UPDATE: Disney+ has just announced a significant surge in subscribers, reaching 131.6 million after a boost from the streaming launch of the live-action adaptation of “Lilo & Stitch.” This growth comes despite the entertainment giant reporting a $52 million loss in content sales and licensing activities for the quarter ending September 27, 2025.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed optimism during a call discussing the company’s fourth-quarter performance, stating that the upcoming slate for fiscal 2026 is “about as strong as it’s been in a while, maybe stronger than it’s been in a while.” Iger emphasized a positive outlook for theatrical releases, which he believes will contribute to recovery moving forward.
Despite the subscriber growth, Disney’s overall fourth-quarter revenues totaled $22.5 billion, remaining consistent with the previous year. However, total segment operating income decreased by 5% to $3.48 billion, and the entertainment segment saw a sharp drop of 35% in operating income, falling to $691 million.
In a notable shift, Disney+ added 2.5 million subscribers in international markets, bringing its total to 72.4 million. In the US and Canada, the platform welcomed an additional 1.5 million subscribers, pushing its North American total to 59.3 million.
Looking ahead, Disney management revealed plans to invest $24 billion in content across its entertainment and sports sectors for fiscal 2026, marking a $1 billion increase from the previous year. When questioned about potential merger and acquisition activities in Hollywood, Disney’s Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston stated, “We like the hand that we have right now, so I wouldn’t expect us to participate in making any significant moves.”
As Disney navigates this transitional period, the company’s future strategies and investments will be closely watched by industry analysts and fans alike. The latest developments signal a pivotal moment for Disney as it strives to enhance its offerings and attract more subscribers amid a fiercely competitive streaming landscape.
Stay tuned for updates on Disney’s evolving strategies and subscriber trends as this story develops.
