.
Disney celebrated its success at the box office and its growth in streaming, as well as its growing profits from direct-to-consumer sales. But a YouTube TV blackout cut sports segment revenue by 23% and $110 million overall. Parks are having to pay more because of new rides, cruises, and fewer people coming from other countries.
The company’s financial guidance stays the same, with entertainment income in the second quarter staying the same and streaming income at $500 million. Iger’s work to change Disney has set the company up for growth based on creativity, even when the economy is bad.
