New York, Jan 31, 2026, 16:16 EST — Market closed
- Disney shares ended Friday at $112.80, rising 1.1%, and ticked up slightly in after-hours trading
- A report indicates CEO Bob Iger intends to step down ahead of his contract’s end, with a board vote on his replacement set for next week
- Disney will release its quarterly earnings before the market opens on Feb. 2
Disney shares ticked higher in after-hours trading Friday following a report that Bob Iger intends to step down before his contract ends. The stock ended the regular session up 1.1% at $112.80 and was last seen at $112.99 post-close. (Investing)
U.S. markets are closed for the weekend, but Disney faces a busy period ahead. Two key events could shake up the stock: a possible leadership change and quarterly earnings set for Monday.
Succession remains a lingering question mark over strategy and execution. Throw earnings into the mix, and traders often pull back on risk early in the week, particularly in media, where sentiment can shift sharply based on guidance.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Iger has told associates he intends to step down and reduce his day-to-day involvement before his contract runs out, according to sources familiar with the situation. Reuters added that Disney’s board is slated to meet next week at its Burbank headquarters and is likely to vote on a successor; Disney declined to comment to Reuters. (Reuters)
The report named potential contenders such as parks chief Josh D’Amaro, entertainment co-heads Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro. It also noted that the timing remains uncertain and could shift.
Disney shook up its investor relations team, naming Benjamin Swinburne as executive vice president of investor relations and corporate strategy. He’ll report to CFO Hugh F. Johnston after leaving Morgan Stanley. Johnston called Swinburne “one of the industry’s most respected media analysts,” highlighting his deep knowledge of the shifting global entertainment scene. (The Walt Disney Company)
Wall Street is anticipating Disney’s Monday earnings report to show EPS of $1.58 and revenue hitting $25.60 billion, according to Seeking Alpha. (Seeking Alpha)
Investors won’t just focus on the headline figures. Streaming results, theme-park demand and pricing, plus any hints about the legacy TV business’s direction, will grab the spotlight in initial reactions. Leadership concerns might surface as well, even if the company stays silent on succession plans.
The broader tape might not offer much support. Reuters’ week-ahead column flagged a heavy earnings schedule and a U.S. jobs report set for Feb. 6, with investors on edge over lofty expectations for major names. “For those companies where expectations have become very, very lofty, the onus is going to be on them to deliver,” said Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors. (Reuters)
That said, the story could flip. Should Disney’s outlook fall short or the CEO handover drag on or appear chaotic, the stock might wipe out its recent gains fast — and lately, the market has been twitchy over guidance and capital spending moves.
Disney will report earnings and hold its webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 2, just before Monday’s open. Investors will also be scanning for any updates on succession plans in the days that follow. (Thewaltdisneycompany)
