Financial Statement Analysis _ Disney
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Week 5 – Final Paper
Final Paper
Write a five- to seven-page financial statement analysis of a public company, formatted according to
APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. In this analysis, you will discuss the financial
health of this company with the ultimate goal of making a recommendation to other investors. Your
paper should consist of the following sections: introduction, company overview, horizontal analysis,
ratio analysis, final recommendation, and conclusions. Your paper needs to include a minimum of two
scholarly resources in addition to the textbook as references.
Here is a breakdown of the sections within the body of the assignment:
Company Overview
Provide a brief overview of your company (one to two paragraphs at most). What industry is it in?
What are its main products or services? Who are its competitors?
Horizontal Analysis of Income Statement and Balance Sheet
Prepare a three-year, horizontal analysis of the income statement and balance sheet of your selected
company. Discuss the importance and meaning of horizontal analysis. Discuss both the positive and
negative trends presented in your company.
Ratio Analysis
Calculate the current ratio, quick ratio, cash to current liabilities ratio, over a two-year period. Discuss
and interpret the ratios that you calculated. Discuss potential liquidity issues based on your
calculations of the current and quick ratios. Are there any factors that could be erroneously influencing
the results of the ratios? Discuss liquidity issues of competitive companies within the same industry.
Recommendation
Based on your analysis, would you recommend an individual invest in this company? What strengths
do you see? What risks do you see? It is perfectly acceptable to state that you would recommend
avoiding this company, as long as you provide support for your position.
The paper
Must be five to seven double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and
formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center
(https://awc.ashford.edu/index.html) .
Must include a separate title page with the following:
https://awc.ashford.edu/index.html
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Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must use at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course text.
Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the
Ashford Writing Center.
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6JAN201605190975
21DEC201614474059
Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Financial Report
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended October 1, 2016 Commission File Number 1-11605
Incorporated in Delaware
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California 91521
(818) 560-1000
I.R.S. Employer Identification
No.
95-4545390
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any,
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company”
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of
the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite
Transactions) was $160.9 billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant and all persons filing a Schedule 13D with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to registrant’s common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of
the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.
There were 1,591,460,982 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 16, 2016.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the
2017 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 1 1/10/17 11:12 PM
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
ITEM 1. Business 1
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 2. Properties
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Executive Officers of the Company
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9B. Other Information
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
Consolidated Financial Information — The Walt Disney Company
15
20
21
22
22
22
23
24
25
51
52
52
52
52
53
53
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1
PART I
ITEM 1. Business
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with
operations in four business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products &
Interactive Media. For convenience, the terms “Company” and “we” are used to refer collectively to the parent company and
the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.
Information on the Company’s revenues, segment operating income and identifiable assets appears in Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof. The Company employed approximately 195,000 people as of
October 1, 2016.
MEDIA NETWORKS
The Media Networks segment includes cable and broadcast television networks, television production and distribution
operations, domestic television stations and radio networks and stations. The Company also has investments in entities that
operate programming, distribution and content management services, including television networks, which are accounted for
under the equity method of accounting.
The businesses in the Media Networks segment principally generate revenue from the following:
• fees charged to cable, satellite, and telecommunications service providers (Multi-channel Video Programming
Distributors “MVPD”), broadband service providers (digital MVPDs) and television stations affiliated with our
domestic broadcast television network for the right to deliver our programs to their customers/subscribers (“affiliate
fees”);
• the sale to advertisers of time in programs for commercial announcements (“ad sales”); and
• the sale to television networks and distributors for the right to use our television programming (“program sales”).
Operating expenses primarily consist of programming and production costs, participations and residuals expense,
technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs.
Cable Networks
Our primary cable networks consist of ESPN, the Disney Channels and Freeform, which produce their own programs or
acquire rights from third parties to air their programs on our networks.
Cable networks derive the majority of their revenues from affiliate fees and, for certain networks (primarily ESPN and
Freeform), ad sales. Generally, the Company’s cable networks provide programming services under multi-year agreements with
MVPDs that include contractually determined rates on a per subscriber basis. The amounts that we can charge to MVPDs for
our cable network services are largely dependent on the quality and quantity of programming that we can provide and the
competitive market. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on
the size and nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand. We also
sell programming developed by our cable networks worldwide to television broadcasters, to subscription video-on-demand
(SVOD) services, such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, and in home entertainment formats such as DVD, Blu-ray and iTunes.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 5 1/10/17 11:12 PM
2
The Company’s significant cable networks and the number of subscribers as estimated by Nielsen Media Research(1)
(except where noted) are as follows:
Estimated
Subscribers
(in millions)
ESPN – Domestic
ESPN 90
ESPN2 89
ESPNU 71
ESPNEWS (2) 70
SEC Network (2) 62
Disney Channels – Domestic
Disney Channel 93
Disney Junior 74
Disney XD 78
Freeform 91
International Channels (3)
ESPN channels 141
Disney Channel 205
Disney Junior 140
Disney XD 127
(1) Nielsen Media Research estimates are as of September 2016 and only capture traditional MVPD subscriber counts and
do not include digital MVPD subscribers.
(2) Because Nielsen Media Research does not measure these networks, estimated subscriber counts are according to SNL
Kagan as of December 2015.
(3) Because Nielsen Media Research and SNL Kagan do not measure these networks, estimated subscriber counts are
based on internal management reports as of September 2016.
ESPN
ESPN is a multimedia sports entertainment company owned 80% by the Company and 20% by Hearst Corporation.
ESPN operates eight 24-hour domestic television sports networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU (a network devoted to college
sports), ESPNEWS, SEC Network (a sports programming network dedicated to Southeastern Conference college athletics),
ESPN Classic, the regionally focused Longhorn Network (a network dedicated to The University of Texas athletics) and ESPN
Deportes (a Spanish language network), which are all simulcast in high definition except ESPN Classic. ESPN programs the
sports schedule on the ABC Television Network, which is branded ESPN on ABC. ESPN owns 19 television networks outside
of the United States (primarily in Latin America) that allow ESPN to reach sports fans in over 60 countries and territories in
four languages.
ESPN holds rights for various professional and college sports programming including college football (including bowl
games and the College Football Playoff) and basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Football
League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), US Open Tennis, various soccer rights, the Wimbledon Championships and the
Masters golf tournament.
ESPN also operates:
• ESPN.com – which delivers comprehensive sports news, information and video on internet-connected devices
• WatchESPN – which delivers live streams of most of ESPN’s domestic networks on internet-connected devices to
authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to certain content on select Watch platforms
• ESPN3, SEC Network + and ACC Network Extra – which are ESPN’s live multi-screen sports networks that deliver
exclusive sports events and are accessible on WatchESPN
• ESPN Events – which owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events including bowl games, basketball
games and post-season award shows
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• ESPN Radio – which distributes talk and play by play programming and is one of the largest sports radio networks in
the U.S. ESPN Radio network programming is carried on more than 500 terrestrial stations including four ESPN
owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas and on satellite and internet radio
• ESPN The Magazine – which is a bi-weekly sports magazine
Disney Channels
The Company operates over 100 Disney branded television channels, which are broadcast in 34 languages and 163
countries/territories. Branded channels include Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Cinemagic, Disney Cinema
and DLife. Disney Channel content is also available through subscription and video-on-demand services and online through our
websites: DisneyChannel.com, DisneyXD.com and DisneyJunior.com. Programming for these networks includes internally
developed and acquired programming. The Disney Channels also include Radio Disney and RadioDisney.com.
Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD are available digitally through products that deliver live or on-demand
channel programming on internet-connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access
to select content on these platforms.
Disney Channel – Disney Channel is a cable network airing original series and movie programming targeted to kids ages
2 to 14. In the U.S., Disney Channel airs 24 hours a day. Disney Channel develops and produces shows for exhibition on its
network, including live-action comedy series, animated programming and preschool series as well as original movies. Disney
Channel also airs programming and content from Disney’s theatrical film and television programming library.
Disney Junior – Disney Junior is a cable network that airs programming targeted to kids ages 2 to 7 and their parents and
caregivers, featuring animated and live-action programming that blends Disney’s storytelling and characters with learning. In
the U.S., Disney Junior airs 24 hours a day. Disney Junior also airs as a programming block on the Disney Channel.
Disney XD – Disney XD is a cable channel airing a mix of live-action and animated original programming targeted to
kids ages 6 to 14. In the U.S., Disney XD airs 24 hours a day.
Disney Cinemagic and Disney Cinema – Disney Cinemagic and Disney Cinema are premium subscription services
available in certain countries in Europe airing a selection of Disney movies, Disney cartoons and shorts as well as animated
television series.
Radio Disney – Radio Disney is a 24-hour radio network targeted to kids, tweens and families reaching listeners through a
national broadcast on various distribution platforms. Radio Disney operates from an owned terrestrial radio station in Los
Angeles. Radio Disney is also available throughout Latin America on two owned terrestrial stations and through agreements
with third-party radio stations.
Freeform
Freeform (formerly ABC Family) is a domestic cable network targeted to viewers ages 14 to 34. Freeform produces
original live-action programming, acquires programming from third parties, airs content from our owned theatrical film library
and features branded holiday programming events such as “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas”.
Freeform is available digitally through products that deliver either live or on-demand channel programing on internet-
connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to select Freeform programming.
Hungama
Hungama is a kids general entertainment cable network in India, which features a mix of animation, Hindi-language
series and game shows.
UTV/Bindass Networks
We operate UTV and Bindass branded cable television networks in India. The networks include UTV Action and UTV
Movies, which offer Bollywood movies as well as Hindi dubbed Hollywood movies. The networks also include Bindass, a
youth entertainment channel, and Bindass Play, a music channel.
Broadcasting
Our broadcasting business includes a domestic broadcast network, television production and distribution operations, and
eight owned domestic television stations.
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4
Domestic Broadcast Television Network
The Company operates the ABC Television Network (ABC), which as of October 1, 2016, had affiliation agreements
with 242 local television stations reaching almost 100% of all U.S. television households. ABC broadcasts programs in the
following “dayparts”: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports.
ABC produces its own programs and also acquires programming rights from third parties as well as entities that are
owned by or affiliated with the Company. ABC derives the majority of its revenues from ad sales. The ability to sell time for
commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the
network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand for time on network broadcasts. ABC also receives
fees from affiliated television stations for the right to broadcast ABC programming.
ABC network programming is available digitally on internet-connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers.
Non-subscribers have a more limited access to on-demand episodes.
The ABC app and ABC.com provide online extensions to ABC programming including episodes and selected clips.
ABCNews.com provides in-depth worldwide news coverage online and video-on-demand news reports from ABC News
broadcasts. ABC News also has an agreement to provide news content to Yahoo! News.
Television Production
The Company produces the majority of its scripted television programs under the ABC Studios banner. Program
development is carried out in collaboration with independent writers, producers and creative teams, with a focus on one-hour
dramas and half-hour comedies, primarily for primetime broadcasts. Primetime programming produced either for our networks
or for third parties for the 2016/2017 television season includes thirteen returning and five new one-hour dramas and four new
and three returning half-hour comedies. Additionally, the Company is producing five drama series for Netflix. The Company
also produces Jimmy Kimmel Live for late night and a variety of primetime specials, as well as syndicated, news and daytime
programming.
Television Distribution
We distribute the Company’s productions worldwide to television broadcasters, to SVOD services such as Netflix, Hulu
and Amazon, and in home entertainment formats.
Domestic Television Stations
The Company owns eight television stations, six of which are located in the top-ten markets in the U.S. in terms of
television households. The television stations derive the majority of their revenues from ad sales. The stations also receive
affiliate fees from MVPDs. All of our television stations are affiliated with ABC and collectively reach 23% of the nation’s
television households. Each owned station broadcasts three digital channels: the first consists of local, ABC and syndicated
programming; the second is the Live Well Network; and the third is the LAFF Network.
The stations we own are as follows:
TV Station Market
Television Market
Ranking(1)
WABC New York, NY 1
KABC Los Angeles, CA 2
WLS Chicago, IL 3
WPVI Philadelphia, PA 4
KGO San Francisco, CA 6
KTRK Houston, TX 10
WTVD Raleigh-Durham, NC 25
KFSN Fresno, CA 54
(1) Based on Nielsen Media Research, U.S. Television Household Estimates, January 1, 2016
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 8 1/10/17 11:12 PM
5
Equity Investments
The Company has investments in media businesses that are accounted for under the equity method, and the Company’s
share of the financial results for these equity investments are reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s significant media equity investments are as follows:
A+E and Vice
A+E Television Networks (A+E) is a joint venture owned 50% by the Company and 50% by the Hearst Corporation.
A+E operates a variety of cable networks including:
• A&E – which offers entertainment programming including original reality and scripted series
• HISTORY – which offers original series and event-driven specials
• Lifetime – which is devoted to female-focused programming
• Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) – which is a 24-hour movie channel
• FYI – which offers contemporary lifestyle programming
• Lifetime Real Women – which is a 24-hour cable network with programming focusing on women
Internationally, A+E programming is available in over 150 countries.
During fiscal 2016, A+E acquired an 8% interest in Vice Group Holdings, Inc. (Vice) in exchange for a 49.9% interest in
A+E’s H2 channel, which has been rebranded as Viceland and programmed with Vice content. A+E has a 20% interest in Vice.
In addition, the Company has an 11% direct ownership interest in Vice.
A+E and Vice’s significant cable networks and the number of domestic subscribers by channel as estimated by Nielsen
Media Research(1) are as follows:
Estimated
Subscribers
(in millions)(1)
A+E
A&E 92
HISTORY 93
Lifetime 92
LMN 79
FYI 68
Vice
Viceland 68
(1) Nielsen Media Research estimates are as of September 2016 and only capture traditional MVPD subscriber counts and
do not include digital MVPD subscribers.
BAMTech
In fiscal 2016, the Company acquired a 15% interest in BAMTech, LLC (BAMTech), an entity which holds Major
League Baseball’s streaming technology and content delivery businesses, for $450 million. BAMTech is a content management
and distribution business and also has a direct-to-consumer business in which it acquires rights and distributes sports
programming.
The Company is committed to acquire an additional 18% interest for $557 million in January 2017. In addition, the
Company has an option to increase its ownership to 66% by acquiring additional shares at fair market value from Major League
Baseball between August 2020 and August 2023.
CTV
ESPN holds a 30% equity interest in CTV Specialty Television, Inc., which owns television networks in Canada,
including The Sports Networks (TSN) 1-5, Le Réseau des Sports (RDS), RDS2, RDS Info, ESPN Classic Canada, Discovery
Canada and Animal Planet Canada.
Hulu
Hulu aggregates acquired television and film entertainment content and original content produced by Hulu and distributes
it digitally to internet-connected devices. Hulu offers a subscription-based service with limited commercials and a subscription-
based service with no commercials.
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The Company licenses television and film programming to Hulu in the ordinary course of business. The Company defers
a portion of its profits from these transactions until Hulu recognizes third-party revenue from the exploitation of the rights. The
portion that is deferred reflects our ownership interest in Hulu.
Hulu is owned 30% each by the Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and Comcast Corporation. Time Warner, Inc.
(TW) holds the remaining 10% interest in the venture, which was acquired from Hulu for $583 million in August 2016. For not
more than 36 months from August 2016, TW may put its shares to Hulu or Hulu may call the shares from TW under certain
limited circumstances arising from regulatory review. The Company and Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. have agreed to make a
capital contribution for up to approximately $300 million each if required to fund the repurchase of shares from TW.
Seven TV
Seven TV operates an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney Channel in Russia. During fiscal 2016, the Company
reduced its common share ownership in Seven TV from 49% to 20% to comply with Russian regulations that limit foreign
ownership of media companies, while maintaining our 49% economic interest in the business.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s Media Networks businesses compete for viewers primarily with other television and cable networks,
independent television stations and other media, such as online video services and video games. With respect to the sale of
advertising time, we compete with other television networks and radio stations, independent television stations, MVPDs and
other advertising media such as online and electronic delivery of content, newspapers, magazines and billboards. Our television
and radio stations primarily compete for audiences and advertisers in individual market areas.
The growth in the number of networks distributed by MVPDs and growth in number of online services has resulted in
increased competitive pressures for advertising revenues for our broadcast and cable networks. The Company’s cable networks
also face competition from other cable networks for carriage by MVPDs and face competition from online services. The
Company’s contractual agreements with MVPDs are renewed or renegotiated from time to time in the ordinary course of
business. Consolidation and other market conditions in the cable and satellite distribution industry and other factors may
adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain contractual terms for the distribution of its various cable
programming services that are as favorable as those currently in place.
The Company’s Media Networks businesses also compete for the acquisition of sports and other programming. The
market for programming is very competitive, particularly for live sports programming.
The Company’s internet websites and digital products compete with other websites and entertainment products.
Advertising revenues at Media Networks are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels.
Revenues are typically somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months. Affiliate fees are
generally collected ratably throughout the year.
Federal Regulation
Television and radio broadcasting are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
under federal laws and regulations, including the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Violation of FCC regulations can
result in substantial monetary forfeitures, limited renewals of licenses and, in egregious cases, denial of license renewal or
revocation of a license. FCC regulations that affect our Media Networks segment include the following:
• Licensing of television and radio stations. Each of the television and radio stations we own must be licensed by the
FCC. These licenses are granted for periods of up to eight years, and we must obtain renewal of licenses as they expire
in order to continue operating the stations. We (and the acquiring entity in the case of a divestiture) must also obtain
FCC approval whenever we seek to have a license transferred in connection with the acquisition or divestiture of a
station. The FCC may decline to renew or approve the transfer of a license in certain circumstances and may delay
renewals while permitting a licensee to continue operating. Although we have received such renewals and approvals in
the past or have been permitted to continue operations when renewal is delayed, there can be no assurance that this
will be the case in the future.
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• Television and radio station ownership limits. The FCC imposes limitations on the number of television stations and
radio stations we can own in a specific market, on the combined number of television and radio stations we can own in
a single market and on the aggregate percentage of the national audience that can be reached by television stations we
own. Currently:
FCC regulations may restrict our ability to own more than one television station in a market, depending on the size
and nature of the market. We do not own more than one television station in any market.
Federal statutes permit our television stations in the aggregate to reach a maximum of 39% of the national
audience The FCC recently changed how it treats UHF television stations for purposes of determining compliance
with the 39% cap and pursuant to the FCC’s revised rules, our eight stations reach approximately 23% of the
national audience.
FCC regulations in some cases impose restrictions on our ability to acquire additional radio or television stations
in the markets in which we own radio stations, but we do not believe any such limitations are material to our
current operating plans.
• Dual networks. FCC rules currently prohibit any of the four major broadcast television networks — ABC, CBS, Fox
and NBC — from being under common ownership or control.
• Regulation of programming. The FCC regulates broadcast programming by, among other things, banning “indecent”
programming, regulating political advertising and imposing commercial time limits during children’s programming.
Penalties for broadcasting indecent programming can range up to $350,000 per indecent utterance or image per
station.
Federal legislation and FCC rules also limit the amount of commercial matter that may be shown on broadcast or cable
channels during programming designed for children 12 years of age and younger. In addition, broadcast channels are
generally required to provide a minimum of three hours per week of programming that has as a “significant purpose”
meeting the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and younger. FCC rules also give
television station owners the right to reject or refuse network programming in certain circumstances or to substitute
programming that the licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.
• Cable and satellite carriage of broadcast television stations. With respect to cable systems operating within a
television station’s Designated Market Area, FCC rules require that every three years each television station elect
either “must carry” status, pursuant to which cable operators generally must carry a local television station in the
station’s market, or “retransmission consent” status, pursuant to which the cable operator must negotiate with the
television station to obtain the consent of the television station prior to carrying its signal. Under the Satellite Home
Viewer Improvement Act and its successors, including most recently the STELA Reauthorization Act (STELAR),
which also requires the “must carry” or “retransmission consent” election, satellite carriers are permitted to retransmit
a local television station’s signal into its local market with the consent of the local television station. The ABC owned
television stations have historically elected retransmission consent. Portions of these satellite laws are set to expire on
December 31, 2019.
• Cable and satellite carriage of programming. The Communications Act and FCC rules regulate some aspects of
negotiations regarding cable and satellite retransmission consent, and some cable and satellite companies have sought
regulation of additional aspects of the carriage of programming on cable and satellite systems. New legislation, court
action or regulation in this area could have an impact on the Company’s operations.
The foregoing is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act, other legislation and specific FCC
rules and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, other legislation, FCC rules and public notices and
rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of the FCC’s regulatory authority.
FCC laws and regulations are subject to change, and the Company generally cannot predict whether new legislation,
court action or regulations, or a change in the extent of application or enforcement of current laws and regulations, would have
an adverse impact on our operations.
PARKS AND RESORTS
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; the Disneyland Resort in California; Aulani, a
Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii; the Disney Vacation Club; the Disney Cruise Line; and Adventures by Disney. The Company
manages and has effective ownership interests of 81% in Disneyland Paris, 47% in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and 43% in
Shanghai Disney Resort, each of which is consolidated in our financial statements. The Company also licenses our intellectual
property to a third party to operate the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs
and develops new theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
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The businesses in the Parks and Resorts segment generate revenues from the sale of admissions to theme parks, sales of
food, beverage and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise and other vacation packages and sales, as
well as rentals of vacation club properties. Revenues are also generated from sponsorships and co-branding opportunities, real
estate rent and sales, and royalties from Tokyo Disney Resort. Significant costs include labor, infrastructure costs, depreciation,
costs of merchandise, food and beverage sold, marketing and sales expense and cost of vacation club units. Infrastructure costs
include information systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities and fuel, property taxes, insurance and transportation.
Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Resort is located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, on approximately 25,000 acres of land.
The resort includes theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom);
hotels; vacation club properties; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; a sports complex; conference centers;
campgrounds; golf courses; water parks; and other recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.
The Walt Disney World Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and
promotional activities. A number of attractions and restaurants in each of the theme parks are sponsored or operated by other
corporations through multi-year agreements.
Magic Kingdom — The Magic Kingdom consists of six themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Liberty Square, Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. Each land provides a unique guest experience featuring themed
attractions, live Disney character interactions, restaurants, refreshment areas and merchandise shops. Additionally, there are
daily parades and a nighttime fireworks extravaganza, Wishes.
Epcot — Epcot consists of two major themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World dramatizes certain
historical developments and addresses the challenges facing the world today through pavilions devoted to showcasing science
and technology innovations, communication, energy, transportation, use of imagination, nature and food production, the ocean
environment and space. World Showcase presents a community of nations focusing on the culture, traditions and
accomplishments of people around the world. Countries represented with pavilions include Canada, China, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Both areas feature themed attractions,
restaurants and merchandise shops. Epcot also features Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, a nighttime entertainment
spectacular.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney’s Hollywood Studios consists of seven themed areas: Animation Courtyard,
Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard, Muppets Courtyard, Pixar Place and Sunset Boulevard. The areas
provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action through various shows and attractions and offer themed food
service and merchandise facilities. The park also features Fantasmic!, a nighttime entertainment spectacular, and Star Wars: A
Galactic Spectacular. In 2016, the Company began construction on two new themed areas based on the Star Wars and Toy
Story franchises.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney’s Animal Kingdom consists of a 145-foot tall Tree of Life centerpiece surrounded
by six themed areas: Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., Discovery Island, Oasis and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Each themed area
contains attractions, entertainment, restaurants and merchandise shops. The park features more than 300 species of mammals,
birds, reptiles and amphibians and 3,000 varieties of vegetation. The Company has a long-term agreement for the exclusive
global theme park rights to build AVATAR-themed lands and plans to open Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom in summer 2017.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — As of October 1, 2016, the Company owned and operated 18 resort hotels at the
Walt Disney World Resort, with approximately 23,000 rooms and 3,000 vacation club units. Resort facilities include 468,000
square feet of conference meeting space and Disney’s Fort Wilderness camping and recreational area, which offers
approximately 800 campsites.
The Walt Disney World Resort also hosts Disney Springs, a 127-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex, consisting
of four areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side. The areas are home to more than 150 venues including
the 51,000-square-foot World of Disney retail store. Most of the Disney Springs facilities are operated by third parties that pay
rent to the Company.
Nine independently-operated hotels with approximately 6,000 rooms are situated on property leased from the Company.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a 230-acre center that hosts professional caliber training and competitions,
festival and tournament events and interactive sports activities. The complex, which welcomes both amateur and professional
athletes, accommodates multiple sporting events, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis and track and
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field. It also includes a 9,500-seat stadium. The Company plans to build an 8,000-seat indoor sports venue that will host cheer,
dance, basketball and volleyball competitions.
Other recreational amenities and activities available at the Walt Disney World Resort include three championship golf
courses, miniature golf courses, full-service spas, tennis, sailing, water skiing, swimming, horseback riding and a number of
other noncompetitive sports and leisure time activities. The resort also includes two water parks: Disney’s Blizzard Beach and
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Disneyland Resort
The Company owns 486 acres and has the rights under long-term lease for use of an additional 55 acres of land in
Anaheim, California. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three
resort hotels and Downtown Disney, a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
The Disneyland Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and promotional
activities. A number of the attractions and restaurants in the theme parks are sponsored or operated by other corporations
through multi-year agreements.
Disneyland — Disneyland consists of eight themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Main Street USA, Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disneyland offers daily parades, a nighttime fireworks
extravaganza and a nighttime entertainment spectacular, Fantasmic!. In 2016, the Company began construction on a new Star
Wars-themed area at Disneyland.
Disney California Adventure — Disney California Adventure is adjacent to Disneyland and includes seven themed
areas: Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier and “a bug’s land”. These
areas include attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disney California
Adventure offers a nighttime water spectacular, World of Color.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — Disneyland Resort includes three Company-owned and operated hotels with
approximately 2,400 rooms, 50 vacation club units and 180,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The Company plans
to build a new 6,800-space parking garage scheduled to open in late 2018.
Downtown Disney, a themed 15-acre, retail, entertainment and dining outdoor complex with approximately 30 venues, is
located adjacent to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Most of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by
third parties that pay rent to the Company.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is a Company operated family resort on a 21-acre oceanfront property on Oahu, Hawaii
featuring 351 hotel rooms, an 18,000-square-foot spa and 12,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The resort also has
481 Disney Vacation Club units.
Disneyland Paris
The Company has an 81% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, which is located on a 5,510-acre
development in Marne-la-Vallée, approximately 20 miles east of Paris, France. The land is being developed by Disneyland
Paris pursuant to a master agreement with French governmental authorities. The Company manages and has a 77% equity
interest in Euro Disney S.C.A., a publicly-traded French entity that is the holding company for Euro Disney Associés S.C.A.,
the primary operating company of Disneyland Paris. The Company also has a direct 18% ownership interest in Euro Disney
Associés S.C.A. Disneyland Paris includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed
resort hotels; two convention centers; a shopping, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Village); and a 27-hole golf
facility. Of the 5,510 acres comprising the site, approximately half have been developed to date, including, a planned
community development, Val d’Europe. An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company is responsible for managing
Disneyland Paris and charges royalties and management fees based on the operating performance of the resort. The Company
has waived payment of royalties and management fees for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 through the third quarter of fiscal
2018.
Disneyland Park — Disneyland Park consists of five themed areas: Adventureland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland,
Frontierland and Main Street USA. These areas include themed attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and
refreshment stands. Disneyland Park also features a daily parade and a nighttime entertainment spectacular, Disney Dreams!.
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Walt Disney Studios Park — Walt Disney Studios Park takes guests into the worlds of cinema, animation and television
and includes four themed areas: Backlot, Front Lot, Production Courtyard and Toon Studio. These areas each include themed
attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands.
Hotels and Other Facilities — Disneyland Paris operates seven resort hotels, with approximately 5,800 rooms and
210,000 square feet of conference meeting space. In addition, several on-site hotels that are owned and operated by third parties
provide approximately 2,700 rooms.
Disney Village is a 500,000-square-foot retail, dining and entertainment complex located between the theme parks and
the hotels. A number of the Disney Village facilities are operated by third parties and pay rent to Disneyland Paris.
Val d’Europe is a planned community near Disneyland Paris that is being developed in phases. Val d’Europe currently
includes a regional train station, hotels and a town center consisting of a shopping center as well as office, commercial and
residential space. Third parties operate these developments on land leased or purchased from Disneyland Paris.
Disneyland Paris along with 50% joint venture partner, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs, is developing Villages Nature, a
European eco-tourism destination adjacent to the resort, which is targeted to open in 2017.
Disneyland Paris Recapitalization — During calendar 2015, Disneyland Paris completed a €1.0 billion recapitalization
through a €0.4 billion equity rights offering and the conversion of €0.6 billion of loans from the Company into equity. The
recapitalization process was finalized in November 2015, and the Company’s effective ownership interest increased from 51%
to 81% (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
As of October 1, 2016, Disneyland Paris had €1.1 billion of loans payable to the Company.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The Company owns a 47% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Hongkong International Theme Parks
Limited, an entity in which the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) owns a 53% majority
interest. The resort is located on 310 acres on Lantau Island and is in close proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes one theme park and two themed resort hotels. A separate Hong Kong subsidiary of the
Company is responsible for managing Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The Company is entitled to receive royalties and
management fees based on the operating performance of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Hong Kong Disneyland — Hong Kong Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Grizzly
Gulch, Main Street USA, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks
extravaganza, Disney in the Stars. A new themed area based on Marvel’s Iron Man franchise is expected to open in early
calendar 2017.
Hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes two themed hotels with a total of 1,000 rooms. A third hotel with 750
rooms is under construction and expected to open in 2017.
Shanghai Disney Resort
The Company owns a 43% interest in Shanghai Disney Resort, which opened in June 2016. Shanghai Shendi (Group)
Co., Ltd (Shendi), owns a 57% interest. The resort is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai on approximately 1,000 acres
of land, which includes the Shanghai Disneyland theme park; two themed resort hotels; a retail, dining and entertainment
complex; and an outdoor recreation area. A management company, in which the Company has a 70% interest and Shendi has a
30% interest, is responsible for operating the resort and receives a management fee based on the operating performance of
Shanghai Disney Resort. The Company is also entitled to royalties based on the resort’s revenues.
The investment in the resort is funded in accordance with each shareholder’s equity ownership percentage, with
approximately 67% from equity contributions and 33% from shareholder loans. As of October 1, 2016, the Company and
Shendi have provided loans to Shanghai Disney Resort of $757 million and 6.4 billion yuan ($964 million), respectively.
Shanghai Disneyland — Shanghai Disneyland consists of six themed areas: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of
Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland and Treasure Cove. These areas feature themed attractions, shows, restaurants,
merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks spectacular, Ignite
the Dream. Construction has begun on a seventh themed area based on the Toy Story franchise, and we expect this new area to
open in 2018.
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Hotels and Other Facilities – Shanghai Disneyland Resort includes two themed hotels with a total of 1,220 rooms.
Disneytown is an 11-acre outdoor complex of dining, shopping and entertainment venues and is located adjacent to Shanghai
Disneyland. Most Disneytown facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent to Shanghai Disney Resort.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort is located on 494 acres of land, six miles east of downtown Tokyo, Japan. The resort includes two
theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea); four Disney-branded hotels; six independently operated hotels;
Ikspiari, a retail, dining and entertainment complex; and Bon Voyage, a Disney-themed merchandise location.
The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is owned and operated by
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), a Japanese corporation in which the Company has no equity interest.
Tokyo Disneyland — Tokyo Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland,
Tomorrowland, Toontown, Westernland and World Bazaar.
Tokyo DisneySea — Tokyo DisneySea, adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland, is divided into seven “ports of call,” including
American Waterfront, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mediterranean Harbor, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island and Port
Discovery.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — Tokyo Disney Resort includes four Disney-branded hotels with a total of more
than 2,400 rooms and a monorail, which links the theme parks and resort hotels with Ikspiari.
OLC has announced multi-year development plans for Tokyo Disney Resort, which include the expansion of Fantasyland
at Tokyo Disneyland.
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers ownership interests in 13 resort facilities located at the Walt Disney World Resort;
Disneyland Resort; Aulani; Vero Beach, Florida; and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Available units at each facility are
offered for sale under a vacation ownership plan and are operated as hotel rooms when not occupied by vacation club members.
The Company’s vacation club units consist of a mix of units ranging from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. Unit
counts in this document are presented in terms of two-bedroom equivalents. DVC had approximately 3,800 vacation club units
as of October 1, 2016. The Company is currently constructing its 14th vacation club property, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is a four-ship vacation cruise line, which operates out of ports in North America and Europe. The
Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are approximately 85,000-ton 877-stateroom ships, and the Disney Dream and the Disney
Fantasy are 130,000-ton 1,250-stateroom ships. The ships cater to families, children, teenagers and adults, with distinctly-
themed areas and activities for each group. Many cruise vacations include a visit to Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre
private Bahamian island. The Company is expanding its cruise business by adding two new ships, one to be delivered in
calendar 2021 and the other in 2023. The new ships will be 135,000 tons with 1,250 staterooms.
Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney offers all-inclusive guided vacation tour packages predominantly at non-Disney sites around the
world. The Company offered 33 different tour packages during 2016.
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering provides master planning, real estate development, attraction, entertainment and show design,
engineering support, production support, project management and other development services, including research and
development for the Company’s Parks and Resorts operations.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s theme parks and resorts as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club compete with other
forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. The profitability of the leisure-time industry may be
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influenced by various factors that are not directly controllable, such as economic conditions including business cycle and
exchange rate fluctuations, travel industry trends, amount of available leisure time, oil and transportation prices, weather
patterns and natural disasters.
All of the theme parks and the associated resort facilities are operated on a year-round basis. Typically, theme park
attendance and resort occupancy fluctuate based on the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities. Peak attendance
and resort occupancy generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and
spring-holiday periods.
STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT
The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video
content, musical recordings and live stage plays.
The businesses in the Studio Entertainment segment generate revenue from distribution of films in the theatrical, home
entertainment and television markets, stage play ticket sales, distribution of recorded music and licensing of Company
intellectual property for use in live entertainment productions. Significant operating expenses include film cost amortization,
which consists of production cost and participations and residuals expense amortization, distribution expenses and costs of
sales.
The Company distributes films primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Touchstone
banners.
In August 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with DreamWorks Studios (DreamWorks) to distribute live-
action motion pictures produced by DreamWorks for seven years under the Touchstone Pictures banner for which the Company
received a distribution fee. In fiscal 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to end the 2009 distribution agreement and
acquired all rights, titles, and interests in thirteen previously released DreamWorks films. In exchange, the Company forgave
loans and terminated financing previously available to DreamWorks. The Company distributed three DreamWorks films in
fiscal 2016.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to produce and
distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Under the
licensing arrangements, the third-party studios incur the costs to produce and distribute the films and the Company retains the
merchandise licensing rights. Under the licensing arrangement for Spider-Man, the Company pays the third-party studio a
licensing fee based on each film’s box office receipts, subject to specified limits. Under the licensing arrangements for The
Fantastic Four and X-Men, the third-party studio pays the Company a licensing fee, and the third-party studio receives a share
of the Company’s merchandise revenue on these properties. The Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the
exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by a third-party studio.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, Lucasfilm produced six Star Wars films (Episodes 1 through 6).
Lucasfilm retained the rights to consumer products related to all of those films and the rights related to television and electronic
distribution formats for all of those films, with the exception of the rights for Episode 4, which are owned by a third-party
studio. All of those films are distributed by a third-party studio in the theatrical and home entertainment markets. The theatrical
and home entertainment distribution rights for these films revert back to Lucasfilm in May 2020 with the exception of Episode
4, for which these distribution rights are retained in perpetuity by the third-party studio.
Lucasfilm also includes Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, which provide visual and audio effects and other
post-production services to the Company and third-party producers.
Theatrical Market
We produce and distribute both live-action films and full-length animated films. In the domestic theatrical market, we
generally distribute and market our filmed products directly. In most major international markets, we distribute our filmed
products directly while in other markets our films are distributed by independent distribution companies or joint ventures.
During fiscal 2017, we expect to release eight of our own produced feature films. Cumulatively through October 1, 2016 the
Company has released domestically approximately 1,000 full-length live-action features and 100 full-length animated features.
The Company incurs significant marketing and advertising costs before and throughout the theatrical release of a film in
an effort to generate public awareness of the film, to increase the public’s intent to view the film and to help generate consumer
interest in the subsequent home entertainment and other ancillary markets. These costs are expensed as incurred. Therefore, we
may incur a loss on a film in the theatrical markets, including in periods prior to the theatrical release of the film.
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Home Entertainment Market
In the domestic market, we distribute home entertainment releases directly under each of our motion picture banners. In
international markets, we distribute home entertainment releases under our motion picture banners both directly and through
independent distribution companies. We also produce original content domestically and acquire content internationally for
direct-to-video release.
Domestic and international home entertainment distribution typically starts three to six months after the theatrical release
in each market. Home entertainment releases are distributed in physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and electronic formats. Electronic
formats may be released up to four weeks ahead of the physical release. Physical formats are generally sold to retailers, such as
Wal-Mart and Target and electronic formats are sold through e-tailers, such as Apple and Amazon. Titles are also sold to
physical rental services, such as Netflix. However, distribution by physical rental services may be delayed up to 28 days after
the start of home entertainment distribution.
As of October 1, 2016, we had approximately 1,400 active produced and acquired titles, including 1,000 live-action titles
and 400 animated titles, in the domestic home entertainment marketplace and approximately 2,200 active produced and
acquired titles, including 1,600 live-action titles and 600 animated titles, in the international marketplace.
Television Market
In the television market, we license our films to cable and broadcast networks, television stations and other service
providers, which may provide the content to viewers on televisions or a variety of internet-connected devices.
Video-on-Demand (VOD) — Concurrently with physical home entertainment distribution, we license titles to VOD
service providers for electronic delivery to consumers for a specified rental period.
Pay Television (Pay 1) — In the U.S., there are two or three pay television windows. The first window is generally
eighteen months in duration and follows the VOD window. The Company has licensed exclusive domestic pay television rights
to Netflix, which operates a subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, for all films released theatrically during calendar
years 2016 through 2018, with the exception of DreamWorks films. Most films released theatrically prior to calendar year 2016
have been licensed to the Starz pay television service. DreamWorks titles that are distributed by the Company are licensed to
Showtime under a separate agreement.
Free Television (Free 1) — The Pay 1 window is followed by a television window that may last up to 84 months.
Motion pictures are usually sold in the Free 1 window to basic cable networks.
Pay Television 2 (Pay 2) and Free Television 2 (Free 2) — In the U.S., Free 1 is generally followed by a twelve-month
to nineteen-month Pay 2 window under our license arrangements with Netflix, Starz and Showtime. The Pay 2 window is
followed by a Free 2 window, whereby films are licensed to basic cable networks, SVOD services and to television station
groups.
Pay Television 3 (Pay 3) and Free Television 3 (Free 3) — In the U.S., Free 2 is sometimes followed by a seven-month
Pay 3 window, and then by a Free 3 window. In the Free 3 window, films are licensed to basic cable networks, SVOD services
and to television station groups.
International Television — The Company also licenses its films outside of the U.S. The typical windowing sequence is
consistent with the domestic cycle such that titles premiere on VOD services and then on pay TV or SVOD services before
airing in free TV. Windowing strategies are developed in response to local market practices and conditions, and the exact
sequence and length of each window can vary country by country.
Disney Music Group
The Disney Music Group (DMG) commissions new music for the Company’s motion pictures and television programs
and develops, produces, markets and distributes recorded music worldwide either directly or through license agreements. DMG
also licenses the songs and recording copyrights to others for printed music, records, audio-visual devices, public performances
and digital distribution and produces live musical concerts. DMG includes Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records, Disney
Music Publishing and Buena Vista Concerts.
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Disney Theatrical Group
Disney Theatrical Group develops, produces and licenses live entertainment events on Broadway and around the world,
including The Lion King, Aladdin, Newsies, Mary Poppins (a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Beauty and the
Beast, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida, TARZAN® and The Little Mermaid.
Disney Theatrical Group also licenses the Company’s intellectual property to Feld Entertainment, the producer of Disney
On Ice and Marvel Universe Live!.
Competition and Seasonality
The Studio Entertainment businesses compete with all forms of entertainment. A significant number of companies
produce and/or distribute theatrical and television films, exploit products in the home entertainment market, provide pay
television and SVOD programming services, produce music and sponsor live theater. We also compete to obtain creative and
performing talents, story properties, advertiser support and broadcast rights that are essential to the success of our Studio
Entertainment businesses.
The success of Studio Entertainment operations is heavily dependent upon public taste and preferences. In addition,
Studio Entertainment operating results fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the theatrical, home
entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including competition and the timing of
vacation and holiday periods.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS & INTERACTIVE MEDIA
The Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment licenses the Company’s trade names, characters and visual and
literary properties to various manufacturers, game developers, publishers and retailers throughout the world. We also develop
and publish games, primarily for mobile platforms, and books, magazines and comic books. The segment also distributes
branded merchandise directly through retail, online and wholesale businesses. These activities are performed through our
Merchandise Licensing, Retail, Games and Publishing businesses. In addition, the segment’s operations include website
management and design, primarily for other Company businesses, and the development and distribution of online video
content.
The Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment generates revenue primarily from:
• licensing characters and content from our film, television and other properties to third parties for use on consumer
merchandise, published materials and in multi-platform games;
• selling merchandise through our retail stores, internet shopping sites and wholesale business;
• sales of games through app distributors and online and through consumers’ in-game purchases;
• wholesale sales of self-published children’s books and magazines and comic books;
• charging tuition at English language learning centers in China; and
• advertising through the distribution of online video content.
Significant costs include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail occupancy costs,
product development and marketing.
Merchandise Licensing
The Company’s merchandise licensing operations cover a diverse range of product categories, the most significant of
which are: toys, apparel, home décor and furnishings, accessories, stationery, food, health and beauty, footwear and consumer
electronics. The Company licenses characters from its film, television and other properties for use on third-party products in
these categories and earns royalties, which are usually based on a fixed percentage of the wholesale or retail selling price of the
products. Some of the major properties licensed by the Company include: Star Wars, Mickey and Minnie, Frozen, Avengers,
Disney Princess, Disney Channel characters, Spider-Man, Cars, Finding Dory/Finding Nemo, Winnie the Pooh and Disney
Classics.
Retail
The Company markets Disney-, Marvel- and Lucasfilm-themed products through retail stores operated under the Disney
Store name and through internet sites in North America (DisneyStore.com and MarvelStore.com), Western Europe, Japan and
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China. The stores are generally located in leading shopping malls and other retail complexes. The Company currently owns and
operates 223 stores in North America, 78 stores in Europe, 48 stores in Japan and one store in China. The Company also offers
retailers merchandise under wholesale arrangements.
Games
The Company licenses properties to third-party game developers. We also develop and publish games, primarily for play
on internet-connected devices, and which are available to consumers to download from third-party distributors or play online.
Publishing
The Company creates, distributes, licenses and publishes children’s books, comic books and graphic novel collections of
comic books, magazine and learning products in print and digital formats, and storytelling apps in multiple countries and
languages based on the Company’s branded franchises. Disney English develops and delivers an English language learning
curriculum for Chinese children using Disney content in 27 learning centers in eight cities across China.
Other Content
The Company’s operations include Maker Studios, a leading network and developer of online video content distributed
primarily on YouTube and other digital platforms. Revenues and costs generated by Maker Studios have been allocated
primarily to the Media Networks and Studio Entertainment segments. The Company also licenses Disney properties and
content to mobile phone carriers in Japan. In addition, the Company develops, publishes and distributes interactive family
content through Disney.com, Disney on YouTube, Babble.com and various Disney-branded apps.
Competition and Seasonality
The Consumer Products & Interactive Media businesses compete with other licensors, retailers and publishers of
character, brand and celebrity names, as well as other licensors, publishers and developers of game software, online video
content, internet websites, other types of home entertainment and retailers of toys and kids merchandise. Operating results are
influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, consumer preferences, levels of marketing and promotion and by the
timing and performance of theatrical and game releases and cable programming broadcasts.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
The Company’s businesses throughout the world are affected by its ability to exploit and protect against infringement of
its intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Important intellectual
property includes rights in the content of motion pictures, television programs, electronic games, sound recordings, character
likenesses, theme park attractions, books and magazines. Risks related to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property
rights are set forth in Item 1A – Risk Factors.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports are available without charge on our website, www.disney.com/investors, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are
filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We are providing the address to our internet site
solely for the information of investors. We do not intend the address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents
of the website into this report.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
For an enterprise as large and complex as the Company, a wide range of factors could materially affect future
developments and performance. In addition to the factors affecting specific business operations identified in connection with
the description of these operations and the financial results of these operations elsewhere in this report, the most significant
factors affecting our operations include the following:
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 19 1/10/17 11:12 PM
16
Changes in U.S., global, or regional economic conditions could have an adverse effect on the profitability of some or all
of our businesses.
A decline in economic activity in the U.S. and other regions of the world in which we do business can adversely affect
demand for any of our businesses, thus reducing our revenue and earnings. Past declines in economic conditions reduced
spending at our parks and resorts, purchase of and prices for advertising on our broadcast and cable networks and owned
stations, performance of our home entertainment releases, and purchases of Company-branded consumer products, and similar
impacts can be expected should such conditions recur. A decline in economic conditions could also reduce attendance at our
parks and resorts, prices that MVPDs pay for our cable programming or subscription levels for our cable programming. Recent
instability in non-U.S. economies has had some of these and similar impacts on some of our domestic and overseas operations.
Economic conditions can also impair the ability of those with whom we do business to satisfy their obligations to us. In
addition, an increase in price levels generally, or in price levels in a particular sector such as the energy sector, could result in a
shift in consumer demand away from the entertainment and consumer products we offer, which could also adversely affect our
revenues and, at the same time, increase our costs. Changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies may reduce international
demand for our products or increase our labor or supply costs in non-U.S. markets, and recent changes have reduced the U.S.
dollar value of revenue we receive and expect to receive from other markets. Economic or political conditions in a country
could also reduce our ability to hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from
the country.
Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences for entertainment and consumer products could reduce demand
for our entertainment offerings and products and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
Our businesses create entertainment, travel and consumer products whose success depends substantially on consumer
tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to
consistently create and distribute filmed entertainment, broadcast and cable programming, online material, electronic games,
theme park attractions, hotels and other resort facilities and travel experiences and consumer products that meet the changing
preferences of the broad consumer market and respond to competition from an expanding array of choices facilitated by
technological developments in the delivery of content. Many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our
offerings and products by consumers outside the U.S., and their success therefore depends on our ability to successfully predict
and adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences outside as well as inside the U.S. Moreover, we must often invest
substantial amounts in film production, broadcast and cable programming, electronic games, theme park attractions, cruise
ships or hotels and other resort facilities before we learn the extent to which these products will earn consumer acceptance. If
our entertainment offerings and products do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, our revenue from advertising sales
(which are based in part on ratings for the programs in which advertisements air) or subscription fees for broadcast and cable
programming and online services, from theatrical film receipts or home entertainment or electronic game sales, from theme
park admissions, hotel room charges and merchandise, food and beverage sales, from sales of licensed consumer products or
from sales of our other consumer products and services may decline or fail to grow to the extent we anticipate when making
investment decisions and thereby adversely affect the profitability of one or more of our businesses.
Changes in technology and in consumer consumption patterns may affect demand for our entertainment products, the
revenue we can generate from these products or the cost of producing or distributing products.
The media entertainment and internet businesses in which we participate increasingly depend on our ability to
successfully adapt to shifting patterns of content consumption through the adoption and exploitation of new technologies. New
technologies affect the demand for our products, the manner in which our products are distributed to consumers, the sources
and nature of competing content offerings, the time and manner in which consumers acquire and view some of our
entertainment products and the options available to advertisers for reaching their desired audiences. This trend has impacted the
business model for certain traditional forms of distribution, as evidenced by the industry-wide decline in ratings for broadcast
television, the reduction in demand for home entertainment sales of theatrical content, the development of alternative
distribution channels for broadcast and cable programming and declines in subscriber levels across the industry, including for a
number of our networks. In order to respond to these developments, we regularly consider and from time to time implement
changes to our business models and there can be no assurance that we will successfully respond to these changes, that we will
not experience disruption as we respond to the changes, or that the business models we develop will be as profitable as our
current business models. As a result, the income from our entertainment offerings may decline or increase at slower rates than
our historical experience or our expectations when we make investments in products.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 20 1/10/17 11:12 PM
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The success of our businesses is highly dependent on the existence and maintenance of intellectual property rights in the
entertainment products and services we create.
The value to us of our intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of our rights as defined by
applicable laws in the U.S. and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or
interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of our rights, or if existing laws are changed, our ability to generate revenue
from our intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may increase.
The unauthorized use of our intellectual property may increase the cost of protecting rights in our intellectual property or
reduce our revenues. New technologies such as the convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, the
falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies, increased broadband internet speed and penetration and increased
availability and speed of mobile data transmission have made the unauthorized digital copying and distribution of our films,
television productions and other creative works easier and faster and enforcement of intellectual property rights more
challenging. The unauthorized use of intellectual property in the entertainment industry generally continues to be a significant
challenge for intellectual property rights holders. Inadequate laws or weak enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual
property in one country can adversely affect the results of the Company’s operations worldwide, despite the Company’s efforts
to protect its intellectual property rights. These developments require us to devote substantial resources to protecting our
intellectual property against unlicensed use and present the risk of increased losses of revenue as a result of unlicensed
distribution of our content.
With respect to intellectual property developed by the Company and rights acquired by the Company from others, the
Company is subject to the risk of challenges to our copyright, trademark and patent rights by third parties. Successful
challenges to our rights in intellectual property may result in increased costs for obtaining rights or the loss of the opportunity
to earn revenue from the intellectual property that is the subject of challenged rights.
Protection of electronically stored data is costly and if our data is compromised in spite of this protection, we may incur
additional costs, lost opportunities and damage to our reputation.
We maintain information necessary to conduct our business, including confidential and proprietary information as well as
personal information regarding our customers and employees, in digital form. Data maintained in digital form is subject to the
risk of intrusion, tampering and theft. We develop and maintain systems in an effort to prevent intrusion, tampering and theft,
but the development and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies
change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. Accordingly, despite our efforts, the possibility
of intrusion, tampering and theft cannot be eliminated entirely, and risks associated with each of these remain. In addition, we
provide confidential, proprietary and personal information to third parties when it is necessary to pursue business objectives.
While we obtain assurances that these third parties will protect this information and, where we believe appropriate, monitor the
protections employed by these third parties, there is a risk the confidentiality of data held by third parties may be compromised.
If our data systems are compromised, our ability to conduct our business may be impaired, we may lose profitable opportunities
or the value of those opportunities may be diminished and, as described above, we may lose revenue as a result of unlicensed
use of our intellectual property. If personal information of our customers or employees is misappropriated, our reputation with
our customers and employees may be injured resulting in loss of business or morale, and we may incur costs to remediate
possible injury to our customers and employees or to pay fines or take other action with respect to judicial or regulatory actions
arising out of the incident.
A variety of uncontrollable events may reduce demand for our products and services, impair our ability to provide our
products and services or increase the cost of providing our products and services.
Demand for our products and services, particularly our theme parks and resorts, is highly dependent on the general
environment for travel and tourism. The environment for travel and tourism, as well as demand for other entertainment
products, can be significantly adversely affected in the U.S., globally or in specific regions as a result of a variety of factors
beyond our control, including: adverse weather conditions arising from short-term weather patterns or long-term change,
catastrophic events or natural disasters (such as excessive heat or rain, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes);
health concerns; international, political or military developments; and terrorist attacks. These events and others, such as
fluctuations in travel and energy costs and computer virus attacks, intrusions or other widespread computing or
telecommunications failures, may also damage our ability to provide our products and services or to obtain insurance coverage
with respect to these events. In addition, we derive royalties from the sales of our licensed goods and services by third parties
and the management of businesses operated under brands licensed from the Company, and we are therefore dependent on the
successes of those third parties for that portion of our revenue. A wide variety of factors could influence the success of those
third parties and if negative factors significantly impacted a sufficient number of our licensees, the profitability of one or more
of our businesses could be adversely affected. We obtain insurance against the risk of losses relating to some of these events,
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 21 1/10/17 11:12 PM
18
generally including physical damage to our property and resulting business interruption, certain injuries occurring on our
property and some liabilities for alleged breach of legal responsibilities. When insurance is obtained it is subject to deductibles,
exclusions, terms, conditions and limits of liability. The types and levels of coverage we obtain vary from time to time
depending on our view of the likelihood of specific types and levels of loss in relation to the cost of obtaining coverage for such
types and levels of loss.
Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the
profitability of our businesses.
As changes in our business environment occur we may adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may
otherwise decide to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. In addition, external events including changing
technology, changing consumer patterns, acceptance of our theatrical offerings and changes in macroeconomic conditions may
impair the value of our assets. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and
may need to write down the value of assets. We also make investments in existing or new businesses, including investments in
international expansion of our business and in new business lines. In recent years, such investments have included expansion
and renovation of certain of our theme park attractions and investment in Shanghai Disney Resort. Some of these investments
may have short-term returns that are negative or low and the ultimate business prospects of the businesses may be uncertain. In
any of these events, our costs may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or
returns on new investments may be lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring.
Turmoil in the financial markets could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of
financing our operations and investments.
Past disruptions in the U.S. and global credit and equity markets made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing
on acceptable terms. These conditions tended to increase the cost of borrowing and if they recur, our cost of borrowing could
increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations or investments. In addition, our borrowing costs can
be affected by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies that are based, in part, on the
Company’s performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings
would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. Past disruptions in the
global financial markets also impacted some of the financial institutions with which we do business. A similar decline in the
financial stability of financial institutions could affect our ability to secure credit-worthy counterparties for our interest rate and
foreign currency hedging programs, could affect our ability to settle existing contracts and could also affect the ability of our
business customers to obtain financing and thereby to satisfy their obligations to us.
Increased competitive pressures may reduce our revenues or increase our costs.
We face substantial competition in each of our businesses from alternative providers of the products and services we offer
and from other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. We also must compete to obtain human
resources, programming and other resources we require in operating our business. For example:
• Our broadcast and cable networks, stations and online offerings compete for viewers with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services as well as with home entertainment products, new sources of broadband and mobile delivered content
and internet usage.
• Our broadcast and cable networks and stations compete for the sale of advertising time with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services, and internet and mobile delivered content, as well as with newspapers, magazines, billboards and
radio stations.
• Our cable networks compete for carriage of their programming with other programming providers.
• Our studio operations, broadcast and cable networks compete to obtain creative and performing talent, sports and other
programming, story properties, advertiser support and market share with other studio operations, broadcast and cable
networks and new sources of broadband delivered content.
• Our theme parks and resorts compete for guests with all other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreation
activities.
• Our studio operations compete for customers with all other forms of entertainment.
• Our Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment competes with other licensors, publishers and retailers of
character, brand and celebrity names.
• Our interactive media operations compete with other licensors and publishers of console, online and mobile games and
other types of home entertainment.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 22 1/10/17 11:12 PM
19
Competition in each of these areas may increase as a result of technological developments and changes in market
structure, including consolidation of suppliers of resources and distribution channels. Increased competition may divert
consumers from our creative or other products, or to other products or other forms of entertainment, which could reduce our
revenue or increase our marketing costs. Such competition may also reduce, or limit growth in, prices for our products and
services, including advertising rates and subscription fees at our media networks, parks and resorts admissions and room rates,
and prices for consumer products from which we derive license revenues. Competition for the acquisition of resources can
increase the cost of producing our products and services.
Sustained increases in costs of pension and postretirement medical and other employee health and welfare benefits may
reduce our profitability.
With approximately 195,000 employees, our profitability is substantially affected by costs of pension benefits and current
and postretirement medical benefits. We may experience significant increases in these costs as a result of macro-economic
factors, which are beyond our control, including increases in the cost of health care. In addition, changes in investment returns
and discount rates used to calculate pension expense and related assets and liabilities can be volatile and may have an
unfavorable impact on our costs in some years. These macroeconomic factors as well as a decline in the fair value of pension
and postretirement medical plan assets may put upward pressure on the cost of providing pension and postretirement medical
benefits and may increase future funding requirements. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs,
there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the
profitability of our businesses.
Our results may be adversely affected if long-term programming or carriage contracts are not renewed on sufficiently
favorable terms.
We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and the distribution of media programming and products,
including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sporting events and other programs, and contracts for the
distribution of our programming to content distributors. As these contracts expire, we must renew or renegotiate the contracts,
and if we are unable to renew them on acceptable terms, we may lose programming rights or distribution rights. Even if these
contracts are renewed, the cost of obtaining programming rights may increase (or increase at faster rates than our historical
experience) or programming distributors, facing pressures resulting from increased subscription fees and alternative
distribution challenges, may demand terms (including pricing and the breadth of distribution) that reduce our revenue from
distribution of programs (or increase revenue at slower rates than our historical experience). Moreover, our ability to renew
these contracts on favorable terms may be affected by recent consolidation in the market for program distribution. With respect
to the acquisition of programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, the impact of these long-term contracts on our
results over the term of the contracts depends on a number of factors, including the strength of advertising markets,
subscription levels and rates for programming, effectiveness of marketing efforts and the size of viewer audiences. There can
be no assurance that revenues from programming based on these rights will exceed the cost of the rights plus the other costs of
producing and distributing the programming.
Changes in regulations applicable to our businesses may impair the profitability of our businesses.
Our broadcast networks and television stations are highly regulated, and each of our other businesses is subject to a
variety of U.S. and overseas regulations. These regulations include:
• U.S. FCC regulation of our television and radio networks, our national programming networks, and our owned
television stations. See Item 1 — Business — Media Networks, Federal Regulation.
• Federal, state and foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations.
• Regulation of the safety of consumer products and theme park operations.
• Environmental protection regulations.
• Imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions, restrictions on the manner in which content is currently licensed
and distributed, ownership restrictions, currency exchange controls or motion picture or television content
requirements or quotas.
• Domestic and international wage laws, tax laws or currency controls.
Changes in any of these regulations or regulatory activities in any of these areas may require us to spend additional
amounts to comply with the regulations, or may restrict our ability to offer products and services in ways that are profitable.
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Our operations outside the United States may be adversely affected by the operation of laws in those jurisdictions.
Our operations in non-U.S. jurisdictions are in many cases subject to the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate
rather than U.S. law. Laws in some jurisdictions differ in significant respects from those in the U.S. These differences can affect
our ability to react to changes in our business, and our rights or ability to enforce rights may be different than would be
expected under U.S. law. Moreover, enforcement of laws in some overseas jurisdictions can be inconsistent and unpredictable,
which can affect both our ability to enforce our rights and to undertake activities that we believe are beneficial to our business.
In addition, the business and political climate in some jurisdictions may encourage corruption, which could reduce our ability
to compete successfully in those jurisdictions while remaining in compliance with local laws or United States anti-corruption
laws applicable to our businesses. As a result, our ability to generate revenue and our expenses in non-U.S. jurisdictions may
differ from what would be expected if U.S. law governed these operations.
Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
A significant number of employees in various of our businesses are covered by collective bargaining agreements,
including employees of our theme parks and resorts as well as writers, directors, actors, production personnel and others
employed in our media networks and studio operations. In addition, the employees of licensees who manufacture and retailers
who sell our consumer products, and employees of providers of programming content (such as sports leagues) may be covered
by labor agreements with their employers. In general, a labor dispute involving our employees or the employees of our
licensees or retailers who sell our consumer products or providers of programming content may disrupt our operations and
reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.
The seasonality of certain of our businesses could exacerbate negative impacts on our operations.
Each of our businesses is normally subject to seasonal variations, as follows:
• Revenues in our Media Networks segment are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership
levels. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer
months. Affiliate fees are typically collected ratably throughout the year.
• Revenues in our Parks and Resorts segment fluctuate with changes in theme park attendance and resort occupancy
resulting from the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities. Peak attendance and resort occupancy
generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday
periods.
• Revenues in our Studio Entertainment segment fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including
competition and the timing of vacation and holiday periods.
• Revenues in our Consumer Products & Interactive Media segments are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing
behavior, which generally results in higher revenues during the Company’s first fiscal quarter, and by the timing and
performance of theatrical and game releases and cable programming broadcasts.
Accordingly, if a short-term negative impact on our business occurs during a time of high seasonal demand (such as
hurricane damage to our parks during the summer travel season), the effect could have a disproportionate effect on the results
of that business for the year.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC that
were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2016 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.
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21
ITEM 2. Properties
The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and other properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are described
in Item 1 under the caption Parks and Resorts. Film library properties are described in Item 1 under the caption Studio
Entertainment. Television stations owned by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Media Networks. Retail
store locations leased by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Consumer Products & Interactive Media.
The Company and its subsidiaries own and lease properties throughout the world. In addition to the properties noted
above, the table below provides a brief description of other significant properties and the related business segment.
Location
Property /
Approximate Size Use Business Segment(1)
Burbank, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Land (201 acres) &
Buildings (4,725,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Warehouse (includes
255,000 ft2 sublet to third-
party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Burbank, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Buildings (1,556,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse Corp/Studio/Media/CPIM/
P&R
Los Angeles, CA Land (22 acres) &
Buildings (600,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Studio
Los Angeles, CA Buildings (519,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
Media/Studio
New York, NY Land (5 acres) &
Buildings (1,418,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Corp
New York, NY Buildings (250,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Theater/Warehouse
(includes 14,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/CPIM
Bristol, CT Land (117 acres) &
Buildings (1,174,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media
Bristol, CT Buildings (512,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse/
Technical
Media
Emeryville, CA Land (20 acres) &
Buildings (430,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Studio
Emeryville, CA Buildings (88,000 ft2) Leased Office/Storage Studio
San Francisco, CA Buildings (741,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
(includes 64,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
USA & Canada Land and Buildings
(Multiple sites and sizes)
Owned and Leased Office/
Production/Transmitter/
Theaters/Warehouse
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Hammersmith, England Building (279,500 ft2) Leased Office Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Europe, Asia, Australia &
Latin America
Buildings (Multiple sites
and sizes)
Leased Office/Warehouse/
Retail
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
(1) Corp – Corporate, CPIM – Consumer Products & Interactive Media, P&R – Parks and Resorts
(2) Surrounding cities include Glendale, CA, North Hollywood, CA and Sun Valley, CA
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22
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
As disclosed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is engaged in certain legal matters, and
the disclosure set forth in Note 14 relating to certain legal matters is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its
businesses. Management does not expect the Company to suffer any material liability by reason of these actions.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Company
The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors,
which follows the annual meeting of the shareholders, and at other Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate. Each of the
executive officers has been employed by the Company in the position or positions indicated in the list and pertinent notes
below. Each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company for more than five years.
At October 1, 2016, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:
Name Age Title
Executive
Officer Since
Robert A. Iger 65 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(1) 2000
Alan N. Braverman 68 Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 2003
Kevin A. Mayer 54 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer(2) 2005
Christine M. McCarthy 61 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(3) 2005
M. Jayne Parker 55 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer 2009
(1) Mr. Iger was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective March 13, 2012. He was
President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2, 2005 through that date.
(2) Mr. Mayer was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer effective June 30, 2015. He was
previously Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development of the Company from 2005 to
2015.
(3) Ms. McCarthy was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 30, 2015.
She was previously Executive Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, Alliances and Treasurer of the Company from
2000 to 2015.
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23
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DIS”. The following
table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported in the Bloomberg
Financial markets services.
Sales Price
High Low
2016
4th Quarter $ 100.80 $ 91.19
3rd Quarter 106.75 94.00
2nd Quarter 103.43 86.25
1st Quarter 120.65 102.61
2015
4th Quarter $ 122.08 $ 90.00
3rd Quarter 115.28 104.25
2nd Quarter 108.94 90.06
1st Quarter 95.31 78.54
On June 24, 2015, the Company declared a $0.66 per share dividend ($1.1 billion) for the first half of fiscal 2015 for
shareholders of record on July 6, 2015, which was paid on July 29, 2015. On December 2, 2015, the Company declared a $0.71
per share dividend ($1.2 billion) for the second half of fiscal 2015 for shareholders of record on December 14, 2015, which was
paid on January 11, 2016.
On June 29, 2016, the Company declared a $0.71 per share dividend ($1.1 billion) for the first half of fiscal 2016 for
shareholders of record on July 11, 2016, which was paid on July 28, 2016. The Board of Directors has not declared a dividend
related to the second half of fiscal 2016 as of the date of this report.
As of October 1, 2016, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 890,200.
The following table provides information about Company purchases of equity securities that are registered by the
Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended October 1, 2016:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
Weighted
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs(2)
July 3, 2016 – July 31, 2016 4,864,650 $ 98.59 4,840,000 293 million
August 1, 2016 – August 31, 2016 6,654,889 96.24 6,423,739 287 million
September 1, 2016 – October 1, 2016 5,336,204 93.44 5,305,000 282 million
Total 16,855,743 96.03 16,568,739 282 million
(1) 287,004 shares were purchased on the open market to provide shares to participants in the Walt Disney Investment
Plan (WDIP). These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase plan or program.
(2) Under a share repurchase program implemented effective June 10, 1998, the Company is authorized to repurchase
shares of its common stock. On January 30, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the repurchase
authorization to a total of 400 million shares as of that date. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
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24
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share data)
2016 (1) 2015 (2) 2014 (3) 2013 (4) 2012 (5)
Statements of income
Revenues $ 55,632 $ 52,465 $ 48,813 $ 45,041 $ 42,278
Net income 9,790 8,852 8,004 6,636 6,173
Net income attributable to Disney 9,391 8,382 7,501 6,136 5,682
Per common share
Earnings attributable to Disney
Diluted $ 5.73 $ 4.90 $ 4.26 $ 3.38 $ 3.13
Basic 5.76 4.95 4.31 3.42 3.17
Dividends (6) 1.42 1.81 0.86 0.75 0.60
Balance sheets
Total assets $ 92,033 $ 88,182 $ 84,141 $ 81,197 $ 74,863
Long-term obligations 24,189 19,142 18,573 17,293 17,841
Disney shareholders’ equity 43,265 44,525 44,958 45,429 39,759
Statements of cash flows
Cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities $ 13,213 $ 10,909 $ 9,780 $ 9,452 $ 7,966
Investing activities (5,758) (4,245) (3,345) (4,676) (4,759)
Financing activities (6,991) (5,514) (6,710) (4,214) (2,985)
(1) The fiscal 2016 results include the Company’s share of a net gain recognized by A+E in connection with an acquisition of
an interest in Vice ($0.13 per diluted share) (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), restructuring and
impairment charges ($0.07 per diluted share) and a charge in connection with the discontinuation of our Infinity console
game business ($0.05 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net benefit of $0.01 per diluted share.
(2) The fiscal 2015 results include the write-off of a deferred tax asset as a result of the Disneyland Paris recapitalization ($0.23
per diluted share) (see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02
per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.25 per diluted share.
(3) The fiscal 2014 results include a loss resulting from the foreign currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in
Venezuelan currency ($0.05 per diluted share) (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), restructuring and
impairment charges ($0.05 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of property ($0.03 per diluted share) and a portion of a
settlement of an affiliate contract dispute ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact
of $0.06 per diluted share.
(4) During fiscal 2013, the Company completed a $4.1 billion cash and stock acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC. In addition,
results for the year include a charge related to the Celador litigation ($0.11 per diluted share), restructuring and impairment
charges ($0.07 per diluted share), a charge related to an equity redemption by Hulu ($0.02 per diluted share), favorable tax
adjustments related to an increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely reinvested
outside of the United States and favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings of prior years ($0.12 per diluted share)
and gains in connection with the sale of our equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports and certain businesses ($0.08 per diluted
share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.01 per diluted share.
(5) The fiscal 2012 results include a non-cash gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in UTV ($0.06
per diluted share), a recovery of a previously written-off receivable from Lehman Brothers ($0.03 per diluted share),
restructuring and impairment charges ($0.03 per diluted share) and costs related to refinancing Disneyland Paris debt
(rounded to $0.00 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net benefit of $0.06 per diluted share.
(6) In fiscal 2015, the Company began paying dividends on a semiannual basis. Accordingly, fiscal 2015 includes dividend
payments related to fiscal 2014 and the first half of fiscal 2015 (see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
(in millions, except per share data)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
2016 2015 2014
2016
vs.
2015
2015
vs.
2014
Revenues:
Services $ 47,130 $ 43,894 $ 40,246 7 % 9 %
Products 8,502 8,571 8,567 (1)% — %
Total revenues 55,632 52,465 48,813 6 % 7 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization) (24,653) (23,191) (21,356) (6)% (9)%
Cost of products (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization) (5,340) (5,173) (5,064) (3)% (2)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (8,754) (8,523) (8,565) (3)% — %
Depreciation and amortization (2,527) (2,354) (2,288) (7)% (3)%
Total costs and expenses (41,274) (39,241) (37,273) (5)% (5)%
Restructuring and impairment charges (156) (53) (140) >(100)% 62 %
Other expense, net — — (31) nm 100 %
Interest income/(expense), net (260) (117) 23 >(100)% nm
Equity in the income of investees 926 814 854 14 % (5)%
Income before income taxes 14,868 13,868 12,246 7 % 13 %
Income taxes (5,078) (5,016) (4,242) (1)% (18)%
Net income 9,790 8,852 8,004 11 % 11 %
Less: Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests (399) (470) (503) 15 % 7 %
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney
Company (Disney) $ 9,391 $ 8,382 $ 7,501 12 % 12 %
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted $ 5.73 $ 4.90 $ 4.26 17 % 15 %
Basic $ 5.76 $ 4.95 $ 4.31 16 % 15 %
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding:
Diluted 1,639 1,709 1,759
Basic 1,629 1,694 1,740
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Organization of Information
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative on the Company’s financial performance and condition that
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. It includes the following sections:
• Consolidated Results and Non-Segment Items
• Business Segment Results — 2016 vs. 2015
• Business Segment Results — 2015 vs. 2014
• Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses
• Pension and Postretirement Medical Benefit Costs
• Liquidity and Capital Resources
• Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
• Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
• Forward-Looking Statements
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS AND NON-SEGMENT ITEMS
2016 vs. 2015
Revenues for fiscal 2016 increased 6%, or $3.2 billion, to $55.6 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 12%,
or $1.0 billion, to $9.4 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) for the year increased 17%, or $0.83
to $5.73. The EPS increase in fiscal 2016 was due to segment operating income growth driven by Studio Entertainment, Parks
and Resorts and Consumer Products & Interactive Media, a decrease in weighted average shares outstanding as a result of our
share repurchase program, a decrease in our effective income tax rate, which reflected a deferred tax asset write-off in the prior
year, and the benefit of the Vice Gain (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). These increases were partially
offset by higher net interest expense, the Infinity Charge (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and higher
restructuring and impairment charges in the current year. Segment operating results benefited from growth in services, partially
offset by the impact of foreign currency translation due to the movement of the U.S. dollar against major currencies including
the impact of our hedging program (FX Impact).
Fiscal 2016 included fifty-two weeks of operations, while fiscal 2015 results included the benefit from a fifty-third week
of operations (Fiscal Period Impact) due to the timing of our fiscal period end. The estimated EPS impact of the additional
week of operations in the prior year was approximately $0.13 and the majority of the impact was at our cable networks
business, followed by our parks and resorts and, to a lesser extent, consumer products businesses.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2016 increased 7%, or $3.2 billion, to $47.1 billion, due to higher theatrical distribution
revenues. The increase in service revenue was also driven by higher merchandise and game licensing revenue, average guest
spending and attendance growth at our domestic parks and resorts, higher affiliate fees, growth in TV/ subscription video on
demand (SVOD), revenues from the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, growth in digital distribution of film content and
higher advertising revenue. These increases were partially offset by lower attendance at Disneyland Paris. Service revenue
growth reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decrease due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Product revenues for fiscal 2016 decreased 1%, or $69 million, to $8.5 billion, due to the discontinuation of the Infinity
business and lower retail store volumes, partially offset by higher average guest spending at our domestic parks and resorts,
higher net effective pricing at home entertainment and revenues from the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort. Lower product
revenue reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decline due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2016 increased 6%, or $1.5 billion, to $24.7 billion, due to higher film cost amortization and
distribution expense, increased media programming and production costs, the impact of the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort
and cost inflation and higher infrastructure and labor costs at our domestic parks and resorts. These increases were partially
offset by efficiency initiatives at our domestic parks and resorts. Cost of services reflected an approximate 1 percentage point
benefit due to a favorable FX Impact.
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Cost of products for fiscal 2016 increased 3%, or $167 million, to $5.3 billion, due to the Infinity Charge, higher guest
spending and cost inflation at our domestic parks and resorts and higher film cost amortization due to home entertainment
revenue growth, partially offset by lower costs from the discontinuation of the Infinity business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs for the fiscal year increased 3%, or $231 million, to $8.8 billion, driven by
increased marketing costs at our Studio Entertainment segment, partially offset by lower marketing spend at our Media
Networks segment. Selling, general, administrative and other costs reflected an approximate 1 percentage point benefit due to a
favorable FX Impact.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 7%, or $173 million, to $2.5 billion due to the opening of Shanghai Disney
Resort and depreciation of new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $156 million and $53 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years 2016 and
2015, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2016 were due to asset impairments and severance and contract termination costs. Charges
in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to a contract termination and severance costs.
Interest Income/(Expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net is as follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Interest expense $ (354) $ (265) (34)%
Interest and investment income 94 148 (36)%
Interest income/(expense), net $ (260) $ (117) >(100)%
The increase in interest expense was due to higher average debt balances and an increase in our effective interest rate,
partially offset by higher capitalized interest.
The decrease in interest and investment income was due to lower gains on sales of publicly traded investments.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees increased 14% or $112 million, to $0.9 billion due to the $332 million Vice Gain (See
Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The benefit of the Vice Gain was partially offset by a higher loss at Hulu and
lower operating results at A+E. The increased equity loss at Hulu was due to higher programming, marketing and labor costs,
partially offset by growth in subscription and advertising revenues. The decrease at A+E was due to lower advertising revenue
and the impact of the conversion of the H2 channel to Viceland.
Effective Income Tax Rate
2016 2015
Change
Better/(Worse)
Effective income tax rate 34.2% 36.2% 2.0 ppt
The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a write-off of a $399 million deferred income tax asset
in the prior year as a result of the increase in the Company’s ownership of Euro Disney S.C.A. in connection with the
Disneyland Paris recapitalization (Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off) (See Notes 6 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for further discussion). This decrease was partially offset by an increase in foreign losses for which we are not
recognizing a tax benefit.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year decreased $71 million to $399 million due to higher pre-
opening expenses at Shanghai Disney Resort and a decrease related to Disneyland Paris, partially offset by higher results at
ESPN. The decrease related to Disneyland Paris was driven by lower results, partially offset by the impact of an increase in the
Company’s ownership interest.
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Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees,
financing costs and income taxes.
2015 vs. 2014
Revenues for fiscal 2015 increased 7%, or $3.7 billion, to $52.5 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 12%,
or $881 million, to $8.4 billion; and EPS for the year increased 15%, or $0.64 to $4.90. The EPS increase in fiscal 2015
reflected growth at all our operating segments and a decrease in the weighted average shares outstanding as a result of our share
repurchase program, partially offset by the Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off and lower investment gains. Results for fiscal
2015 also include the benefit of a favorable Fiscal Period Impact.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2015 increased 9%, or $3.7 billion, to $43.9 billion, primarily due to higher affiliate fees,
volume growth and higher average guest spending at our domestic parks and resorts, higher SVOD sales of our television and
film properties, an increase in merchandise licensing and advertising revenue growth. Service revenue growth reflected an
approximate 2 percentage point decrease due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Product revenues for fiscal 2015 were comparable to fiscal 2014 as higher food, beverage and merchandise volumes and
average guest spending at our domestic parks and resorts and increased revenues at our retail business were offset by lower
worldwide home entertainment and console game volumes. Product revenue growth reflected an approximate 2 percentage
point decrease due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2015 increased 9%, or $1.8 billion, to $23.2 billion primarily due to higher sports programming
costs and inflation and operations support cost growth at our domestic parks and resorts. Cost of services reflected an
approximate 1 percentage point benefit due to a favorable FX Impact.
Cost of products for fiscal 2015 increased 2%, or $109 million, to $5.2 billion, driven by volume growth at domestic
parks and resorts and our retail business and inflation at our domestic parks and resorts. These increases were partially offset by
lower home entertainment and console game unit sales. Cost of products reflected an approximate 2 percentage point benefit
due to a favorable FX Impact.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs in fiscal 2015 were comparable to fiscal 2014 as higher labor costs driven
by the ABC Television Network, ESPN and Corporate and higher information technology costs at domestic parks and resorts
were offset by lower marketing costs and a favorable FX Impact. The decrease in marketing costs was due to lower spending
for theatrical and home entertainment marketing, partially offset by increases at ABC, ESPN and our merchandise licensing
business.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 3%, or $66 million, to $2.4 billion, driven by new theme park attractions
and, to a lesser extent, new broadcast facilities and equipment. Depreciation and amortization costs reflected an approximate 2
percentage point benefit due to a favorable FX Impact.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $53 million and $140 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years 2015 and
2014, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to a contract termination and severance. Charges in fiscal 2014
were primarily due to severance costs across various of our segments and radio FCC license impairments, which were
determined in connection with a plan to sell Radio Disney stations.
Other Expense, net
Other expense, net is as follows (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements):
(in millions) 2015 2014
Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss $ — $ (143)
Gain on sale of property and other — 112
Other expense, net $ — $ (31)
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Interest Income/(Expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net is as follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Interest expense $ (265) $ (294) 10 %
Interest and investment income 148 317 (53)%
Interest income/(expense), net $ (117) $ 23 nm
The decrease in interest expense was due to higher capitalized interest driven by the continued development of the
Shanghai Disney Resort and lower average debt balances, partially offset by an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact and higher
effective interest rates.
The decrease in interest and investment income was due to lower gains on sales of investments and income on late
payments recognized in fiscal 2014 in connection with the settlement of an affiliate contract dispute.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees decreased 5%, or $40 million, to $0.8 billion primarily due to a decrease at Hulu,
partially offset by an increase at A+E.
Effective Income Tax Rate
2015 2014
Change
Better/(Worse)
Effective income tax rate 36.2% 34.6% (1.6) ppt
The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off. This increase
was partially offset by a benefit from an increase in earnings from foreign operations indefinitely reinvested outside the United
States, which are subject to tax rates lower than the federal statutory income tax rate.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2015 decreased $33 million to $470 million due to lower
operating results at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and higher pre-opening expenses at Shanghai Disney Resort, partially offset
by an increase related to Disneyland Paris. The increase related to Disneyland Paris was driven by higher net income, partially
offset by the impact of the Company’s change in ownership interest.
Certain Items Impacting Comparability
Results for fiscal 2016 were impacted by the following:
• The $332 million Vice Gain
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $156 million
• The $129 million Infinity Charge
Results for fiscal 2015 were impacted by the following:
• The $399 million Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $53 million
Results for fiscal 2014 were impacted by the following:
• A Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss of $143 million
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $140 million
• A $77 million gain on the sale of a property
• Income of $29 million representing a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute
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A summary of the impact of these items on EPS is as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
Pre-Tax
Income/(Loss)
Tax Benefit/
(Expense)(1)
After-Tax
Income/(Loss)
EPS
Favorable/
(Adverse) (2)
Year Ended October 1, 2016:
Vice Gain $ 332 $ (122) $ 210 $ 0.13
Restructuring and impairment charges (156) 43 (113) (0.07)
Infinity Charge(3) (129) 47 (82) (0.05)
Total $ 47 $ (32) $ 15 $ 0.01
Year Ended October 3, 2015:
Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off $ — $ (399) $ (399) $ (0.23)
Restructuring and impairment charges (53) 20 (33) (0.02)
Total $ (53) $ (379) $ (432) $ (0.25)
Year Ended September 27, 2014:
Venezuela foreign currency translation loss(4) $ (143) $ 53 $ (90) $ (0.05)
Restructuring and impairment charges (140) 48 (92) (0.05)
Gain on sale of property 77 (28) 49 0.03
Settlement income and other 35 (13) 22 0.01
Total $ (171) $ 60 $ (111) $ (0.06)
(1) Tax benefit/expense adjustments are determined using the tax rate applicable to the individual item affecting
comparability.
(2) EPS is net of noncontrolling interest share, where applicable. Total may not equal the sum of the column due to
rounding.
(3) Recorded in “Cost of products” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(4) Recorded in “Other expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS — 2016 vs. 2015
Below is a discussion of the major revenue and expense categories for our business segments. Costs and expenses for
each segment consist of operating expenses, selling, general, administrative and other costs and depreciation and amortization.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs include third-party and internal marketing expenses.
Our Media Networks segment generates revenue from affiliate fees, ad sales and other revenues, which include the sale
and distribution of television programming. Significant operating expenses include amortization of programming, production,
participations and residuals costs, technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs.
Our Parks and Resorts segment generates revenue from the sale of admissions to theme parks, the sale of food, beverage
and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise vacation packages and sales and rentals of vacation club
properties. Revenues are also generated from sponsorships and co-branding opportunities, real estate rent and sales, and
royalties from Tokyo Disney Resort. Significant operating expenses include operating labor, infrastructure costs, costs of sales
and other operating expenses. Infrastructure costs include information systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities and
fuel, property taxes, insurance and transportation and other operating expenses include costs for such items as supplies,
commissions and entertainment offerings.
Our Studio Entertainment segment generates revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical, home entertainment
and television and SVOD markets (TV/SVOD), ticket sales for live stage plays, music distribution and licensing of our
intellectual property for use in live entertainment events. Significant operating expenses include amortization of production,
participations and residuals costs, distribution expenses and costs of sales.
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Our Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment generates revenue from licensing characters from our film,
television and other properties to third parties for use on consumer merchandise, published materials and in multi-platform
games and from operating retail stores and internet shopping sites. We also generate revenue from the sales of games through
app distributors and online, from consumers’ in-game purchases, wholesale sales of self-published children’s books and
magazines and comic books, and from operating English language learning centers. Significant operating expenses include
costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail occupancy costs, product development and marketing.
The following is a summary of segment revenue and operating income:
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
2016
vs.
2015
2015
vs.
2014
Revenues:
Media Networks $ 23,689 $ 23,264 $ 21,152 2 % 10%
Parks and Resorts 16,974 16,162 15,099 5 % 7%
Studio Entertainment 9,441 7,366 7,278 28 % 1%
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 5,528 5,673 5,284 (3)% 7%
$ 55,632 $ 52,465 $ 48,813 6 % 7%
Segment operating income:
Media Networks $ 7,755 $ 7,793 $ 7,321 — % 6%
Parks and Resorts 3,298 3,031 2,663 9 % 14%
Studio Entertainment 2,703 1,973 1,549 37 % 27%
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 1,965 1,884 1,472 4 % 28%
$ 15,721 $ 14,681 $ 13,005 7 % 13%
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management
uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the overall performance of the operating businesses. Aggregate
segment operating income is not a financial measure defined by GAAP, should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant
GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company
believes that information about aggregate segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in
the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from factors other than business operations that affect
net income. The following table reconciles segment operating income to income before income taxes.
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
2016
vs.
2015
2015
vs.
2014
Segment operating income $ 15,721 $ 14,681 $ 13,005 7 % 13 %
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (640) (643) (611) — % (5)%
Restructuring and impairment charges (156) (53) (140) >(100)% 62 %
Other expense, net — — (31) nm 100 %
Interest income/(expense), net (260) (117) 23 >(100)% nm
Vice Gain(1) 332 — — nm nm
Infinity Charge(2) (129) — — nm nm
Income before income taxes $ 14,868 $ 13,868 $ 12,246 7 % 13 %
(1) See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Vice Gain.
(2) See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Infinity Charge.
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Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Affiliate fees $ 12,259 $ 12,029 2 %
Advertising 8,509 8,361 2 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,921 2,874 2 %
Total revenues 23,689 23,264 2 %
Operating expenses (13,571) (13,150) (3)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,705) (2,869) 6 %
Depreciation and amortization (255) (266) 4 %
Equity in the income of investees 597 814 (27)%
Operating Income $ 7,755 $ 7,793 — %
Revenues
The increase in affiliate fees reflected an increase of 7% from higher contractual rates, partially offset by decreases of 2%
from subscribers, 2% from an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact and 1% from an unfavorable FX Impact.
The increase in advertising revenues was due to increases of $117 million at Cable Networks, from $4,334 million to
$4,451 million, and $31 million at Broadcasting, from $4,027 million to $4,058 million. The increase at Cable Networks was
due to a 3% increase from higher rates and a 1% increase from higher impressions, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from an
unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact. The increase in impressions was due to an increase in units sold, partially offset by lower
ratings. Growth at Broadcasting was due to increases of 6% from higher network rates and 1% from the addition of the Emmy
Awards show, which were largely offset by decreases of 5% from lower impressions and 2% from an unfavorable Fiscal Period
Impact. The decrease in impressions was due to lower network ratings, partially offset by higher digital impressions and an
increase in network units sold. Impressions is a measure of the number of people an advertisement has reached.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $47 million from $2,874 million to $2,921 million due to an increase
in program sales, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in program sales was due to higher sales of ABC
programs, partially offset by lower sales of cable programs.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $386 million from $11,977 million to
$12,363 million. At Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $306 million due to a higher average
amortization rate, the impact of higher program sales, as well as an increase in cost write-downs for network programming.
These increases were partially offset by a favorable Fiscal Period Impact. At Cable Networks, programming and production
costs increased $80 million due to rate increases and contract renewals for sports programming, partially offset by the absence
of rights costs for NASCAR and British Open, a favorable Fiscal Period Impact and a favorable FX Impact.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $164 million from $2,869 million to $2,705 million due to a
favorable FX Impact and lower marketing and labor costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees decreased $217 million from $814 million to $597 million due to a higher loss at Hulu and
lower operating results at A+E. The increased equity loss at Hulu was due to higher programming, marketing and labor costs,
partially offset by growth in subscription and advertising revenues. The decrease at A+E was due to lower advertising revenue
and the impact of the conversion of the H2 channel to Viceland.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income decreased $38 million, to $7,755 million due to lower income from equity investees and an
unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by increases at ESPN and the ABC TV Network.
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The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Cable Networks $ 16,632 $ 16,581 — %
Broadcasting 7,057 6,683 6 %
$ 23,689 $ 23,264 2 %
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 6,748 $ 6,787 (1)%
Broadcasting 1,007 1,006 — %
$ 7,755 $ 7,793 — %
Starting in fiscal 2017, the Company will report Media Networks results with equity in the income of investees separate
from Cable Networks and Broadcasting. The following table shows segment operating income on this basis:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 5,965 $ 5,891 1 %
Broadcasting 1,193 1,088 10 %
Equity in the income of investees 597 814 (27)%
$ 7,755 $ 7,793 — %
Restructuring and impairment charges
The Company recorded charges of $87 million, $62 million and $78 million related to Media Networks for fiscal years
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The charges in fiscal 2016 were due to an investment impairment and contract termination and
severance costs. The charges in fiscal 2015 were due to a contract termination and severance costs. The charges in fiscal 2014
were due to radio FCC license and investment impairments and severance costs.
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Domestic $ 14,242 $ 13,611 5 %
International 2,732 2,551 7 %
Total revenues 16,974 16,162 5 %
Operating expenses (10,039) (9,730) (3)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,913) (1,884) (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (1,721) (1,517) (13)%
Equity in the loss of investees (3) — nm
Operating Income $ 3,298 $ 3,031 9 %
Revenues
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 5%, or $812 million, to $17.0 billion due to increases of $631 million at our
domestic operations and $181 million at our international operations.
Revenue growth of 5% at our domestic operations reflected an increase of 5% from higher average guest spending,
partially offset by a decrease of 1% from lower volumes. The increase in average guest spending was due to higher average
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 37 1/10/17 11:12 PM
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ticket prices for admissions to our theme parks and for sailings at our cruise line, increased food, beverage and merchandise
spending and higher average hotel room rates. Lower volumes reflected an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact as well as lower
unit sales at Disney Vacation Club, partially offset by an increase in volumes from higher attendance and occupied room nights
on a comparable fiscal period basis. The decrease at Disney Vacation Club was due to sales in the prior year of units at The
Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which sold out in the prior year, and lower sales at Aulani, partially offset by
higher sales at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows in the current year.
Revenues from our international operations reflected increases of 6% from higher volumes and 4% from other revenue,
partially offset by a decrease of 4% from an unfavorable FX Impact. Higher volumes were due to the opening of Shanghai
Disney Resort, partially offset by lower attendance at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The increase from
other revenue was driven by Shanghai Disney Resort, including revenues for periods prior to its grand opening.
The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending and hotel statistics:
Domestic International (2) Total
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2015
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance (1)% 7% 5% —% 1% 5%
Per Capita Guest Spending 7 % 4% 5% 5% 7% 4%
Hotels (1)
Occupancy 89 % 87% 78% 79% 87% 86%
Available Room Nights
(in thousands) 10,382 10,644 2,600 2,473 12,982 13,117
Per Room Guest Spending $305 $295 $285 $295 $302 $295
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the
fiscal 2015 average foreign exchange rate. The euro to U.S. dollar weighted average foreign currency exchange rate
was $1.11 and $1.15 for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $129 million from $4,580 million to $4,709 million,
infrastructure costs, which increased $53 million from $1,881 million to $1,934 million and cost of sales, which increased $31
million from $1,505 million to $1,536 million. The increase in operating labor was driven by the opening of Shanghai Disney
Resort, inflation and higher operations support costs, partially offset by the benefit of efficiency initiatives and lower pension
and postretirement medical costs. The increase in infrastructure costs was primarily due to the opening of Shanghai Disney
Resort. The increase in cost of sales was driven by higher spending on food, beverage and merchandise. Other operating
expenses, which include costs for items such as supplies, commissions and entertainment, increased driven by the opening of
Shanghai Disney Resort, inflation and higher volumes. Operating expenses reflected a 2% decrease as a result of the Fiscal
Period Impact, which had similar impacts on operating labor, cost of sales and infrastructure costs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $29 million from $1,884 million to $1,913 million due to higher
marketing spend for Shanghai Disney Resort, partially offset by lower domestic marketing spending.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the impact of Shanghai Disney Resort and
depreciation associated with new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 9%, or $267 million, to $3.3 billion due to growth at our domestic operations,
partially offset by a decrease at our international operations.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $17 million of severance costs related to Parks and Resorts for fiscal year 2016 that were reported
in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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35
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Theatrical distribution $ 3,672 $ 2,321 58 %
Home entertainment 2,108 1,799 17 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 3,661 3,246 13 %
Total revenues 9,441 7,366 28 %
Operating expenses (3,991) (3,050) (31)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,622) (2,204) (19)%
Depreciation and amortization (125) (139) 10 %
Operating Income $ 2,703 $ 1,973 37 %
Revenues
The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was primarily due to the performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Other significant titles in the current year included Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory, Zootopia and The Jungle Book,
whereas the prior year included Avengers: Age of Ultron, Inside Out, Big Hero 6 and Cinderella.
The increase in home entertainment revenue was due to increases of 14% from higher unit sales and 7% from higher
average net effective pricing, partially offset by a decrease of 4% from an unfavorable FX Impact. The higher unit sales and net
effective pricing were due to the strong performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Other significant titles included Inside
Out, Zootopia, Captain America: Civil War, The Good Dinosaur and Ant-Man in the current year compared to Guardians of the
Galaxy, Big Hero 6, Frozen, Maleficent and Avengers: Age of Ultron in the prior year. The current year also reflected higher
revenues from Star Wars Classic titles. Net effective pricing is the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales
incentives and returns.
The increase in TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was due to increases of 9% from TV/SVOD distribution and
7% from higher revenue share with the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment, partially offset by a decrease of 3%
from an unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in TV/SVOD distribution revenue was due to international growth, a sale of Star
Wars Classic titles in the current year and two Pixar VOD availabilities in the current year compared to none in the prior year.
Higher revenue share with the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment was due to the success of merchandise based
on Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the current year, partially offset by lower sales of Frozen merchandise.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include an increase of $833 million in film cost amortization, from $1,790 million to $2,623 million
due to the impact of higher revenues and a higher average film cost amortization rate in the current year. Operating expenses
also include cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which increased $108 million, from $1,260 million to $1,368 million due
to higher theatrical distribution costs and an increase in home entertainment unit sales, partially offset by a favorable FX
Impact. Higher theatrical distribution costs were primarily due to the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the current
year whereas the prior year had no comparable title.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $418 million from $2,204 million to $2,622 million primarily
due to theatrical marketing expense for Star Wars: The Force Awakens as well as two Pixar titles and two DreamWorks titles in
the current year compared to one Pixar title and no DreamWorks titles in the prior year. This was partially offset by higher
theatrical marketing expense for two Marvel titles in the prior year compared to one Marvel title in the current year.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 37%, or $730 million to $2,703 million due to growth from theatrical and home
entertainment results, an increase in TV/SVOD distribution and higher revenue share with the Consumer Products &
Interactive Media segment.
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other expense, net
The Company recorded $38 million of asset impairments related to Studio Entertainment for fiscal year 2016 that were
reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 39 1/10/17 11:12 PM
36
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Operating results for the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Licensing, publishing and games $ 3,819 $ 3,850 (1)%
Retail and other 1,709 1,823 (6)%
Total revenues 5,528 5,673 (3)%
Operating expenses (2,263) (2,434) 7 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,125) (1,172) 4 %
Depreciation and amortization (175) (183) 4 %
Operating Income $ 1,965 $ 1,884 4 %
Revenues
The decrease in licensing, publishing and games revenue was due to a 5% decrease from our games business, partially
offset by a 4% increase from our merchandise licensing business. Lower games revenues were due to the discontinuation of the
Infinity business, lower performance of our Frozen Free Fall mobile game and an unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by
revenues from Star Wars Battlefront, which was released by a licensee in the current year. Higher merchandise licensing
revenues were primarily due to the performance of merchandise based on Star Wars and Finding Dory/Nemo, partially offset by
higher revenue share with the Studio Entertainment segment, a decrease in revenues from Frozen merchandise and an
unfavorable FX Impact.
The decrease in retail and other revenue was primarily due to a decrease of 4% from our retail business due to lower
comparable store sales in Europe and North America, an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact and an unfavorable FX Impact,
partially offset by the benefit of new stores in North America.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses included a $107 million decrease in cost of goods sold and distribution costs, from $1,447 million to
$1,340 million, a $5 million decrease in labor and occupancy costs, from $544 million to $539 million, and a $49 million
decrease in product development expense, from $367 million to $318 million. The decrease in cost of goods sold and
distribution costs was due to the discontinuation of Infinity, lower Frozen Free Fall co-developer fees and a favorable Fiscal
Period Impact, partially offset by higher average per unit costs at our retail business in North America and Europe and higher
game inventory reserves. The decrease in product development expense was due to the discontinuation of Infinity.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $47 million from $1,172 million to $1,125 million due to the
discontinuation of Infinity, partially offset by higher marketing costs at our merchandise licensing business.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 4% to $2.0 billion due to higher results at our merchandise licensing and games
businesses, partially offset by a decrease at our retail business.
Restructuring and impairment charges
The Company recorded charges of $143 million, credits of $4 million and charges of $44 million for fiscal years 2016,
2015 and 2014, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2016 included the Infinity Charge of $129 million, which was reported in “Cost
of Products” in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The remaining charges of $14 million in fiscal year 2016 and the
charges in fiscal 2014 were primarily due to severance costs and were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 40 1/10/17 11:12 PM
37
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2015 vs. 2014
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Affiliate fees $ 12,029 $ 10,632 13 %
Advertising 8,361 8,031 4 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,874 2,489 15 %
Total revenues 23,264 21,152 10 %
Operating expenses (13,150) (11,794) (11)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,869) (2,643) (9)%
Depreciation and amortization (266) (250) (6)%
Equity in the income of investees 814 856 (5)%
Operating Income $ 7,793 $ 7,321 6 %
Revenues
The 13% increase in affiliate fee revenue was due to an increase of 8% from higher contractual rates, 3% from an
increase in subscribers, 2% from the benefit of a favorable Fiscal Period Impact and 1% from new contractual provisions.
These increases were partially offset by a decrease of 2% due to an unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in subscribers was
due to the launch of the SEC Network in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, partially offset by a decline in subscribers at certain
of our cable networks.
The 4% increase in advertising revenues was due to an increase of $206 million at Cable Networks, from $4,128 million
to $4,334 million, and an increase of $124 million at Broadcasting, from $3,903 million to $4,027 million. The increase at
Cable Networks was due to a 3% increase from rates and 1% from the benefit of a favorable Fiscal Period Impact. Impressions
were relatively flat as a decrease in ratings was offset by an increase in units sold. The increase at Broadcasting was due to a
2% increase from network rates and a 2% increase from a favorable Fiscal Period Impact. Impressions is a measure of the
number of people an advertisement has reached.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $385 million from $2,489 million to $2,874 million due to higher
SVOD sales in fiscal 2015.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $1,367 million from $10,610 million to
$11,977 million. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $1,056 million primarily due to higher rights
costs for NFL programming (including a wild card playoff game) and college football, and the addition of the SEC Network,
partially offset by the end of the NASCAR contract in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. At Broadcasting, programming and
production costs increased $311 million primarily due to higher program sales and an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $226 million from $2,643 million to $2,869 million driven by
higher labor and marketing costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees decreased $42 million from $856 million to $814 million primarily due to a decrease at
Hulu driven by higher programming and marketing costs, partially offset by an increase at A+E. The increase at A+E was due
to lower programming and marketing costs, partially offset by a decrease in advertising revenue.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 6%, or $472 million, to $7,793 million due to increases at the Disney Channels,
ESPN, the owned television stations and the ABC Television Network.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 41 1/10/17 11:12 PM
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The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Cable Networks $ 16,581 $ 15,110 10%
Broadcasting 6,683 6,042 11%
$ 23,264 $ 21,152 10%
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 6,787 $ 6,467 5%
Broadcasting 1,006 854 18%
$ 7,793 $ 7,321 6%
Other expense, net
The Company recorded a $100 million loss related to Media Networks in fiscal 2014 resulting from the foreign currency
translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in “Other expense, net” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Domestic $ 13,611 $ 12,329 10 %
International 2,551 2,770 (8)%
Total revenues 16,162 15,099 7 %
Operating expenses (9,730) (9,106) (7)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,884) (1,856) (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (1,517) (1,472) (3)%
Equity in the loss of investees — (2) 100 %
Operating Income $ 3,031 $ 2,663 14 %
Revenues
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 7%, or $1.1 billion, to $16.2 billion due to an increase of $1.3 billion at our
domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease of $219 million at our international operations.
Revenue growth of 10% at our domestic operations reflected increases of 5% from higher volumes and 5% from higher
average guest spending. Higher volumes were due to attendance growth and higher occupied room nights. Increased guest
spending was primarily due to higher average ticket prices for admissions at our theme parks and for sailings at our cruise line,
increased food, beverage and merchandise spending and higher average hotel room rates. Revenues also benefited from a
favorable Fiscal Period Impact.
Revenues at our international operations reflected an 11% decrease from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a
4% increase from higher average guest spending. Guest spending growth was due to higher food, beverage and merchandise
spending, an increase in average ticket prices and higher average hotel room rates. Volumes at our international operations were
essentially flat, as higher attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris were offset by lower attendance and
occupied room nights at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 42 1/10/17 11:12 PM
39
The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending and hotel statistics:
Domestic International (2) Total
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2014
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance 7% 3% —% (3)% 5% 1%
Per Capita Guest Spending 4% 7% 5% 7 % 4% 7%
Hotels (1)
Occupancy 87% 83% 79% 78 % 86% 82%
Available Room Nights
(in thousands) 10,644 10,470 2,473 2,466 13,117 12,936
Per Room Guest Spending $295 $280 $335 $328 $302 $289
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the
fiscal 2014 average foreign currency exchange rate. The euro to U.S. dollar weighted average foreign currency
exchange rate was $1.15 and $1.36 for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $347 million from $4,233 million to $4,580 million, cost of
sales, which increased $80 million from $1,425 million to $1,505 million, and infrastructure costs, which increased $27 million
from $1,854 million to $1,881 million. The increase in operating labor was due to inflation, higher employee benefit costs and
increased labor hours. The increase in employee benefit costs included higher pension and postretirement medical costs. The
increase in labor hours was driven by higher volumes and new guest offerings, such as the 60th Anniversary Celebration at
Disneyland Resort. Higher cost of sales was due to volume growth and inflation. Infrastructure cost increases were driven by
higher information technology expense and operations support costs, partially offset by costs incurred in fiscal 2014 in
connection with the launch of MyMagic+. Other operating expenses, which include costs for such items as supplies,
commissions and entertainment offerings, increased primarily due to inflation, higher operations support costs and pre-opening
costs for Shanghai Disney Resort. Operating expenses reflected a 2% decrease from a favorable FX Impact, partially offset by a
2% increase as a result of an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact, both of which had similar impacts on operating labor, cost of
sales and infrastructure costs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $28 million from $1,856 million to $1,884 million primarily
due to information technology initiatives, partially offset by a favorable FX Impact.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was driven by new attractions, partially offset by a favorable FX Impact.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 14%, or $368 million, to $3.0 billion due to growth at our domestic operations,
partially offset by a decrease at our international operations.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 43 1/10/17 11:12 PM
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Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Theatrical distribution $ 2,321 $ 2,431 (5)%
Home entertainment 1,799 2,094 (14)%
TV/SVOD distribution and other 3,246 2,753 18 %
Total revenues 7,366 7,278 1 %
Operating expenses (3,050) (3,137) 3 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,204) (2,456) 10 %
Depreciation and amortization (139) (136) (2)%
Operating Income $ 1,973 $ 1,549 27 %
Revenues
The 5% decrease in theatrical distribution revenue was due to an unfavorable FX Impact and the impact of having no
DreamWorks titles in fiscal 2015 compared to four in fiscal 2014. These decreases were partially offset by the performance of
Inside Out and Big Hero 6 in fiscal 2015 compared to Frozen and Planes: Fire and Rescue in fiscal 2014, as well as one
additional Disney live-action release in fiscal 2015. Significant Disney live-action releases in fiscal 2015 included Cinderella
and Into the Woods, whereas fiscal 2014 included Maleficent. The performance of Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man in
fiscal 2015 was comparable to the fiscal 2014 performance of Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
and Thor: The Dark World.
The 14% decrease in home entertainment revenue was due to decreases of 9% from lower unit sales and 4% from lower
average net effective pricing, both of which reflected the strong performance of Frozen in fiscal 2014. Net effective pricing is
the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and returns.
The 18% increase in TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was due to increases of 9% from higher revenue share with
the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment due to the success of merchandise based on Frozen and 7% from TV/
SVOD distribution. TV/SVOD distribution revenue growth was primarily due to worldwide pay television, which included the
benefit of more titles available domestically and sales of Star Wars titles internationally, along with growth from international
SVOD sales.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include a decrease of $12 million in film cost amortization, from $1,802 million to $1,790 million,
primarily due to decreased film cost impairments, partially offset by the impact of higher revenues and a higher average film
cost amortization rate for theatrical releases in fiscal 2015 due to the success of Frozen in fiscal 2014. Operating expenses also
include cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which decreased $75 million, from $1,335 million to $1,260 million due to
lower home entertainment per unit costs and unit sales.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $252 million from $2,456 million to $2,204 million due to
lower theatrical and home entertainment marketing expense. Lower theatrical marketing expense was primarily due to four
DreamWorks titles in release in fiscal 2014 compared to none in fiscal 2015 and a favorable FX Impact. The decrease in home
entertainment marketing expense was driven by spending on Monsters University in fiscal 2014 compared to no Pixar title in
fiscal 2015.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased $424 million to $2.0 billion due to higher revenue share with the Consumer
Products & Interactive Media segment, increases in TV/SVOD and theatrical distribution and lower film cost impairments,
partially offset by a decrease in home entertainment.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 44 1/10/17 11:12 PM
41
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Operating results for the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Licensing, publishing and games $ 3,850 $ 3,594 7 %
Retail and other 1,823 1,690 8 %
Total revenues 5,673 5,284 7 %
Operating expenses (2,434) (2,383) (2)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,172) (1,238) 5 %
Depreciation and amortization (183) (191) 4 %
Operating Income $ 1,884 $ 1,472 28 %
Revenues
The 7% increase in licensing, publishing and games revenues was due to a 9% increase from our merchandise licensing
business, partially offset by a 2% decrease from our games business. Higher merchandise licensing revenues were primarily
due to the performance of merchandise based on Frozen, Avengers and Star Wars, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact.
The decrease in games revenue was due to lower sales of catalog titles, Avengers Alliance and Infinity and a decrease in Club
Penguin subscribers. These decreases were partially offset by the success of Tsum Tsum and Star Wars Commander in fiscal
2015.
The 8% increase in retail and other revenue was driven by a 9% increase from our retail business due to comparable store
and online sales growth, growth in our wholesale distribution business and a favorable Fiscal Period Impact, partially offset by
an unfavorable FX Impact.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include an increase of $52 million in cost of goods sold and distribution costs, from $1,395 million to
$1,447 million, a $3 million increase in labor and occupancy costs, from $541 million to $544 million, and a $16 million
decrease in product development expense, from $383 million to $367 million. The increase in cost of goods sold and
distribution costs was due to higher sales at our retail business and higher per unit costs and cost mix of Infinity products,
partially offset by lower sales of catalog titles, a favorable FX Impact and lower third-party royalty expense at our merchandise
licensing business. The higher per unit costs for Infinity included the impact of inventory obsolescence charges. Product
development expense decreased due to fewer titles in development.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $66 million from $1,238 million to $1,172 million driven by
lower marketing costs and a favorable FX Impact. The decrease in marketing costs was primarily due to a decrease at our
mobile phone business in Japan and fewer game titles in release, partially offset by an increase at our merchandise licensing
business.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 28% to $1,884 million due to an increase at our merchandise licensing business and,
to a lesser extent, at our games and retail businesses.
Other expense, net
The Company recorded a $16 million loss related to Consumer Products & Interactive Media in fiscal 2014 resulting
from the foreign currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in
“Other expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
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42
CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED SHARED EXPENSES
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses are as follows:
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
2016
vs.
2015
2015
vs.
2014
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses $ (640) $ (643) $ (611) —% (5)%
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses in fiscal 2015 increased $32 million from fiscal 2014 due to higher labor
costs.
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL BENEFIT COSTS
Pension and postretirement medical benefit plan costs affect results in all of our segments, with approximately 40% of
these costs being borne by the Parks and Resorts segment. The Company recognized pension and postretirement medical
benefit plan expenses of $319 million, $457 million and $309 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The
decrease in fiscal 2016 was primarily due to a change in our approach to measuring service and interest costs (see Note 10 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of plan assumptions). This change does not affect the
measurement of our plan obligations nor the funded status of our plans.
In fiscal 2017, we expect pension and postretirement medical costs to increase by $68 million to $387 million due to the
impact of a lower assumed discount rate, partially offset by higher estimated investment income, which is driven by higher plan
assets in fiscal 2017.
In fiscal 2016, the underfunded status of our plans increased from $4.0 billion to $5.2 billion and the unrecognized
expense increased from $3.9 billion ($2.5 billion after tax) to $5.8 billion ($3.6 billion after tax) due to a lower assumed
discount rate. If discount rates do not increase and/or our future investment returns do not exceed our long-term expected
returns, a significant portion of the unrecognized expense will be recognized as a net actuarial loss in our income statement
over approximately the next 9 years. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the impacts of
our pension and postretirement medical plans on our financial statements.
During fiscal 2016, the Company contributed $900 million to its pension and postretirement medical plans. In the first
quarter of fiscal 2017, we contributed $1.3 billion and do not expect to make any additional material contributions for the
remainder of fiscal 2017. However, final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2017 will be determined based on our
January 1, 2017 funding actuarial valuation, which will be available in late fiscal 2017. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors” for the
impact of factors affecting pension and postretirement medical costs.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
Cash provided by operations $ 13,213 $ 10,909 $ 9,780
Cash used in investing activities (5,758) (4,245) (3,345)
Cash used in financing activities (6,991) (5,514) (6,710)
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (123) (302) (235)
Change in cash and cash equivalents $ 341 $ 848 $ (510)
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2016 increased 21% or $2.3 billion to $13.2 billion compared to fiscal
2015. The increase in operating cash flow was due to higher operating cash receipts at Studio Entertainment, Media Networks
and Parks and Resorts driven by revenue growth. These increases were partially offset by higher operating cash disbursements
at Studio Entertainment and an increase in pension and postretirement medical plan contributions.
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2015 increased 12% or $1.1 billion to $10.9 billion compared to fiscal
2014 driven by higher operating cash flow at our Media Networks and Studio Entertainment segments, partially offset by an
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 46 1/10/17 11:12 PM
43
increase in income taxes paid. Higher operating cash flow at Media Networks was due to increased operating receipts driven by
affiliate fee growth, partially offset by higher disbursements for operating expenses and sports programming costs. The increase
in payments for sports programming costs was primarily due to college football, partially offset by the impact of a change in
payment terms for certain sports rights in fiscal 2014. Studio Entertainment cash flow benefited from lower operating cash
disbursements driven by lower theatrical and home entertainment marketing expense.
Depreciation expense is as follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 147 $ 150 $ 145
Broadcasting 90 95 93
Total Media Networks 237 245 238
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,273 1,169 1,117
International 445 345 353
Total Parks and Resorts 1,718 1,514 1,470
Studio Entertainment 51 55 48
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 63 69 69
Corporate 251 249 239
Total depreciation expense $ 2,320 $ 2,132 $ 2,064
Amortization of intangible assets is as follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
Media Networks $ 18 $ 21 $ 12
Parks and Resorts 3 3 2
Studio Entertainment 74 84 88
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 112 114 122
Corporate — — —
Total amortization of intangible assets $ 207 $ 222 $ 224
Film and Television Costs
The Company’s Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments incur costs to acquire and produce feature film and
television programming. Film and television production costs include all internally produced content such as live-action and
animated feature films, animated direct-to-video programming, television series, television specials, theatrical stage plays or
other similar product. Programming costs include film or television product licensed for a specific period from third parties for
airing on the Company’s broadcast, cable networks and television stations. Programming assets are generally recorded when
the programming becomes available to us with a corresponding increase in programming liabilities. Accordingly, we analyze
our programming assets net of the related liability.
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44
The Company’s film and television production and programming activity for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as
follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balances:
Production and programming assets $ 7,353 $ 6,386 $ 5,417
Programming liabilities (989) (875) (928)
6,364 5,511 4,489
Spending:
Television program licenses and rights 6,585 6,335 6,241
Film and television production 4,632 4,701 4,221
11,217 11,036 10,462
Amortization:
Television program licenses and rights (6,678) (6,482) (5,678)
Film and television production (4,438) (3,632) (3,820)
(11,116) (10,114) (9,498)
Change in film and television production and
programming costs 101 922 964
Other non-cash activity 19 (69) 58
Ending balances:
Production and programming assets 7,547 7,353 6,386
Programming liabilities (1,063) (989) (875)
$ 6,484 $ 6,364 $ 5,511
Investing Activities
Investing activities consist principally of investments in parks, resorts and other property and acquisition and divestiture
activity. The Company’s investments in parks, resorts and other property for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015 2014
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 86 $ 127 $ 172
Broadcasting 80 71 88
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 2,180 1,457 1,184
International 2,035 2,147 1,504
Studio Entertainment 86 107 63
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 53 87 48
Corporate 253 269 252
$ 4,773 $ 4,265 $ 3,311
Capital expenditures for the Parks and Resorts segment are principally for theme park and resort expansion, new
attractions, cruise ships, capital improvements and systems infrastructure. The increase at our domestic parks and resorts in
fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 was due to spending on new attractions at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland
Resort, while the increase in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 was driven by spending on new attractions at Walt Disney
World Resort. The decrease in capital expenditures at our international parks and resorts in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015
was due to lower spending at Shanghai Disney Resort, which opened in June 2016, partially offset by higher spending at Hong
Kong Disneyland Resort, while the increase in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 was due to higher spending for the
Shanghai Disney Resort.
Capital expenditures at Media Networks primarily reflect investments in facilities and equipment for expanding and
upgrading broadcast centers, production facilities and television station facilities.
Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in corporate facilities, information technology
infrastructure and equipment.
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45
The Company currently expects its fiscal 2017 capital expenditures will be approximately $0.5 billion higher than fiscal
2016 capital expenditures of $4.8 billion due to increased investments at our domestic parks and resorts partially offset by
decreased investments at our international parks and resorts.
Other Investing Activities
During fiscal 2016, acquisitions totaled $850 million due to the acquisition of a 15% interest in BAMTech and an 11%
interest in Vice. In addition, the Company made $109 million of contributions to joint ventures and investment purchases and
paid $74 million in premiums for foreign currency option contracts in connection with our commitment to acquire two new
cruise ships.
During fiscal 2015, contributions to joint ventures totaled $151 million and proceeds from the sale of investments and
dispositions totaled $166 million.
During fiscal 2014, acquisitions totaled $402 million due to the acquisition of Maker Studios, and proceeds from the sales
of investments and dispositions of assets totaled $395 million.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $7.0 billion in fiscal 2016 compared to $5.5 billion in fiscal 2015. The net use of
cash in the current year was due to $7.5 billion of common stock repurchases and $2.3 billion in dividends, partially offset by
net borrowings of $2.9 billion.
Cash used in financing activities of $7.0 billion was $1.5 billion more than the cash used in fiscal 2015. The increase in
cash used in financing activities was driven by:
Increases due to:
• Higher common stock repurchases of $1.4 billion ($7.5 billion in the fiscal 2016 compared to $6.1 billion in fiscal
2015)
• Lower contributions from non-controlling interest holders (zero in fiscal 2016 compared to $1.0 billion in fiscal 2015)
Partially offset by decreases due to:
• Lower dividend payments of $0.8 billion as a result of moving from an annual dividend to a semi-annual dividend. In
fiscal 2015, we paid our full year fiscal year 2014 dividend and the first half of the fiscal 2015 dividend. In the current
year, we paid the dividend for the second half of fiscal 2015 and the first half of fiscal 2016.
• Higher net borrowings of $0.2 billion ($2.9 billion in fiscal 2016 compared to $2.7 billion in fiscal 2015)
Cash used in financing activities was $5.5 billion in fiscal 2015 compared to $6.7 billion in fiscal 2014. The net use of
cash in fiscal 2015 was due to $6.1 billion of common stock repurchases and $3.1 billion in dividends, partially offset by net
borrowings of $2.7 billion and contributions from noncontrolling interest holders of $1.0 billion.
Cash used in financing activities of $5.5 billion in fiscal 2015 was $1.2 billion lower than cash used in fiscal 2014. The
decrease in cash used in financing activities was driven by:
Decreases due to:
• Higher net borrowings of $2.1 billion ($2.7 billion in fiscal 2015 compared to $0.6 billion in fiscal 2014)
• Higher contributions from non-controlling interest holders ($1.0 billion in fiscal 2015 compared to $0.6 billion in
fiscal 2014)
Partially offset by an increase in dividend payments of $1.6 billion as a result of moving from an annual dividend to a
semi-annual dividend and an increase in the per share dividend related to fiscal 2014.
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46
During the year ended October 1, 2016, the Company’s borrowing activity was as follows:
(in millions)
October 3,
2015 Borrowings Payments
Other
Activity
October 1,
2016
Commercial paper with original maturities less
than three months, net (1) $ 2,330 $ — $ (1,559) $ 6 $ 777
Commercial paper with original maturities
greater than three months 100 4,794 (4,155) 5 744
U.S. medium-term notes 13,873 4,948 (2,000) 6 16,827
International Theme Parks borrowings(2) 319 896 — (128) 1,087
Foreign currency denominated debt and other
obligations (3) 714 221 (205) 5 735
Total $ 17,336 $ 10,859 $ (7,919) $ (106) $ 20,170
(1) Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.
(2) The other activity is primarily the conversion of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort debt into equity and the impact of
changes in foreign currency exchange rates. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further
discussion of this transaction.
(3) The other activity is primarily market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges.
See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s bank facilities. The
Company may use commercial paper borrowings up to the amount of its unused bank facilities, in conjunction with term debt
issuance and operating cash flow, to retire or refinance other borrowings before or as they come due.
See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company’s dividends and share repurchases
in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014.
We believe that the Company’s financial condition is strong and that its cash balances, other liquid assets, operating cash
flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund
ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses and
development of new projects. However, the Company’s operating cash flow and access to the capital markets can be impacted
by macroeconomic factors outside of its control. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors”. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the
Company’s borrowing costs can be impacted by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies,
which are based, in significant part, on the Company’s performance as measured by certain credit metrics such as interest
coverage and leverage ratios. As of October 1, 2016, Moody’s Investors Service’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A2 and P-1, respectively, with stable outlook; Standard & Poor’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A and A-1, respectively, with stable outlook; and Fitch’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company
were A and F-1, respectively, with stable outlook. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating
to interest coverage, which the Company met on October 1, 2016, by a significant margin. The Company’s bank facilities also
specifically exclude certain entities, including the International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants or events of
default.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has various contractual obligations, which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial
statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in
our consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements. For example,
the Company is contractually committed to acquire broadcast programming and make certain minimum lease payments for the
use of property under operating lease agreements.
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The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments on an undiscounted basis at
October 1, 2016 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. In addition, the table
reflects the timing of principal and interest payments on outstanding borrowings based on their contractual maturities.
Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as referenced
in the table:
Payments Due by Period
(in millions) Total
Less than
1 Year
1-3
Years
4-5
Years
More than
5 Years
Borrowings (Note 8)(1) $ 26,985 $ 4,176 $ 5,484 $ 3,781 $ 13,544
Operating lease commitments (Note 14) 3,106 477 705 505 1,419
Capital lease obligations (Note 14) 601 35 41 30 495
Sports programming commitments (Note 14) 48,693 5,761 11,697 12,296 18,939
Broadcast programming commitments (Note 14) 2,317 358 539 434 986
Total sports and other broadcast programming
commitments 51,010 6,119 12,236 12,730 19,925
Other(2) 6,647 1,880 1,508 692 2,567
Total contractual obligations(3) $ 88,349 $ 12,687 $ 19,974 $ 17,738 $ 37,950
(1) Amounts exclude market value adjustments totaling $146 million, which are recorded in the balance sheet. Amounts
include interest payments based on contractual terms for fixed rate debt and on current interest rates for variable rate
debt. In 2023, the Company has the ability to call a debt instrument prior to its scheduled maturity, which if exercised
by the Company would reduce future interest payments by $1.1 billion.
(2) Other commitments primarily comprise contractual commitments for the construction of two new cruise ships,
creative talent and employment agreements and unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment
agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports, television and radio personalities and executives.
(3) Contractual commitments include the following:
Liabilities recorded on the balance sheet $ 20,807
Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet 67,542
$ 88,349
The Company also has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. See Note 10 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contingent Commitments and Contractual Guarantees
See Notes 3, 6 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s contingent
commitments and contractual guarantees.
Legal and Tax Matters
As disclosed in Notes 9 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain tax and
legal matters.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and
results of operations require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of our significant
accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Film and Television Revenues and Costs
We expense film and television production, participation and residual costs over the applicable product life cycle based upon
the ratio of the current period’s revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production. If
our estimate of Ultimate Revenues decreases, amortization of film and television costs may be accelerated. Conversely, if our
estimate of Ultimate Revenues increases, film and television cost amortization may be slowed. For film productions, Ultimate
Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of the initial theatrical release.
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For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from delivery of the first episode,
or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later.
With respect to films intended for theatrical release, the most sensitive factor affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues
(and therefore affecting future film cost amortization and/or impairment) is theatrical performance. Revenues derived from
other markets subsequent to the theatrical release (e.g., the home entertainment or television markets) have historically been
highly correlated with the theatrical performance. Theatrical performance varies primarily based upon the public interest and
demand for a particular film, the popularity of competing films at the time of release and the level of marketing effort. Upon a
film’s release and determination of the theatrical performance, the Company’s estimates of revenues from succeeding windows
and markets are revised based on historical relationships and an analysis of current market trends. The most sensitive factor
affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues for released films is the level of expected home entertainment sales. Home
entertainment sales vary based on the number and quality of competing home entertainment products, as well as the manner in
which retailers market and price our products.
With respect to television series or other television productions intended for broadcast, the most sensitive factors
affecting estimates of Ultimate Revenues are program ratings and the strength of the advertising market. Program ratings,
which are an indication of market acceptance, directly affect the Company’s ability to generate advertising revenues during the
airing of the program. In addition, television series with greater market acceptance are more likely to generate incremental
revenues through the licensing of program rights worldwide to television distributors, SVOD services and in home
entertainment formats. Alternatively, poor ratings may result in cancellation of the program, which would require an immediate
write-down of any unamortized production costs. A significant decline in the advertising market would also negatively impact
our estimates.
We expense the cost of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs based on the number of
times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Amortization of those
television programming assets being amortized on a number of airings basis may be accelerated if we reduce the estimated
future airings and slowed if we increase the estimated future airings. The number of future airings of a particular program is
impacted primarily by the program’s ratings in previous airings, expected advertising rates and availability and quality of
alternative programming. Accordingly, planned usage is reviewed periodically and revised if necessary. We amortize rights
costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of
each year in the arrangement. The estimated value of each year is based on our projections of revenues over the contract period,
which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to each
season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the applicable
season. If planned usage patterns or estimated relative values by year were to change significantly, amortization of our sports
rights costs may be accelerated or slowed.
Costs of film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated
fair values with the unamortized costs. The net realizable values of television broadcast program licenses and rights are
reviewed using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of
day or programs of a similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes
broadcast and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated
basis for each cable network. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
Estimated values are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market
conditions are less favorable than our projections, film, television and programming cost write-downs may be required.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has revenue recognition policies for its various operating segments that are appropriate to the
circumstances of each business. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of these revenue
recognition policies.
We reduce home entertainment and game revenues for estimated future returns of merchandise and for customer
programs and sales incentives. These estimates are based upon historical return experience, current economic trends and
projections of customer demand for and acceptance of our products. If we underestimate the level of returns or sales incentives
in a particular period, we may record less revenue in later periods when returns or sales incentives exceed the estimated
amount. Conversely, if we overestimate the level of returns or sales incentives for a period, we may have additional revenue in
later periods when returns or sales incentives are less than estimated.
We recognize revenues from advance theme park ticket sales when the tickets are used. We recognize revenues from
expiring multi-use tickets ratably over the estimated usage period. The estimated usage periods are derived from historical
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49
usage patterns. If actual usage is different than our estimated usage, revenues may not be recognized in the periods the related
services are rendered. In addition, a change in usage patterns would impact the timing of revenue recognition.
Pension and Postretirement Medical Plan Actuarial Assumptions
The Company’s pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using a number of
actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important
elements of expense and/or liability measurement, which we evaluate annually. Other assumptions include the healthcare cost
trend rate and employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and rate of compensation increase.
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement
date. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The guideline for
setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. We decreased our discount rate to 3.73% at the end of fiscal
2016 from 4.47% at the end of fiscal 2015 to reflect market interest rate conditions at our fiscal 2016 year end measurement
date. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering yield curves constructed of a large population of high-
quality corporate bonds and reflects the matching of plans’ liability cash flows to the yield curves. A one percentage point
decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase total benefit expense for fiscal 2017 by approximately $271 million and
would increase the projected benefit obligation at October 1, 2016 by approximately $2.9 billion. A one percentage point
increase in the assumed discount rate would decrease total benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation by
approximately $235 million and $2.4 billion, respectively.
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset
allocation as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. Our expected return on plan assets is 7.50%. A
lower expected rate of return on pension plan assets will increase pension expense. A one percentage point change in the long-
term asset return assumption would impact fiscal 2017 annual benefit expense by approximately $123 million.
For fiscal 2016, we changed the approach we used to determine the service and interest cost components of pension and
other postretirement benefit expense. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our
pension and postretirement medical plans.
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Investments
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is a potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit
is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flows)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. The discounted cash flow analyses are sensitive to our estimates of
future revenue growth and margins for these businesses. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we
believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other
reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as
those included in segment operating results. We believe our estimates of fair value are consistent with how a marketplace
participant would value our reporting units.
In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company’s long-term cash flow projections are
subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts.
If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the
excess. Fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised
values, as appropriate.
The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has
occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset
for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the
useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest
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50
level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and could
include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-
lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the
group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its
fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an
impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Determining whether a long-lived asset is impaired requires various estimates
and assumptions, including whether a triggering event has occurred, the identification of the asset groups, estimates of future
cash flows and the discount rate used to determine fair values. If we had established different asset groups or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company has cost and equity investments. The fair value of these investments is dependent on the performance of
the investee companies as well as volatility inherent in the external markets for these investments. In assessing the potential
impairment of these investments, we consider these factors as well as the forecasted financial performance of the investees and
market values, where available. If these forecasts are not met or market values indicate an other-than-temporary decline in
value, impairment charges may be required.
The Company tested its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments and long-lived assets for
impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $7 million, $10 million and $46 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015
and 2014, respectively. The fiscal 2014 impairment charges related to radio FCC licenses held by businesses in the Media
Networks segment. The fair values of the radio FCC licenses were derived from market transactions. These impairment charges
were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimate collectability of accounts receivable based on our analysis
of historical bad debt experience in conjunction with our assessment of the financial condition of individual companies with
which we do business. In times of domestic or global economic turmoil, our estimates and judgments with respect to the
collectability of our receivables are subject to greater uncertainty than in more stable periods. If our estimate of uncollectible
accounts is too low, costs and expenses may increase in future periods, and if it is too high, costs and expenses may decrease in
future periods.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued estimates of the probable and
estimable losses for the resolution of these proceedings. These estimates are based upon an analysis of potential results,
assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies and have been developed in consultation with outside counsel as
appropriate. From time to time, we may also be involved in other contingent matters for which we have accrued estimates for a
probable and estimable loss. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual
period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to legal
proceedings or our assumptions regarding other contingent matters. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
more detailed information on litigation exposure.
Income Tax Audits
As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. From time to time,
these audits result in proposed assessments. Our determinations regarding the recognition of income tax benefits are made in
consultation with outside tax and legal counsel, where appropriate, and are based upon the technical merits of our tax positions
in consideration of applicable tax statutes and related interpretations and precedents and upon the expected outcome of
proceedings (or negotiations) with taxing and legal authorities. The tax benefits ultimately realized by the Company may differ
from those recognized in our future financial statements based on a number of factors, including the Company’s decision to
settle rather than litigate a matter, relevant legal precedent related to similar matters and the Company’s success in supporting
its filing positions with taxing authorities.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding new accounting pronouncements.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or
on behalf of the Company. We may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking,” including
statements contained in this report and other filings with the SEC and in reports to our shareholders. Such statements may, for
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51
example, express expectations or projections about future actions that we may take, including restructuring or strategic
initiatives, or about developments beyond our control including changes in domestic or global economic conditions. These
statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions as of the time the statements are made and we
undertake no obligation to update these statements. There can be no assurance, however, that our expectations will necessarily
come to pass. Significant factors affecting these expectations are set forth under Item 1A – Risk Factors of this Report on Form
10-K.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, commodity fluctuations
and changes in the market values of its investments.
Policies and Procedures
In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage the Company’s exposure to
changes in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodities using a variety of financial instruments.
Our objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rate volatility on earnings
and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we primarily use interest rate swaps to
manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to the Company’s portfolio of borrowings. By policy, the Company targets
fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between minimum and maximum percentages.
Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flow in
order to allow management to focus on core business issues and challenges. Accordingly, the Company enters into various
contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent value of its existing foreign
currency assets, liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues and expenses. The Company utilizes option
strategies and forward contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies to hedge probable, but not firmly
committed, transactions. The Company also uses forward and option contracts to hedge foreign currency assets and liabilities.
The principal foreign currencies hedged are the euro, British pound, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar. Cross-currency swaps
are used to effectively convert foreign currency denominated borrowings to U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. By policy, the
Company maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange
exposures generally for periods not to exceed four years. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S.
dollar equivalent value of the related exposures. The economic or political conditions in a country could reduce our ability to
hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country.
Our objectives in managing exposure to commodity fluctuations are to use commodity derivatives to reduce volatility of
earnings and cash flows arising from commodity price changes. The amounts hedged using commodity swap contracts are
based on forecasted levels of consumption of certain commodities, such as fuel oil and gasoline.
It is the Company’s policy to enter into foreign currency and interest rate derivative transactions and other financial
instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as stated above. The Company does not enter into
these transactions or any other hedging transactions for speculative purposes.
Value at Risk (VAR)
The Company utilizes a VAR model to estimate the maximum potential one-day loss in the fair value of its interest rate,
foreign exchange, commodities and market sensitive equity financial instruments. The VAR model estimates were made
assuming normal market conditions and a 95% confidence level. Various modeling techniques can be used in a VAR
computation. The Company’s computations are based on the interrelationships between movements in various interest rates,
currencies, commodities and equity prices (a variance/co-variance technique). These interrelationships were determined by
observing interest rate, foreign currency, commodity and equity market changes over the preceding quarter for the calculation
of VAR amounts at each fiscal quarter end. The model includes all of the Company’s debt as well as all interest rate and foreign
exchange derivative contracts, commodities and market sensitive equity investments. Forecasted transactions, firm
commitments, and accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign currencies, which certain of these instruments are
intended to hedge, were excluded from the model.
The VAR model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses in fair value that will be incurred by
the Company, nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable changes in market factors.
VAR on a combined basis increased to $113 million at October 1, 2016 from $109 million at October 3, 2015.
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The estimated maximum potential one-day loss in fair value, calculated using the VAR model, is as follows (unaudited, in
millions):
Fiscal Year 2016
Interest Rate
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Currency
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Equity
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Commodity
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Combined
Portfolio
Year end fiscal 2016 VAR $ 74 $ 60 $ 3 $ 2 $ 113
Average VAR $ 69 $ 65 $ 1 $ 3 $ 99
Highest VAR $ 76 $ 73 $ 3 $ 5 $ 113
Lowest VAR $ 52 $ 60 $ 1 $ 2 $ 88
Year end fiscal 2015 VAR $ 65 $ 64 $ 2 $ 3 $ 109
The VAR for Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort is immaterial as of
October 1, 2016 and accordingly has been excluded from the above table.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 58.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the
Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and made
known to the officers who certify the Company’s financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board
of Directors as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation as of October 1, 2016, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the
Company have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s report set forth on page 59 is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended October 1, 2016, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 56 1/10/17 11:12 PM
53
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance, the Audit Committee, the Company’s code of ethics, background of the
directors and director nominations appearing under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,”
“Committees,” “Governing Documents,” “Director Selection Process” and “Election of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the 2017 annual meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
Information appearing under the captions “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and
“Compensation Tables” in the 2017 Proxy Statement (other than the “Compensation Committee Report,” which is deemed
furnished herein by reference) is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information setting forth the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under the
caption “Stock Ownership” and information appearing under the caption “Equity Compensation Plans” in the 2017 Proxy
Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information regarding certain related transactions appearing under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related
Person Transactions” and information regarding director independence appearing under the caption “Director Independence” in
the 2017 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information appearing under the captions “Auditor Fees and Services” and “Policy for Approval of Audit and Permitted
Non-Audit Services” in the 2017 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 57 1/10/17 11:12 PM
54
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Financial Statements and Schedules
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 58.
(2) Exhibits
The documents set forth below are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference to the location indicated.
Exhibit Location
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company Filed herewith
3.2 Bylaws of the Company Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed June 29, 2016
4.1 Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 14,
2014
Exhibit 10.12 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company, filed March 20, 2014
4.2 Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 11,
2016
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed March 14, 2016
4.3 364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of March 11, 2016 Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed March 14, 2016
4.4 Senior Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of
September 24, 2001, between the Company and Wells
Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee
Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company, filed September 24, 2001
4.5 Other long-term borrowing instruments are omitted
pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The
Company undertakes to furnish copies of such
instruments to the Commission upon request
10.1 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
as of October 6, 2011, between the Company and
Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011
10.2 Amendment dated July 1, 2013 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed July 1, 2013
10.3 Amendment dated October 2, 2014 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed October 3, 2014
10.4 Employment Agreement dated as of February 4, 2015
between the Company and Thomas O. Staggs
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed February 5, 2015
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed October 2, 2013
10.6 Amendment dated February 4, 2015 to the
Employment Agreement dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed February 5, 2015
10.7 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2015
between the Company and Kevin A. Mayer
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed June 30, 2015
10.8 Employment Agreement dated November 16, 2012 and
effective as of September 1, 2012 between the
Company and Jayne Parker
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012
10.9 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2015
between the Company and Christine M. McCarthy
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed June 30, 2015
10.10 Voluntary Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed December 23, 2014
10.11 Description of Directors Compensation Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 2, 2016
10.12 Form of Indemnification Agreement for certain officers
and directors
Annex C to the Proxy Statement for the 1987
annual meeting of DEI
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 58 1/10/17 11:12 PM
55
Exhibit Location
10.13 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors Exhibit 20 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement
(No. 33-57811) of DEI, dated Feb. 23, 1995
10.14 Amended and Restated 2002 Executive Performance
Plan
Annex A to the Proxy Statement for the 2013
Annual Meeting of the Registrant
10.15 Management Incentive Bonus Program The portions of the tables labeled “Performance
based Bonus” in the sections of the Proxy
Statement for the 2016 annual meeting of the
Company titled “2015 Total Direct Compensation”
and “Compensation Process” and the section of the
Proxy Statement titled “Performance Goals”
10.16 Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Directors
Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan
Annex II to the Proxy Statement for the 2003
annual meeting of the Company
10.17 Amended and Restated The Walt Disney Company/
Pixar 2004 Equity Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed December 1, 2006
10.18 Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed
March 16, 2012
10.19 Disney Key Employees Retirement Savings Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 2, 2011
10.20 Amendments dated April 30, 2015 to the Amended and
Restated The Walt Disney Productions and Associated
Companies Key Employees Deferred Compensation
and Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated Benefit
Equalization Plan of ABC, Inc. and Disney Key
Employees Retirement Savings Plan
Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended March 28, 2015
10.21 Group Personal Excess Liability Insurance Plan Exhibit 10(x) to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the period ended September 30, 1997
10.22 Amended and Restated Severance Pay Plan Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 27, 2008
10.23 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
(Time-Based Vesting)
Exhibit 10(aa) to the Form 10-K of the Company
for the period ended September 30, 2004
10.24 Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
10.25 Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Three-Year Vesting subject to Total
Shareholder Return/EPS Growth Tests/
Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed January 11, 2013
10.26 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award
Agreement
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
10.27 Disney Savings and Investment Plan as Amended and
Restated Effective January 1, 2010
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 3, 2010
10.28 First Amendment dated December 13, 2011 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan as amended and
restated effective January 1, 2010
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 31, 2011
10.29 Second Amendment dated December 3, 2012 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 29, 2012
10.30 Third Amendment dated December 18, 2014 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended March 28, 2015
10.31 Fourth Amendment dated April 30, 2015 to the Disney
Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended March 28, 2015
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 59 1/10/17 11:12 PM
56
Exhibit Location
12.1 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges Filed herewith
21 Subsidiaries of the Company Filed herewith
23 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Filed herewith
31(a) Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer of the Company in accordance with Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
31(b) Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
32(a) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Furnished herewith
32(b) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Furnished herewith
101 The following materials from the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 1,
2016 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting
Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of
Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated
Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Equity
and (vi) related notes
Filed herewith
* A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be
retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 60 1/10/17 11:12 PM
57
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date: November 23, 2016 By: /s/ ROBERT A. IGER
(Robert A. Iger,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
Principal Executive Officer
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER Chairman and Chief Executive Officer November 23, 2016
(Robert A. Iger)
Principal Financial and Accounting Officers
/s/ CHRISTINE M. MCCARTHY Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
November 23, 2016
(Christine M. McCarthy)
/s/ BRENT A. WOODFORD Executive Vice President-Controllership,
Financial Planning and Tax
November 23, 2016
(Brent A. Woodford)
Directors
/s/ SUSAN E. ARNOLD Director November 23, 2016
(Susan E. Arnold)
/s/ JOHN S. CHEN Director November 23, 2016
(John S. Chen)
/s/ JACK DORSEY Director November 23, 2016
(Jack Dorsey)
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER Chairman of the Board and Director November 23, 2016
(Robert A. Iger)
/s/ MARIA ELENA LAGOMASINO Director November 23, 2016
(Maria Elena Lagomasino)
/s/ FRED H. LANGHAMMER Director November 23, 2016
(Fred H. Langhammer)
/s/ AYLWIN B. LEWIS Director November 23, 2016
(Aylwin B. Lewis)
/s/ ROBERT W. MATSCHULLAT Director November 23, 2016
(Robert W. Matschullat)
/s/ MARK G. PARKER Director November 23, 2016
(Mark G. Parker)
/s/ SHERYL SANDBERG Director November 23, 2016
(Sheryl Sandberg)
/s/ ORIN C. SMITH Director November 23, 2016
(Orin C. Smith)
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 61 1/10/17 11:12 PM
58
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements of The Walt Disney Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended October 1, 2016, October 3, 2015 and September
27, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended October 1, 2016, October 3, 2015
and September 27, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended October 1, 2016, October 3, 2015 and
September 27, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended October 1, 2016, October 3, 2015
and September 27, 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Summary (unaudited)
All schedules are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the required information is included in the
financial statements or notes.
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
106
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 62 1/10/17 11:12 PM
59
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such
term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that
receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors
of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition,
use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission in 2013. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 1, 2016.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 1, 2016 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included
herein.
Disney_Q4_10K_Draft to Merrill 63 1/10/17 11:12 PM
60
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries (the Company) at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 1, 2016 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 1, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal
Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control
over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on
these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States).Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in
all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness
exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our
audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 23, 2016
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61
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)
2016 2015 2014
Revenues:
Services $ 47,130 $ 43,894 $ 40,246
Products 8,502 8,571 8,567
Total revenues 55,632 52,465 48,813
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (24,653) (23,191) (21,356)
Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (5,340) (5,173) (5,064)
Selling, general, administrative and other (8,754) (8,523) (8,565)
Depreciation and amortization (2,527) (2,354) (2,288)
Total costs and expenses (41,274) (39,241) (37,273)
Restructuring and impairment charges (156) (53) (140)
Other expense, net — — (31)
Interest income/(expense), net (260) (117) 23
Equity in the income of investees 926 814 854
Income before income taxes 14,868 13,868 12,246
Income taxes (5,078) (5,016) (4,242)
Net income 9,790 8,852 8,004
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (399) (470) (503)
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney) $ 9,391 $ 8,382 $ 7,501
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted $ 5.73 $ 4.90 $ 4.26
Basic $ 5.76 $ 4.95 $ 4.31
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding:
Diluted 1,639 1,709 1,759
Basic 1,629 1,694 1,740
Dividends declared per share $ 1.42 $ 1.81 $ 0.86
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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62
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
2016 2015 2014
Net Income $ 9,790 $ 8,852 $ 8,004
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Market value adjustments for investments 13 (87) 5
Market value adjustments for hedges (359) 130 121
Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments (1,154) (301) (925)
Foreign currency translation and other (156) (272) (18)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) (1,656) (530) (817)
Comprehensive income 8,134 8,322 7,187
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (399) (470) (503)
Less: Other comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests 98 77 36
Comprehensive income attributable to Disney $ 7,833 $ 7,929 $ 6,720
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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63
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,610 $ 4,269
Receivables 9,065 8,019
Inventories 1,390 1,571
Television costs and advances 1,208 1,170
Deferred income taxes — 767
Other current assets 693 962
Total current assets 16,966 16,758
Film and television costs 6,339 6,183
Investments 4,280 2,643
Parks, resorts and other property
Attractions, buildings and equipment 50,270 42,745
Accumulated depreciation (26,849) (24,844)
23,421 17,901
Projects in progress 2,684 6,028
Land 1,244 1,250
27,349 25,179
Intangible assets, net 6,949 7,172
Goodwill 27,810 27,826
Other assets 2,340 2,421
Total assets $ 92,033 $ 88,182
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $ 9,130 $ 7,844
Current portion of borrowings 3,687 4,563
Unearned royalties and other advances 4,025 3,927
Total current liabilities 16,842 16,334
Borrowings 16,483 12,773
Deferred income taxes 3,679 4,051
Other long-term liabilities 7,706 6,369
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value
Authorized – 100 million shares, Issued – none — —
Common stock, $.01 par value, Authorized – 4.6 billion shares, Issued – 2.9 billion
shares at October 1, 2016 and 2.8 billion shares at October 3, 2015 35,859 35,122
Retained earnings 66,088 59,028
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,979) (2,421)
97,968 91,729
Treasury stock, at cost, 1.3 billion shares at October 1, 2016 and 1.2 billion shares
at October 3, 2015 (54,703) (47,204)
Total Disney Shareholders’ equity 43,265 44,525
Noncontrolling interests 4,058 4,130
Total equity 47,323 48,655
Total liabilities and equity $ 92,033 $ 88,182
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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64
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
2016 2015 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 9,790 $ 8,852 $ 8,004
Depreciation and amortization 2,527 2,354 2,288
Gains on sales of investments and dispositions (26) (91) (299)
Deferred income taxes 1,214 (102) 517
Equity in the income of investees (926) (814) (854)
Cash distributions received from equity investees 799 752 718
Net change in film and television costs and advances (101) (922) (964)
Equity-based compensation 393 410 408
Other 445 341 234
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables (393) (211) (480)
Inventories 186 1 (81)
Other assets (137) 34 (151)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 40 (49) 536
Income taxes (598) 354 (96)
Cash provided by operations 13,213 10,909 9,780
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investments in parks, resorts and other property (4,773) (4,265) (3,311)
Sales of investments/proceeds from dispositions 45 166 395
Acquisitions (850) — (402)
Other (180) (146) (27)
Cash used in investing activities (5,758) (4,245) (3,345)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Commercial paper borrowings/(repayments), net (920) 2,376 50
Borrowings 6,065 2,550 2,231
Reduction of borrowings (2,205) (2,221) (1,648)
Dividends (2,313) (3,063) (1,508)
Repurchases of common stock (7,499) (6,095) (6,527)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 259 329 404
Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders — 1,012 608
Other (378) (402) (320)
Cash used in financing activities (6,991) (5,514) (6,710)
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (123) (302) (235)
Change in cash and cash equivalents 341 848 (510)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 4,269 3,421 3,931
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 4,610 $ 4,269 $ 3,421
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 395 $ 314 $ 310
Income taxes paid $ 4,133 $ 4,396 $ 3,483
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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65
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)
Equity Attributable to Disney
Shares
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
Disney
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interests Total Equity
Balance at September 28, 2013 1,773 $ 33,440 $ 47,758 $ (1,187) $ (34,582) $ 45,429 $ 2,721 $ 48,150
Comprehensive income — — 7,501 (781) — 6,720 467 7,187
Equity compensation activity 18 844 — — — 844 — 844
Common stock repurchases (84) — — — (6,527) (6,527) — (6,527)
Dividends — 17 (1,525) — — (1,508) — (1,508)
Contributions — — — — — — 608 608
Distributions and other — — — — — — (576) (576)
Balance at September 27, 2014 1,707 $ 34,301 $ 53,734 $ (1,968) $ (41,109) $ 44,958 $ 3,220 $ 48,178
Comprehensive income — — 8,382 (453) — 7,929 393 8,322
Equity compensation activity 14 828 — — — 828 — 828
Common stock repurchases (60) — — — (6,095) (6,095) — (6,095)
Dividends — 24 (3,087) — — (3,063) — (3,063)
Contributions — — — — — — 1,012 1,012
Distributions and other — (31) (1) — — (32) (495) (527)
Balance at October 3, 2015 1,661 $ 35,122 $ 59,028 $ (2,421) $ (47,204) $ 44,525 $ 4,130 $ 48,655
Comprehensive income — — 9,391 (1,558) — 7,833 301 8,134
Equity compensation activity 10 726 — — — 726 — 726
Common stock repurchases (74) — — — (7,499) (7,499) — (7,499)
Dividends — 15 (2,328) — — (2,313) — (2,313)
Distributions and other — (4) (3) — — (7) (373) (380)
Balance at October 1, 2016 1,597 $ 35,859 $ 66,088 $ (3,979) $ (54,703) $ 43,265 $ 4,058 $ 47,323
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
1 Description of the Business and Segment Information
The Walt Disney Company, together with the subsidiaries through which businesses are conducted (the Company), is a
diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in the following business segments: Media Networks, Parks and
Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products & Interactive Media. The Company combined its former Consumer
Products and Interactive segments into a single segment, Consumer Products & Interactive Media, and began reporting the
financial results of the combined segment in fiscal 2016.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Media Networks
The Company operates cable programming services including the ESPN, Disney Channels and Freeform networks,
broadcast businesses, which include the ABC TV Network and eight owned television stations, radio businesses consisting of
the ESPN Radio Network, including four owned ESPN radio stations, and the Radio Disney network, which operates from an
owned radio station in Los Angeles. The ABC TV and ESPN Radio networks have affiliated stations providing coverage to
consumers throughout the U.S. The Company also produces original live-action and animated television programming, which
may be sold in network, first-run syndication and other television markets worldwide, to subscription video on demand services
and in home entertainment formats such as DVD, Blu-Ray and iTunes. The Company has interests in media businesses that are
accounted for under the equity method including A+E Television Networks LLC (A+E), BAMTech LLC (BAMTech), CTV
Specialty Television, Inc. (CTV), Hulu LLC (Hulu), Seven TV and Vice Group Holdings, Inc. (Vice). Our Media Networks
business also operates branded internet sites and apps.
Parks and Resorts
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. The
Walt Disney World Resort includes four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s
Animal Kingdom); 18 resort hotels; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; a sports complex; conference centers;
campgrounds; water parks; and other recreational facilities. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and
Disney California Adventure), three resort hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. Internationally, the Company
manages and has an 81% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris, which includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park
and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed resort hotels; two convention centers; a shopping, dining and entertainment
complex; and a 27-hole golf facility. The Company manages and has a 47% ownership interest in Hong Kong Disneyland
Resort, which includes one theme park and two themed resort hotels. The Company has a 43% ownership interest in Shanghai
Disney Resort, which opened in June 2016 and includes one theme park; two themed resort hotels; a retail, dining and
entertainment complex; and an outdoor recreational area. The Company also has a 70% ownership interest in the management
company of Shanghai Disney Resort. The Company also earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort,
which includes two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) and four Disney-branded hotels, and is owned and
operated by an unrelated Japanese corporation. The Company manages and markets vacation club ownership interests through
the Disney Vacation Club; operates the Disney Cruise Line; the Adventures by Disney guided group vacations business; and
Aulani, a hotel and vacation club resort in Hawaii. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs and develops theme
park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
Studio Entertainment
The Company produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures for worldwide distribution in the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. The Company distributes these products through its own distribution and
marketing companies in the U.S. and both directly and through independent companies and joint ventures in foreign markets
primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Touchstone banners. Certain motion pictures produced
by DreamWorks Studios are distributed under our Touchstone Pictures banner. The Company also produces stage plays and
musical recordings, licenses and produces live entertainment events and provides visual and audio effects and other post-
production services.
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
The Company licenses its trade names, characters and visual and literary properties to various manufacturers, game
developers, publishers and retailers throughout the world. We also develop and publish games, primarily for mobile platforms.
The Company’s operations include retail, online and wholesale distribution of products through The Disney Store,
DisneyStore.com and MarvelStore.com and direct to retailers. We operate The Disney Store in North America, Europe, Japan
and China. The Company publishes entertainment and educational books and magazines and comic books for children and
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families and operates English language learning centers in China. In addition, the segment’s operations include website
management and design, primarily for other Company businesses. We also develop and distribute online video content, which
includes content developed by Maker Studios. Revenues and costs generated by Maker Studios have been allocated primarily
to the Media Networks and Studio Entertainment segments.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is
available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate
resources and in assessing performance.
Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and
impairment charges, other expense, interest income/(expense), income taxes and noncontrolling interests. Segment operating
income includes equity in the income of investees. Corporate and unallocated shared expenses principally consist of corporate
functions, executive management and certain unallocated administrative support functions.
Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating results is as follows:
2016 2015 2014
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 783 $ 896 $ 895
Broadcasting (186) (82) (39)
Parks and Resorts (3) — (2)
Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating
income $ 594 $ 814 $ 854
Vice Gain 332 — —
Total equity in the income of investees $ 926 $ 814 $ 854
During fiscal 2016, the Company recognized its share of a net gain recorded by A+E, a joint venture owned 50% by the
Company, in connection with A+E’s acquisition of an interest in Vice (Vice Gain). The Company’s $332 million share of the
Vice Gain is recorded in “Equity in the income of investees” in the Consolidated Statement of Income but is not included in
segment operating income. See Note 3 for further discussion of the transaction.
The following segment results include allocations of certain costs, including information technology, pension, legal and
other shared services costs, which are allocated based on metrics designed to correlate with consumption. These allocations are
agreed-upon amounts between the businesses and may differ from amounts that would be negotiated in arm’s length
transactions. In addition, all significant intersegment transactions have been eliminated except that Studio Entertainment
revenues and operating income include an allocation of Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenues, which is meant to
reflect royalties on revenue generated by Consumer Products & Interactive Media on merchandise based on intellectual
property from certain Studio Entertainment films.
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2016 2015 2014
Revenues
Media Networks $ 23,689 $ 23,264 $ 21,152
Parks and Resorts 16,974 16,162 15,099
Studio Entertainment
Third parties 8,701 6,838 6,988
Intersegment 740 528 290
9,441 7,366 7,278
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Third parties 6,268 6,201 5,574
Intersegment (740) (528) (290)
5,528 5,673 5,284
Total consolidated revenues $ 55,632 $ 52,465 $ 48,813
Segment operating income
Media Networks $ 7,755 $ 7,793 $ 7,321
Parks and Resorts 3,298 3,031 2,663
Studio Entertainment 2,703 1,973 1,549
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 1,965 1,884 1,472
Total segment operating income $ 15,721 $ 14,681 $ 13,005
Reconciliation of segment operating income to
income before income taxes
Segment operating income $ 15,721 $ 14,681 $ 13,005
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (640) (643) (611)
Restructuring and impairment charges (156) (53) (140)
Other expense, net — — (31)
Interest income/(expense), net (260) (117) 23
Vice Gain 332 — —
Infinity Charge(1) (129) — —
Income before income taxes $ 14,868 $ 13,868 $ 12,246
Capital expenditures
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 86 $ 127 $ 172
Broadcasting 80 71 88
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 2,180 1,457 1,184
International 2,035 2,147 1,504
Studio Entertainment 86 107 63
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 53 87 48
Corporate 253 269 252
Total capital expenditures $ 4,773 $ 4,265 $ 3,311
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2016 2015 2014
Depreciation expense
Media Networks $ 237 $ 245 $ 238
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,273 1,169 1,117
International 445 345 353
Studio Entertainment 51 55 48
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 63 69 69
Corporate 251 249 239
Total depreciation expense $ 2,320 $ 2,132 $ 2,064
Amortization of intangible assets
Media Networks $ 18 $ 21 $ 12
Parks and Resorts 3 3 2
Studio Entertainment 74 84 88
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 112 114 122
Corporate — — —
Total amortization of intangible assets $ 207 $ 222 $ 224
Identifiable assets(2)
Media Networks $ 32,706 $ 30,638
Parks and Resorts 28,275 25,510
Studio Entertainment 15,359 15,334
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 9,332 9,678
Corporate(3) 6,361 7,022
Total consolidated assets $ 92,033 $ 88,182
Supplemental revenue data
Affiliate fees $ 12,259 $ 12,029 $ 10,632
Advertising 8,649 8,499 8,094
Retail merchandise, food and beverage 6,116 5,986 5,598
Theme park admissions 5,900 5,483 5,114
Revenues
United States and Canada $ 42,616 $ 40,320 $ 36,769
Europe 6,714 6,507 6,505
Asia Pacific 4,582 3,958 3,930
Latin America and Other 1,720 1,680 1,609
$ 55,632 $ 52,465 $ 48,813
Segment operating income
United States and Canada $ 12,139 $ 10,820 $ 9,594
Europe 1,815 1,964 1,581
Asia Pacific 1,324 1,365 1,342
Latin America and Other 443 532 488
$ 15,721 $ 14,681 $ 13,005
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2016 2015
Long-lived assets(4)
United States and Canada $ 56,388 $ 53,976
Europe 8,125 8,254
Asia Pacific 8,228 6,817
Latin America and Other 210 182
$ 72,951 $ 69,229
(1) In fiscal 2016, the Company discontinued its Infinity console game business, which is reported in the Consumer
Products & Interactive Media segment, and recorded a charge primarily to write down inventory. The charge also
included severance and other asset impairments. The charge was reported in “Cost of products” in the Consolidated
Statement of Income.
(2) Identifiable assets include amounts associated with equity method investments, goodwill and intangible assets. Equity
method investments by segment are as follows:
2016 2015
Media Networks $ 4,032 $ 2,454
Parks and Resorts 22 9
Studio Entertainment 3 2
Consumer Products & Interactive Media — 1
Corporate 25 17
$ 4,082 $ 2,483
Goodwill and intangible assets by segment are as follows:
2016 2015
Media Networks $ 18,153 $ 18,186
Parks and Resorts 373 376
Studio Entertainment 8,450 8,538
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 7,653 7,768
Corporate 130 130
$ 34,759 $ 34,998
(3) Primarily fixed assets, cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets and investments.
(4) Long-lived assets are total assets less the following: current assets, long-term receivables, deferred taxes, financial
investments and derivatives.
2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of The Walt Disney Company and its
majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company enters into relationships or investments with other entities that may be a variable interest entity (VIE). A
VIE is consolidated in the financial statements if the Company has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact
the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that
could potentially be significant to the VIE (as defined by ASC 810-10-25-38). Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
and Shanghai Disney Resort (collectively the International Theme Parks) are VIEs. Company subsidiaries (the Management
Companies) have management agreements with the International Theme Parks, which provide the Management Companies,
subject to certain protective rights of joint venture partners, with the ability to direct the day-to-day operating activities and the
development of business strategies that we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of the International
Theme Parks. In addition, the Management Companies receive management fees under these arrangements that we believe
could be significant to the International Theme Parks. Therefore, the Company has consolidated the International Theme Parks
in its financial statements.
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Reporting Period
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 and consists of fifty-two weeks with the
exception that approximately every six years, we have a fifty-three week year. When a fifty-three week year occurs, the
Company reports the additional week in the fourth quarter. Fiscal 2016 and 2014 were fifty-two week years. Fiscal 2015 was a
fifty-three week year.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 financial statements and notes to conform to
the fiscal 2016 presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Revenues and Costs from Services and Products
The Company generates revenue from the sale of both services and tangible products and revenues and operating costs
are classified under these two categories in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Certain costs related to both the sale of
services and tangible products are not specifically allocated between the service or tangible product revenue streams but are
instead attributed to the principal revenue stream. The cost of services and tangible products exclude depreciation and
amortization.
Significant service revenues include:
• Affiliate fees
• Advertising revenues
• Revenue from the licensing and distribution of film and television properties
• Admissions to our theme parks, charges for room nights at hotels and sales of cruise vacation packages
• Licensing of intellectual property for use on consumer merchandise, published materials and in multi-platform games
Significant operating costs related to the sale of services include:
• Amortization of programming, production, participations and residuals costs
• Distribution costs
• Operating labor
• Facilities and infrastructure costs
Significant tangible product revenues include:
• The sale of food, beverage and merchandise at our retail locations
• The sale of DVDs, Blu-ray discs and video game discs and accessories
• The sale of books, comic books and magazines
Significant operating costs related to the sale of tangible products include:
• Costs of goods sold
• Amortization of programming, production, participations and residuals costs
• Distribution costs
• Operating labor
• Retail occupancy costs
• Game development costs
Revenue Recognition
Television advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Affiliate fee revenue is recognized as
services are provided based on per subscriber rates set out in agreements with Multi-channel Video Programming Distributors
(MVPD) and the number of subscribers reported by the MVPDs.
Revenues from advance theme park ticket sales are recognized when the tickets are used. Revenues from expiring multi-
use tickets are recognized ratably over the estimated usage period. The estimated usage periods are derived from historical
usage patterns.
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Revenues from the theatrical distribution of motion pictures are recognized when motion pictures are exhibited.
Revenues from home entertainment and video game sales, net of anticipated returns and customer incentives, are recognized on
the later of the delivery date or the date that the product can be sold by retailers. Revenues from the licensing of feature films
and television programming are recorded when the content is available for telecast by the licensee and when certain other
conditions are met. Revenues from the sale of electronic formats of feature films and television programming are recognized
when the product is received by the consumer.
Merchandise licensing advances and guarantee royalty payments are recognized based on the contractual royalty rate
when the licensed product is sold by the licensee. Non-refundable advances and minimum guarantee royalty payments in
excess of royalties earned are generally recognized as revenue at the end of the contract period.
Revenues from our branded online and mobile operations are recognized as services are rendered. Advertising revenues
at our internet operations or associated with the distribution of our video content online are recognized when advertisements are
viewed online.
Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented in the Consolidated Statements of
Income on a net basis.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. The
allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our analysis of trends in overall receivables aging, specific identification
of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, past collection experience and current economic trends.
Advertising Expense
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $2.9 billion,
$2.6 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or
less.
Investments
Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-
maturity” and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity and marketable equity securities are
considered “available-for-sale” and recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI). All other equity securities are accounted for using either the cost method or the equity
method.
The Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-
than-temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written
down to fair value.
Translation Policy
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for the majority of our international operations. The local currency is the
functional currency for the International Theme Parks, international locations of The Disney Stores, our UTV businesses in
India, our English language learning centers in China and certain international equity method investments.
For U.S. dollar functional currency locations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at
end-of-period exchange rates, except for non-monetary balance sheet accounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange
rates. Revenue and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses
related to the non-monetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from
foreign currency remeasurement are included in income.
For local currency functional locations, assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates while revenues and
expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting
cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of AOCI.
Inventories
Inventory primarily includes vacation timeshare units, merchandise, food, materials and supplies. Carrying amounts of
vacation ownership units are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Carrying amounts of merchandise, food,
materials and supplies inventories are generally determined on a moving average cost basis and are recorded at the lower of
cost or market.
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Film and Television Costs
Film and television costs include capitalizable production costs, production overhead, interest, development costs and
acquired production costs and are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. Acquired
programming costs for the Company’s cable and broadcast television networks are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated
amortization, or net realizable value. Acquired television broadcast program licenses and rights are recorded when the license
period begins and the program is available for use. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs are expensed as
incurred.
Film and television production, participation and residual costs are expensed over the applicable product life cycle based
upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production.
For film productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of
the initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from
delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. For acquired
film libraries, remaining revenues include amounts to be earned for up to twenty years from the date of acquisition. Costs of
film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated fair values with
the unamortized costs. The Company bases these fair value measurements on the Company’s assumptions about how market
participants would price the assets at the balance sheet date, which may be different than the amounts ultimately realized in
future periods. The amount by which the unamortized costs of film and television productions exceed their estimated fair
values is written off. Film development costs for projects that have been abandoned or have not been set for production within
three years are generally written off.
The costs of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs are expensed based on the number
of times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Rights costs for
multi-year sports programming arrangements are amortized during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value
of each year in the arrangement. The estimated value of each year is based on our projections of revenues over the contract
period, which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to
each season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the
applicable season. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
The net realizable values of network television broadcast program licenses and rights are reviewed for recoverability
using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of day or
programs of a similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes broadcast
and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated basis for each
cable network.
Internal-Use Software Costs
The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project stage of developing or acquiring internal use software,
such as research and feasibility studies as well as costs incurred in the post-implementation/operational stage, such as
maintenance and training. Capitalization of software development costs occurs only after the preliminary-project stage is
complete, management authorizes the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used
for the function intended. As of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, capitalized software costs, net of accumulated
depreciation, totaled $714 million and $753 million, respectively. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the estimated useful life of the software, ranging from 3-10 years.
Software Product Development Costs
Software product development costs incurred prior to reaching technological feasibility are expensed. We have
determined that technological feasibility of our video game software is generally not established until substantially all product
development is complete.
Parks, Resorts and Other Property
Parks, resorts and other property are carried at historical cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over
estimated useful lives as follows:
Attractions 25 – 40 years
Buildings and improvements 20 – 40 years
Leasehold improvements Life of lease or asset life if less
Land improvements 20 – 40 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 – 25 years
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Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is a potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit
is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flows)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we
believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other
reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as
those included in segment operating results.
In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company’s long-term cash flow projections are
subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts.
If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the
excess. Fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised
values, as appropriate. The Company has determined that there are currently no legal, competitive, economic or other factors
that materially limit the useful life of our FCC licenses and trademarks.
Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 40 years. The costs to
periodically renew our intangible assets are expensed as incurred.
The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has
occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset
for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the
useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest
level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and could
include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-
lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the
group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its
fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an
impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
The Company tested its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments and long-lived assets for
impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $7 million, $10 million and $46 million in fiscal years 2016, 2015
and 2014, respectively. The fiscal 2014 impairment charges related to radio FCC licenses held by businesses in the Media
Networks segment. The fair values of the radio FCC licenses were derived from market transactions. These impairment charges
were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing amortizable intangible assets for fiscal years
2017 through 2021 to be as follows:
2017 $ 192
2018 191
2019 186
2020 180
2021 175
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Risk Management Contracts
In the normal course of business, the Company employs a variety of financial instruments (derivatives) including interest
rate and cross-currency swap agreements and forward and option contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedges and hedged items as well as its risk management
objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company primarily enters into two types of
derivatives: hedges of fair value exposure and hedges of cash flow exposure. Hedges of fair value exposure are entered into in
order to hedge the fair value of a recognized asset, liability, or a firm commitment. Hedges of cash flow exposure are entered
into in order to hedge a forecasted transaction (e.g. forecasted revenue) or the variability of cash flows to be paid or received,
related to a recognized liability or asset (e.g. floating rate debt).
The Company designates and assigns the derivatives as hedges of forecasted transactions, specific assets or specific
liabilities. When hedged assets or liabilities are sold or extinguished or the forecasted transactions being hedged occur or are no
longer expected to occur, the Company recognizes the gain or loss on the designated derivatives.
The Company’s hedge positions are measured at fair value on the balance sheet. Realized gains and losses from hedges
are classified in the income statement consistent with the accounting treatment of the items being hedged. The Company
accrues the differential for interest rate swaps to be paid or received under the agreements as interest rates change as
adjustments to interest expense over the lives of the swaps. Gains and losses on the termination of effective swap agreements,
prior to their original maturity, are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying hedged
transactions.
The Company enters into derivatives that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. These
derivatives are intended to offset certain economic exposures of the Company and are carried at fair value with changes in
value recorded in earnings. Cash flows from hedging activities are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
under the same category as the cash flows from the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions (see Notes 8 and 16).
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded with respect to temporary differences in the accounting treatment
of items for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Where, based on the weight of available evidence, it is
more likely than not that some amount of recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established
for the amount that, in management’s judgment, is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely
than not to be realized.
A tax position must meet a minimum probability threshold before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The
minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable
taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the
position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of
being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Earnings Per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net
income attributable to Disney by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is
based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year, which is
calculated using the treasury-stock method for equity-based awards (Awards). Common equivalent shares are excluded from
the computation in periods for which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the
average market price over the period are anti-dilutive and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.
A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding and the number
of Awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as they were anti-dilutive, are as follows:
2016 2015 2014
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding (basic) 1,629 1,694 1,740
Weighted average dilutive impact of Awards 10 15 19
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding (diluted) 1,639 1,709 1,759
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share 6 3 6
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3 Acquisitions
BAMTech
In August 2016, the Company acquired a 15% interest in BAMTech, an entity which holds Major League Baseball’s
streaming technology and content delivery businesses, for $450 million. The Company is committed to acquire an additional
18% interest for $557 million in January 2017. The Company accounts for its interest in BAMTech as an equity method
investment. In addition, the Company has an option to increase its ownership to 66% by acquiring additional shares at fair
market value from Major League Baseball between August 2020 and August 2023.
Vice/A+E
Vice is a media company targeting a millennial audience through news and pop culture content and creative brand
integration. During fiscal 2016, A+E acquired an 8% interest in Vice in exchange for a 49.9% interest in one of A+E’s cable
channels, H2, which has been rebranded as Viceland and programmed with Vice content. As a result of this exchange, A+E
recognized a net non-cash gain based on the estimated fair value of H2. The Company’s share of the Vice Gain totaled $332
million and was recorded in “Equity in the income of investees” in the Consolidated Statement of Income in fiscal 2016. At
October 1, 2016, A+E had a 20% interest in Vice.
In addition, during fiscal 2016, the Company acquired an 11% interest in Vice for $400 million of cash.
The Company accounts for its interests in A+E and Vice as equity method investments.
Maker Studios
On May 7, 2014, the Company acquired Maker Studios, Inc. (Maker), a leading network of online video content, for
approximately $500 million of cash consideration. Maker shareholders were eligible to receive up to $450 million of additional
cash upon Maker’s achievement of certain performance targets for calendar years 2014 and 2015. At the date of the acquisition,
the Company recorded a $198 million liability for the fair value of the contingent consideration (determined by a probability
weighting of potential payouts). In fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016, the Company paid $105 million and $70 million, respectively,
for the contingent consideration. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for tax
purposes. Goodwill reflects the synergies expected from enhancing the presence of Disney’s franchises and brands through the
use of Maker’s distribution platform, advanced technology and business intelligence capability. The revenue and net income of
Maker included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 were not material.
Hulu
At the end of fiscal 2015, the Company had a 33% interest in Hulu, a joint venture owned one-third each by the
Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and Comcast Corporation. In August 2016, Time Warner, Inc. (TW) acquired a 10%
interest in the venture from Hulu for $583 million diluting the Company’s ownership interest to 30%, which results in a deemed
sale by the Company. For not more than 36 months from August 2016, TW may put its shares to Hulu or Hulu may call the
shares from TW under certain limited circumstances arising from regulatory review. The Company and Twenty-First Century
Fox, Inc. have agreed to make a capital contribution for up to approximately $300 million each if required to fund the
repurchase of shares from TW. The Company expects to recognize a gain of approximately $175 million associated with the
deemed sale of a portion of its ownership interest in Hulu if the put and call options are not exercised.
In addition, the Company has guaranteed $113 million of Hulu’s $338 million term loan, which expires in October 2017.
The Company accounts for its interest in Hulu as an equity method investment.
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Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015 are as follows:
Media
Networks
Parks and
Resorts
Studio
Entertainment
Consumer
Products &
Interactive
Media Total
Balance at Sept. 27, 2014 $ 16,378 $ 291 $ 6,856 $ 4,356 $ 27,881
Acquisitions 3 — 2 — 5
Dispositions — — — (1) (1)
Other, net (27) — (22) (10) (59)
Balance at Oct. 3, 2015 $ 16,354 $ 291 $ 6,836 $ 4,345 $ 27,826
Acquisitions 1 — 1 — 2
Dispositions — — — — —
Other, net (10) — (7) (1) (18)
Balance at Oct. 1, 2016 $ 16,345 $ 291 $ 6,830 $ 4,344 $ 27,810
4 Dispositions and Other Expense, net
Other expense, net is as follows:
2016 2015 2014
Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss $ — $ — $ (143)
Gain on sale of property and other — — 112
Other expense, net $ — $ — $ (31)
Venezuela foreign currency loss
The Company has operations in Venezuela, including film and television distribution and merchandise licensing and has
net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan bolivares (BsF), which primarily consist of cash. The Venezuelan government
(Government) has foreign currency exchange controls, which provide different exchange mechanisms that impact the
Company’s ability to convert its BsF denominated monetary assets to U.S. dollars. During fiscal 2014, the Government
launched a new currency exchange mechanism, and the Company began translating its BsF denominated net monetary assets at
the rates determined in this market resulting in a loss of $143 million reported in “Other expense, net” in the Consolidated
Statement of Income. In fiscal 2015 and 2016, the Government introduced additional exchange mechanisms (including the
Divisa Comercial “DICOM”) resulting in immaterial losses in those fiscal years, which are included in “Costs and expenses” in
the Consolidated Statements of Income. At October 1, 2016, the Company translated its approximately 4.3 billion BsF
denominated net monetary assets using rates determined by the Venezuelan DICOM market (656 BsF per U.S. dollar).
Gain on sale of property and other
In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized $83 million of gains primarily due to the sale of a property and $29 million for a
portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute.
5 Investments
Investments consist of the following:
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Investments, equity basis $ 4,082 $ 2,483
Investments, other 198 160
$ 4,280 $ 2,643
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Investments, Equity Basis
A summary of combined financial information for equity investments, which primarily consist of media investments,
A + E, BAMTech, CTV Specialty Television, Inc., Hulu, Seven TV and Vice, is as follows:
2016 2015 2014
Results of Operations:
Revenues $ 7,416 $ 6,561 $ 6,573
Net income $ 1,855 $ 1,912 $ 2,003
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Balance Sheet
Current assets $ 4,801 $ 3,676 $ 2,640
Non-current assets 8,906 6,429 6,294
$ 13,707 $ 10,105 $ 8,934
Current liabilities $ 2,018 $ 1,614 $ 1,504
Non-current liabilities 4,531 4,128 3,298
Shareholders’ equity 7,158 4,363 4,132
$ 13,707 $ 10,105 $ 8,934
As of October 1, 2016, the book value of the Company’s equity method investments exceeded our share of the book value
of the investees’ underlying net assets by approximately $1.4 billion, which represents amortizable intangible assets and
goodwill arising from acquisitions.
The Company enters into transactions in the ordinary course of business with our equity investees, primarily related to the
licensing of television and film programming. Revenues from these transactions were $0.5 billion, $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion
in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company defers a portion of its profits from transactions with investees until
the investee recognizes third-party revenue from the exploitation of the rights. The portion that is deferred reflects our
ownership interest in the investee.
Investments, Other
As of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the Company held $85 million and $36 million, respectively, of securities
classified as available-for-sale, $91 million and $81 million, respectively, of non-publicly traded cost-method investments and
$22 million and $43 million, respectively, of investments in leveraged leases.
In fiscal 2016, the Company had no significant realized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities. In fiscal years
2015 and 2014, the Company had realized gains of $31 million and $165 million, respectively, on available-for-sale securities.
In fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company had realized gains of $23 million, $11 million and $53 million,
respectively, on non-publicly traded cost-method investments.
In fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $44 million, $14 million and $13
million, respectively, to reflect other-than-temporary losses in investment value.
Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale and non-publicly traded cost-method investments are reported in “Interest
income/(expense), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
6 International Theme Park Investments
The Company has a 47% ownership interest in the operations of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, a 43% ownership
interest in the operations of Shanghai Disney Resort and an 81% effective ownership interest in the operations of Disneyland
Paris. The International Theme Parks are VIEs consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. See Note 2 for the
Company’s policy on consolidating VIEs.
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The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the International Theme Parks’ assets and liabilities included in
the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015:
International Theme Parks
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,008 $ 781
Other current assets 331 252
Total current assets 1,339 1,033
Parks, resorts and other property 9,270 7,748
Other assets 88 62
Total assets $ 10,697 $ 8,843
Current liabilities $ 1,499 $ 1,027
Borrowings – long-term 1,087 319
Other long-term liabilities 256 195
Total liabilities $ 2,842 $ 1,541
The following table summarizes the International Theme Parks’ revenues and costs and expenses included in the
Company’s consolidated statements of income as of October 1, 2016:
October 1,
2016
Revenues $ 2,455
Costs and expenses (2,754)
Royalty and management fees from the International Theme Parks recognized by the Company totaled $148 million for
fiscal 2016. Royalty and management fees are eliminated in consolidation but are considered in calculating earnings allocated
to noncontrolling interests.
Fiscal 2016 International Theme Parks’ cash flows included in the Company’s consolidated cash flow statement are $0.4
billion generated from operating activities, $2.1 billion used in investing activities and $0.9 billion generated from financing
activities.
Disneyland Paris
During calendar 2015, Disneyland Paris completed a recapitalization consisting of the following:
• In February 2015, Disneyland Paris completed a €0.4 billion equity rights offering at €1.00 per share of which the
Company funded €0.2 billion. The Company purchased shares that were unsubscribed by other Disneyland Paris
shareholders, which increased the Company’s effective ownership by approximately four percentage points.
• In February 2015, the Company converted €0.6 billion of its loans to Disneyland Paris into equity at a conversion
price of €1.25 per share. The conversion increased the Company’s effective ownership by an additional 23 percentage
points. In addition, Disneyland Paris repaid €0.3 billion that was outstanding under then existing lines of credit from
the Company. These lines of credit were replaced by a new €0.4 billion line of credit from the Company bearing
interest at EURIBOR plus 2% and maturing in 2023.
• In September 2015, the Company completed a mandatory tender offer to the other Disneyland Paris shareholders and
acquired €0.1 billion in shares at €1.25 per share, which increased the Company’s effective ownership by an additional
eight percentage points.
• In November 2015, to offset the dilution caused by the loan conversion, Disneyland Paris shareholders purchased
€0.05 billion in shares from the Company at €1.25 per share, which decreased the Company’s effective ownership by
four percentage points, resulting in an 81% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris.
As a result of the recapitalization, in fiscal 2015 the Company wrote off a $399 million deferred income tax asset (see
Note 9).
The Company has term loans to Disneyland Paris with outstanding balances totaling €1.0 billion at October 1, 2016
bearing interest at a 4% fixed rate and maturing in 2024. In addition, €130 million is outstanding under the line of credit at
October 1, 2016.
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The Company has waived payment of royalties and management fees for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 through the
third quarter of fiscal 2018.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
At October 1, 2016, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Company had
53% and 47% equity interests in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, respectively. HKSAR has the right to receive additional shares
over time to the extent Hong Kong Disneyland Resort exceeds certain return on asset performance targets. The amount of
additional shares HKSAR can receive is capped on both an annual and cumulative basis and could decrease the Company’s
equity interest by up to an additional 7 percentage points over a period no shorter than 16 years.
As part of financing the construction of a third hotel, which we expect to open in 2017, the Company contributed $113
million of equity in fiscal 2016. HKSAR also converted $113 million of a loan to equity, leaving a balance at October 1, 2016
of HK$0.4 billion ($45 million) (see Note 8 for further details of this loan). In addition, the Company and HKSAR have
committed to provide additional loans up to $149 million and $104 million, respectively. At October 1, 2016, the additional
loans provided by the Company and HKSAR are $116 million and $77 million, respectively, bearing interest at a rate of three
month HIBOR plus 2% and mature in September 2025.
The net impact to HKSAR and the Company’s ownership of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during fiscal 2016 and 2015
as a result of the above activities was not material.
Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disney Resort is owned through two joint venture companies, in which Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co., Ltd
(Shendi) owns 57% and the Company owns 43%. A management company, in which the Company has a 70% interest and
Shendi a 30% interest, is responsible for operating Shanghai Disney Resort. The investment in Shanghai Disney Resort has
been funded in accordance with each shareholder’s ownership percentage, with approximately 67% from equity contributions
and 33% from shareholder loans.
The Company has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with term loans totaling $757 million, bearing interest at rates up to
8% and maturing in 2036. In addition, the Company has an outstanding balance of $318 million due from Shanghai Disney
Resort related to development and pre-opening costs of the resort, which is anticipated to be paid by the end of 2018. The
Company has also provided Shanghai Disney Resort with a $157 million line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is no
outstanding balance under the line of credit at October 1, 2016.
Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with term loans totaling 6.4 billion yuan (approximately $1.0 billion),
bearing interest at rates up to 8% and maturing in 2036; however, early repayment is permitted. Shendi has also provided
Shanghai Disney Resort with a 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $205 million) line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is no
outstanding balance under the line of credit at October 1, 2016.
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7 Film and Television Costs and Advances
Film and television costs and advances are as follows:
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Theatrical film costs
Released, less amortization $ 1,677 $ 1,445
Completed, not released — —
In-process 2,179 2,499
In development or pre-production 336 304
4,192 4,248
Television costs
Released, less amortization 1,015 895
Completed, not released 365 395
In-process 417 352
In development or pre-production 13 10
1,810 1,652
Television programming rights and advances 1,545 1,453
7,547 7,353
Less current portion 1,208 1,170
Non-current portion $ 6,339 $ 6,183
Based on management’s total gross revenue estimates as of October 1, 2016, approximately 79% of unamortized film and
television costs for released productions (excluding amounts allocated to acquired film and television libraries) are expected to
be amortized during the next three years. By the end of fiscal 2020, we will have reached on a cumulative basis, 80%
amortization of the October 1, 2016 balance of unamortized film and television costs. Approximately $0.9 billion of accrued
participation and residual liabilities will be paid in fiscal year 2017. The Company expects to amortize, based on current
estimates, approximately $1.4 billion in capitalized film and television production costs during fiscal 2017.
At October 1, 2016, acquired film and television libraries have remaining unamortized costs of $200 million, which are
generally amortized straight-line over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 14 years.
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8 Borrowings
The Company’s borrowings at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, including the impact of interest rate and cross-
currency swaps, are summarized below:
2016
2016 2015
Stated
Interest
Rate (1)
Pay
Floating
Interest rate
and Cross-
Currency
Swaps (2)
Effective
Interest
Rate (3)
Swap
Maturities
Commercial paper $ 1,521 $ 2,430 — $ — 0.54%
U.S. medium-term notes (4) 16,827 13,873 2.80% 8,275 2.58% 2017-2026
Foreign currency denominated debt 448 447 4.88% 249 4.83% 2017
Capital Cities/ABC debt 107 108 8.75% — 6.01%
Other (5) 180 159 —
19,083 17,017 2.66% 8,524 2.49%
International Theme Parks borrowings 1,087 319 1.92% — 4.30%
Total borrowings 20,170 17,336 2.62% 8,524 2.59%
Less current portion 3,687 4,563 1.24% 1,500 1.47%
Total long-term borrowings $ 16,483 $ 12,773 $ 7,024
(1) The stated interest rate represents the weighted-average coupon rate for each category of borrowings. For floating rate
borrowings, interest rates are the rates in effect at October 1, 2016; these rates are not necessarily an indication of
future interest rates.
(2) Amounts represent notional values of interest rate and cross-currency swaps outstanding as of October 1, 2016.
(3) The effective interest rate includes the impact of existing and terminated interest rate and cross-currency swaps,
purchase accounting adjustments and debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs.
(4) Includes net debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs totaling $132 million and $88 million at October 1, 2016
and October 3, 2015, respectively.
(5) Includes market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges totaling $146 million and $131 million at
October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, respectively.
Commercial Paper
The Company has bank facilities with a syndicate of lenders to support commercial paper borrowings as follows:
Committed
Capacity
Capacity
Used
Unused
Capacity
Facility expiring March 2017 $ 1,500 $ — $ 1,500
Facility expiring March 2019 2,250 — 2,250
Facility expiring March 2021 2,250 — 2,250
Total $ 6,000 $ — $ 6,000
All of the above bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread depending on the credit default
swap spread applicable to the Company’s debt, subject to a cap and floor that vary with the Company’s debt rating assigned by
Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s. The spread above LIBOR can range from 0.23% to 1.63%. The Company
also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in March 2019, which if utilized,
reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of October 1, 2016, the Company has $169 million of outstanding letters of
credit, of which none were issued under this facility. The facilities specifically exclude certain entities, including the
International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants, or events of default and contain only one financial covenant,
relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on October 1, 2016 by a significant margin.
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Commercial paper activity is as follows:
Commercial
paper with
original
maturities less
than three
months, net(1)
Commercial
paper with
original
maturities
greater than
three months Total
Balance at Sept 27, 2014 $ 50 $ — $ 50
Additions 2,277 3,019 5,296
Payments — (2,920) (2,920)
Other Activity 3 1 4
Balance at Oct 3, 2015 $ 2,330 $ 100 $ 2,430
Additions — 4,794 4,794
Payments (1,559) (4,155) (5,714)
Other Activity 6 5 11
Balance at Oct 1, 2016 $ 777 $ 744 $ 1,521
(1) Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.
Credit facility for cruise ships
In October 2016, the Company entered into two credit facilities to finance new cruise ships, which are expected to be
delivered in 2021 and 2023. The financing may be used for up to 80% of the contract price of the cruise ships. Under the
agreements, $1.0 billion in financing is available beginning in April 2021 and $1.1 billion is available beginning in April 2023.
If utilized, the interest rates will be fixed at 3.48% and 3.74%, respectively, and payable semi-annually. The loans will be repaid
in 24 equal installments over a 12-year period from the borrowing date. Early repayment is permitted subject to cancellation
fees.
Shelf Registration Statement
The Company has a shelf registration statement in place, which allows the Company to issue various types of debt
instruments, such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes, global
notes, and dual currency or other indexed notes. Issuances under the shelf registration will require the filing of a prospectus
supplement identifying the amount and terms of the securities to be issued. Our ability to issue debt is subject to market
conditions and other factors impacting our borrowing capacity.
U.S. Medium-Term Note Program
At October 1, 2016, the total debt outstanding under the U.S. medium-term note program was $16.8 billion with
maturities ranging from 1 to 77 years. The debt outstanding includes $16.1 billion of fixed rate notes, which have stated interest
rates that range from 0.88% to 7.55% and $660 million of floating rate notes that bear interest at U.S. LIBOR plus or minus a
spread. At October 1, 2016, the effective rate on floating rate notes was 1.10%.
European Medium-Term Note Program
The Company has a European medium-term note program, which allows the Company to issue various types of debt
instruments such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes and index
linked or dual currency notes. Capacity under the program is $4.0 billion, subject to market conditions and other factors
impacting our borrowing capacity. Capacity under the program replenishes as outstanding debt under the program is repaid.
The Company had no outstanding borrowings under the program at October 1, 2016.
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt
At October 1, 2016, the Company had Canadian $328 million ($249 million) of debt outstanding, which bears interest at
the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate plus 0.83% (1.72% at October 1, 2016) and matures in 2017.
The Company has short-term credit facilities of Indian rupee (INR) 11.6 billion ($173 million), which bear interest at
rates determined at the time of drawdown and expire in 2017. At October 1, 2016, the outstanding balance was INR 3.6 billion
($54 million), which bears interest at an average rate of 8.35%.
At October 1, 2016, the Company had long-term credit facilities of INR 9.6 billion ($144 million). In October 2016, the
balance was repaid and the facilities were canceled.
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Capital Cities/ABC Debt
In connection with the Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. acquisition in 1996, the Company assumed debt previously issued by
Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. At October 1, 2016, the outstanding balance was $107 million, which includes unamortized fair value
adjustments recorded in purchase accounting. The debt matures in 2021 and has a stated interest rate of 8.75%.
International Theme Parks Borrowings
As part of financing the construction of a third hotel at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, HKSAR converted $113 million
of a loan to equity, leaving a balance at October 1, 2016 of HK$0.4 billion ($45 million). The interest rate on this loan is subject
to biannual revisions and determined based on the Hong Kong prime rate less 0.875%, but is capped at an annual rate of
7.625% until March 2022. After March 2022, the interest rate is based on the Hong Kong prime rate but is capped at an annual
rate of 8.50%. As of October 1, 2016, the rate on the loan was 4.13%. Debt service payments will be made depending on
sufficient available funds. Repayment is required by September 30, 2022; however, early repayment is permitted.
In addition, HKSAR provided Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with a loan facility totaling HK$0.8 billion ($104 million)
that bears interest at a rate of three month HIBOR plus 2% and matures in 2025; however, earlier repayment is permitted. At
October 1, 2016, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort had borrowed HK$0.6 billion ($77 million) under the loan facility, which
bears interest at a rate of 2.57%.
Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with term loans totaling 6.4 billion yuan (approximately $1.0 billion)
bearing interest at rates up to 8% and maturing in 2036; however, early repayment is permitted. Shendi has also provided
Shanghai Disney Resort with a 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $205 million) line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is no
outstanding balance under the line of credit at October 1, 2016.
Total borrowings, excluding market value adjustments and debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs, have the
following scheduled maturities:
Before
International
Theme Parks
Consolidation
International
Theme Parks Total
2017 $ 3,686 $ — $ 3,686
2018 1,804 11 1,815
2019 2,759 — 2,759
2020 896 — 896
2021 2,100 17 2,117
Thereafter 7,824 1,059 8,883
$ 19,069 $ 1,087 $ 20,156
The Company capitalizes interest on assets constructed for its parks and resorts and on theatrical productions. In fiscal
years 2016, 2015 and 2014, total interest capitalized was $139 million, $110 million and $73 million, respectively. Interest
expense, net of capitalized interest, for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $354 million, $265 million and $294 million,
respectively.
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9 Income Taxes
2016 2015 2014
Income Before Income Taxes
Domestic (including U.S. exports) $ 14,018 $ 12,825 $ 11,376
Foreign subsidiaries 850 1,043 870
$ 14,868 $ 13,868 $ 12,246
Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
Current
Federal $ 3,146 $ 4,182 $ 2,932
State 154 333 206
Foreign (1) 533 525 600
3,833 5,040 3,738
Deferred
Federal 1,172 82 409
State 100 (52) 81
Foreign (27) (54) 14
1,245 (24) 504
$ 5,078 $ 5,016 $ 4,242
(1) Includes foreign withholding taxes
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Accrued liabilities $ (2,385) $ (2,244)
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1,567) (1,396)
Other (917) (945)
Total deferred tax assets (4,869) (4,585)
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciable, amortizable and other property 5,682 5,260
Foreign subsidiaries 348 583
Licensing revenues 480 396
Other 295 297
Total deferred tax liabilities 6,805 6,536
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance 1,936 1,951
Valuation allowance 1,602 1,288
Net deferred tax liability $ 3,538 $ 3,239
At October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the valuation allowance primarily related to $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion,
respectively, of deferred tax assets for International Theme Parks’s net operating losses primarily in France and Hong Kong,
and to a lesser extent, China. The noncontrolling interest share of the net operating losses were $0.4 billion and $0.4 billion at
October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, respectively. The International Theme Parks net operating losses have an indefinite
carryforward period in France and Hong Kong and a five-year carryforward period in China.
In the prior year, the Company had a $399 million deferred income tax asset on the difference between the Company’s
tax basis in its investment in Disneyland Paris and the Company’s financial statement carrying value of Disneyland Paris. As a
result of the Disneyland Paris recapitalization and the increase in the Company’s ownership interest (see Note 6 for further
discussion of this transaction), the deferred tax asset was written off to income tax expense in fiscal 2015.
As of October 1, 2016, the Company had undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $3.4 billion for
which deferred U.S. federal income taxes have not been provided. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings for the
foreseeable future. If these amounts were distributed to the U.S., in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be
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subject to additional U.S. income taxes. Assuming these foreign earnings were repatriated under laws and rates applicable at
2016 fiscal year end, the incremental federal tax applicable to the earnings would be approximately $0.7 billion.
A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the federal rate is as follows:
2016 2015 2014
Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit 1.8 1.9 2.0
Domestic production activity deduction (1.6) (1.9) (2.1)
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory
U.S. federal rate (1.1) (1.5) (0.7)
Disneyland Paris recapitalization — 2.9 —
Other, including tax reserves and related interest 0.1 (0.2) 0.4
34.2 % 36.2 % 34.6 %
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrual for
interest, is as follows:
2016 2015 2014
Balance at the beginning of the year $ 912 $ 803 $ 1,120
Increases for current year tax positions 71 98 51
Increases for prior year tax positions 142 280 133
Decreases in prior year tax positions (158) (193) (487)
Settlements with taxing authorities (123) (76) (14)
Balance at the end of the year $ 844 $ 912 $ 803
The fiscal year-end 2016, 2015 and 2014 balances include $469 million, $501 million and $453 million, respectively, that
if recognized, would reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate. These amounts are net of the offsetting benefits
from other tax jurisdictions.
As of the end of fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $221 million, $231 million and $216 million, respectively,
in accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company
accrued additional interest and penalties of $22 million, $68 million and $25 million, respectively, and recorded reductions in
accrued interest and penalties of $32 million, $54 million and $21 million, respectively, as a result of audit settlements and
other prior-year adjustments. The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years prior to 2013 and is no longer subject to
examination in any of its major state or foreign tax jurisdictions for years prior to 2006.
In the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution
of certain tax matters, which could include payments on those tax matters. These resolutions and payments could reduce our
unrecognized tax benefits by $143 million.
In fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, income tax benefits attributable to equity-based compensation transactions exceeded
the amounts recorded based on grant date fair value. Accordingly, $207 million, $313 million and $255 million were credited to
shareholders’ equity, respectively, in these years.
10 Pension and Other Benefit Programs
The Company maintains pension and postretirement medical benefit plans covering certain of its employees not covered
by union or industry-wide plans. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees hired prior to January 1, 2012.
For employees hired after this date, the Company has a defined contribution plan. Benefits under these pension plans are
generally based on years of service and/or compensation and generally require 3 years of vesting service. Employees generally
hired after January 1, 1987 for certain of our media businesses and other employees generally hired after January 1, 1994 are
not eligible for postretirement medical benefits.
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Defined Benefit Plans
The Company measures the actuarial value of its benefit obligations and plan assets for its defined benefit pension and
postretirement medical benefit plans at September 30 and adjusts for any plan contributions or significant events between
September 30 and our fiscal year end.
The following chart summarizes the benefit obligations, assets, funded status and balance sheet impacts associated with
the defined benefit pension and postretirement medical benefit plans:
Pension Plans Postretirement Medical Plans
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning obligations $ (12,379) $ (12,190) $ (1,590) $ (1,567)
Service cost (318) (332) (11) (14)
Interest cost (458) (521) (61) (68)
Actuarial gain / (loss) (1,769) (176) (142) 33
Plan amendments and other 8 28 (9) (9)
Benefits paid(1) 436 812 54 35
Ending obligations $ (14,480) $ (12,379) $ (1,759) $ (1,590)
Fair value of plans’ assets
Beginning fair value $ 9,415 $ 9,765 $ 568 $ 538
Actual return on plan assets 624 163 34 9
Contributions 839 337 61 48
Benefits paid(1) (436) (812) (54) (35)
Expenses and other (41) (38) 5 8
Ending fair value $ 10,401 $ 9,415 $ 614 $ 568
Underfunded status of the plans $ (4,079) $ (2,964) $ (1,145) $ (1,022)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current assets $ — $ 3 $ — $ —
Current liabilities (40) (36) — (13)
Non-current liabilities (4,039) (2,931) (1,145) (1,009)
$ (4,079) $ (2,964) $ (1,145) $ (1,022)
(1) Fiscal 2015 pension plans include $340 million of payments under a plan offered for a limited time to certain former
employees who had vested benefits in our qualified defined benefit pension plans. These employees elected to receive
an immediate lump-sum distribution in lieu of benefits they would have received following their retirement.
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
Pension Plans Postretirement Medical Plans
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
Service cost $ 318 $ 332 $ 277 $ 11 $ 14 $ 10
Interest cost 458 521 488 61 68 65
Expected return on plan assets (747) (711) (645) (45) (39) (36)
Amortization of prior year service costs 14 16 14 (1) (1) (2)
Recognized net actuarial loss / (gain) 242 247 145 8 10 (7)
Net periodic benefit cost $ 285 $ 405 $ 279 $ 34 $ 52 $ 30
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Key assumptions are as follows:
Pension Plans Postretirement Medical Plans
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
Discount rate used to determine the
benefit obligation 3.73% 4.47% 4.40% 3.73% 4.47% 4.40%
Discount rate used to determine the net
periodic benefit cost 3.81% 4.40% 5.00% 3.81% 4.40% 5.00%
Rate of return on plan assets 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50%
Rate of salary increase 4.00% 4.00% 4.00% n/a n/a n/a
Year 1 increase in cost of benefits n/a n/a n/a 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Rate of increase to which the cost of
benefits is assumed to decline (the
ultimate trend rate) n/a n/a n/a 4.25% 4.25% 4.25%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate
trend rate n/a n/a n/a 2030 2029 2028
In addition to the assumptions in the above table, assumed mortality is also a key assumption in determining benefit
obligations. Net periodic benefit cost is based on assumptions determined at the prior-year end measurement date.
AOCI, before tax, as of October 1, 2016 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net
periodic benefit cost:
Pension Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans Total
Prior service cost $ (56) $ — $ (56)
Net actuarial loss (5,470) (263) (5,733)
Total amounts included in AOCI (5,526) (263) (5,789)
Prepaid / (accrued) pension cost 1,447 (882) 565
Net balance sheet liability $ (4,079) $ (1,145) $ (5,224)
Amounts included in AOCI, before tax, as of October 1, 2016 that are expected to be recognized as components of net
periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2017 are:
Pension Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans Total
Prior service cost $ (11) $ — $ (11)
Net actuarial loss (403) (16) (419)
Total $ (414) $ (16) $ (430)
Plan Funded Status
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for pension plans
with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $13.4 billion, $12.4 billion and $9.5 billion, respectively, as
of October 1, 2016 and $11.5 billion, $10.6 billion and $8.5 billion as of October 3, 2015, respectively.
For pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation and
aggregate fair value of plan assets were $14.5 billion and $10.4 billion, respectively, as of October 1, 2016 and $12.4 billion
and $9.4 billion as of October 3, 2015, respectively.
The Company’s total accumulated pension benefit obligations at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015 were $13.3 billion
and $11.4 billion, respectively, of which 99% and 98%, respectively, was vested.
The accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for postretirement medical plans
with accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.8 billion and $0.6 billion,
respectively, at October 1, 2016 and $1.6 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, at October 3, 2015.
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Plan Assets
A significant portion of the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans are managed in a third-party master trust. The
investment policy and allocation of the assets in the master trust were approved by the Company’s Investment and
Administrative Committee, which has oversight responsibility for the Company’s retirement plans. The investment policy
ranges for the major asset classes are as follows:
Asset Class Minimum Maximum
Equity investments 30% 60%
Fixed income investments 20% 40%
Alternative investments 10% 30%
Cash & money market funds 0% 10%
The primary investment objective for the assets within the master trust is the prudent and cost effective management of
assets to satisfy benefit obligations to plan participants. Financial risks are managed through diversification of plan assets,
selection of investment managers and through the investment guidelines incorporated in investment management agreements.
Assets are monitored to ensure that investment returns are commensurate with risks taken.
The long-term asset allocation policy for the master trust was established taking into consideration a variety of factors
that include, but are not limited to, the average age of participants, the number of retirees, the duration of liabilities and the
expected payout ratio. Liquidity needs of the master trust are generally managed using cash generated by investments or by
liquidating securities.
Assets are generally managed by external investment managers, and we have investment management agreements with
respect to securities in the master trust. These agreements include account guidelines that establish permitted securities and risk
controls commensurate with the account’s investment strategy. Some agreements permit the use of derivative securities
(futures, options, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps) that enable investment managers to enhance returns and manage
exposures within their accounts.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants and is classified in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in
markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value
drivers are observable in active markets
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value
drivers are unobservable
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets reported at fair value. There have been no
changes in the methodologies used at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015.
Level 1 investments are valued based on reported market prices on the last trading day of the year. Investments in
common and preferred stocks are valued based on the securities exchange-listed price or a broker’s quote in an active market.
Investments in U.S. Treasury securities are valued based on a broker’s quote in an active market.
Level 2 investments in government and federal agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities (MBS), asset-backed securities
and corporate bonds are valued using a broker’s quote in a non-active market or an evaluated price based on a compilation of
reported market information, such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads and estimated default rates. Derivative financial
instruments are valued based on models that incorporate observable inputs for the underlying securities, such as interest rates or
foreign currency exchange rates. Shares in money market and mutual funds and certain alternative investments are valued at the
net asset value of the shares held by the Plan at year-end based on the fair value of the underlying investments.
Level 3 investments primarily consist of investments in limited partnerships, which are valued based on the master trust’s
pro-rata share of the partnerships’ underlying net investment holdings as reported in the partnerships’ financial statements. The
investments held by the partnerships are recorded at fair value, and the partnerships’ financial statements are generally audited
annually. The fair values of the underlying investments are estimated using significant unobservable inputs (e.g., discounted
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cash flow models or relative valuation methods that incorporate comparable market information such as earnings and cash flow
multiples from similar publicly traded companies or real estate properties).
The Company’s defined benefit plan assets are summarized by level in the following tables:
As of October 1, 2016
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Plan Asset Mix
Cash & money market funds $ 116 $ 916 $ — $ 1,032 9%
Common and preferred stocks(1) 2,238 945 — 3,183 29%
Mutual funds 636 232 — 868 8%
Common collective funds 13 558 — 571 5%
Government and federal agency
bonds, notes and MBS
2,114 458 — 2,572 24%
Corporate bonds — 577 — 577 5%
Mortgage- and asset-backed
securities
— 86 — 86 1%
Alternative investments 84 975 1,067 2,126 19%
Derivatives and other, net (1) 1 — — —%
Total $ 5,200 $ 4,748 $ 1,067 $ 11,015 100%
As of October 3, 2015
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Plan Asset Mix
Cash & money market funds $ 56 $ 1,036 $ — $ 1,092 11%
Common and preferred stocks(1) 2,000 883 — 2,883 29%
Mutual funds 476 215 — 691 7%
Common collective funds 13 476 — 489 5%
Government and federal agency
bonds, notes and MBS
1,090 483 — 1,573 16%
Corporate bonds — 671 — 671 7%
Mortgage- and asset-backed
securities
— 137 — 137 1%
Alternative investments 80 952 1,200 2,232 22%
Derivatives and other, net 212 3 — 215 2%
Total $ 3,927 $ 4,856 $ 1,200 $ 9,983 100%
(1) Includes 2.8 million shares of Company common stock valued at $264 million (2% of total plan assets) and 2.8
million shares valued at $290 million (3% of total plan assets) at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, respectively.
Changes in Level 3 assets are as follows:
Year Ended
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Balance, beginning of year $ 1,200 $ 1,266
Additions 174 168
Distributions (300) (332)
Gain / (Loss) (7) 98
Balance, end of year $ 1,067 $ 1,200
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Uncalled Capital Commitments
Alternative investments held by the master trust include interests in investments that have rights to make capital calls to
the investors. In such cases, the master trust would be contractually obligated to make a cash contribution at the time of the
capital call. At October 1, 2016, the total committed capital still uncalled and unpaid was $623 million.
Plan Contributions
During fiscal 2016, the Company made contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans totaling $900
million. In the first quarter of 2017, we contributed $1.3 billion and do not expect to make any additional material contributions
for the remainder of fiscal 2017. However, final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2017 will be determined based on
our January 1, 2017 funding actuarial valuation, which we expect to receive during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following table presents estimated future benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years:
Pension
Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans(1)
2017 $ 470 $ 45
2018 469 49
2019 502 53
2020 535 57
2021 567 62
2022 – 2026 3,374 378
(1) Estimated future benefit payments are net of expected Medicare subsidy receipts of $72 million.
Assumptions
Assumptions, such as discount rates, long-term rate of return on plan assets and the healthcare cost trend rate, have a
significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost as well as the related benefit obligations.
Discount Rate — The assumed discount rate for pension and postretirement medical plans reflects the market rates for
high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering yield curves
constructed of a large population of high-quality corporate bonds and reflects the matching of the plans’ liability cash flows to
the yield curves.
At the end of fiscal 2015, the Company changed the approach used to measure service and interest costs for pension and
other postretirement benefits. For fiscal 2015, the Company measured service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-
average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations. For fiscal 2016, we elected to measure
service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve to the plans’ liability cash flows. The
Company believes the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing
of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the
measurement of our plan obligations but generally results in lower pension expense in periods when the yield curve is upward
sloping, which was the case in fiscal 2016. The Company has accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate and,
accordingly, has accounted for it on a prospective basis starting in fiscal 2016.
Long-term rate of return on plan assets — The long-term rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term
returns on an investment portfolio consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative investments. When
determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers long-term rates of return on the asset classes
(both historical and forecasted) in which the Company expects the pension funds to be invested. The following long-term rates
of return by asset class were considered in setting the long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption:
Equity Securities 7% to 11%
Debt Securities 3% to 5%
Alternative Investments 8% to 12%
Healthcare cost trend rate — The Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for healthcare costs to
determine the healthcare cost trend rates for the postretirement medical benefit plans. For the 2016 actuarial valuation, we
assumed a 7.00% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare claims with the rate decreasing in even
increments over fourteen years until reaching 4.25%.
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Sensitivity — A one percentage point (ppt) change in the key assumptions would have the following effects on the
projected benefit obligations for pension and postretirement medical plans as of October 1, 2016 and on cost for fiscal 2017:
Discount Rate
Expected
Long-Term
Rate of Return
On Assets
Assumed Healthcare
Cost Trend Rate
Increase/(decrease)
Benefit
Expense
Projected
Benefit
Obligations
Benefit
Expense
Net Periodic
Postretirement
Medical Cost
Projected
Benefit
Obligations
1 ppt decrease $ 271 $ 2,853 $ 123 $ (25) $ (233)
1 ppt increase (235) (2,401) (123) 41 287
Multiemployer Benefit Plans
The Company participates in a number of multiemployer pension plans under union and industry-wide collective
bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees and expenses its contributions to these plans as incurred.
These plans generally provide for retirement, death and/or termination benefits for eligible employees within the applicable
collective bargaining units, based on specific eligibility/participation requirements, vesting periods and benefit formulas. The
risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans. For example:
• Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other
participating employers.
• If a participating employer stops contributing to the multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may
become the obligation of the remaining participating employers.
• If the Company chooses to stop participating in these multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those
plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan.
The Company also participates in several multiemployer health and welfare plans that cover both active and retired
employees. Health care benefits are provided to participants who meet certain eligibility requirements under the applicable
collective bargaining unit.
The following table sets forth our contributions to multiemployer pension and health and welfare benefit plans that were
expensed during the fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
2016 2015 2014
Pension plans $ 126 $ 128 $ 115
Health & welfare plans 167 173 158
Total contributions $ 293 $ 301 $ 273
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has defined contribution retirement plans for domestic employees who began service after December 31,
2011 and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans. In general, the Company contributes from 3% to
9% of an employee’s compensation depending on the employee’s age and years of service with the Company up to plan limits.
The Company has savings and investment plans that allow eligible employees to contribute up to 50% of their salary through
payroll deductions depending on the plan in which the employee participates. The Company matches 50% of the employee’s
contribution up to plan limits. In fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the costs of these defined contribution plans were $131
million, $110 million and $87 million, respectively. The Company also has defined contribution retirement plans for employees
in our international operations. In each of fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the costs of these defined contribution plans were
$19 million.
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11 Equity
The Company paid the following dividends in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014:
Per Share Total Paid Payment Timing Related to Fiscal Period
$0.71 $1.1 billion Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 First Half 2016
$0.71 $1.2 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Second Half 2015
$0.66 $1.1 billion Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015 First Half 2015
$1.15 $1.9 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2015 2014
$0.86 $1.5 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2014 2013
The Company repurchased its common stock in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 as follows:
Fiscal year Shares acquired Total paid
2016 74 million $7.5 billion
2015 60 million $6.1 billion
2014 84 million $6.5 billion
On January 30, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the amount of shares that can be repurchased to 400
million shares as of that date. As of October 1, 2016, the Company had remaining authorization in place to repurchase 282
million additional shares. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
The following table summarizes the changes in each component of AOCI including our proportional share of equity
method investee amounts, net of 37% estimated tax:
Market Value Adjustments
Unrecognized
Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
Expense
Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other AOCIInvestments
Cash Flow
Hedges
Balance at Sept. 28, 2013 $ 95 $ 83 $ (1,271) $ (94) $ (1,187)
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period 109 169 (1,022) 18 (726)
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income (104) (48) 97 — (55)
Balance at Sept. 27, 2014 100 204 (2,196) (76) (1,968)
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period (37) 421 (474) (195) (285)
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income (50) (291) 173 — (168)
Balance at Oct. 3, 2015 13 334 (2,497) (271) (2,421)
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period 13 (193) (1,321) (58) (1,559)
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income — (166) 167 — 1
Balance at Oct. 1, 2016 $ 26 $ (25) $ (3,651) $ (329) $ (3,979)
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Details about AOCI components reclassified to net income are as follows:
Gains/(losses) in net income:
Affected line item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income: 2016 2015 2014
Investments, net Interest income/(expense), net $ — $ 79 $ 165
Estimated tax Income taxes — (29) (61)
— 50 104
Cash flow hedges Primarily revenue 264 462 76
Estimated tax Income taxes (98) (171) (28)
166 291 48
Pension and postretirement medical
expense Cost and expenses (265) (274) (154)
Estimated tax Income taxes 98 101 57
(167) (173) (97)
Total reclassifications for the period $ (1) $ 168 $ 55
At October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the Company held available-for-sale investments in unrecognized gain positions
totaling $49 million and $21 million, respectively, and no investments in significant unrecognized loss positions.
12 Equity-Based Compensation
Under various plans, the Company may grant stock options and other equity-based awards to executive, management and
creative personnel. The Company’s approach to long-term incentive compensation contemplates awards of stock options and
restricted stock units (RSUs). Certain RSUs awarded to senior executives vest based upon the achievement of market or
performance conditions (Performance RSUs).
Stock options are generally granted at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the market price at the date of grant and
become exercisable ratably over a four-year period from the grant date. The contractual terms for our outstanding stock option
grants are 10 years. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, options can
occasionally extend up to 15 years after date of grant. RSUs generally vest ratably over four years and Performance RSUs fully
vest after three years, subject to achieving market or performance conditions. Equity-based award grants generally provide
continued vesting, in the event of termination, for employees that reach age 60 or greater, have at least ten years of service and
have held the award for at least one year.
Each share granted subject to a stock option award reduces the number of shares available under the Company’s stock
incentive plans by one share while each share granted subject to a RSU award reduces the number of shares available by two
shares. As of October 1, 2016, the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Company’s stock incentive
plans (assuming all the awards are in the form of stock options) was approximately 77 million shares and the number available
for issuance assuming all awards are in the form of RSUs was approximately 39 million shares. The Company satisfies stock
option exercises and vesting of RSUs with newly issued shares. Stock options and RSUs are generally forfeited by employees
who terminate prior to vesting.
Each year, during the first half of the year, the Company awards stock options and restricted stock units to a broad-based
group of management and creative personnel. The fair value of options is estimated based on the binomial valuation model. The
binomial valuation model takes into account variables such as volatility, dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate. The
binomial valuation model also considers the expected exercise multiple (the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which
exercises are expected to occur on average) and the termination rate (the probability of a vested option being canceled due to
the termination of the option holder) in computing the value of the option.
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In fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the weighted average assumptions used in the option-valuation model were as
follows:
2016 2015 2014
Risk-free interest rate 2.3% 2.1% 3.0%
Expected volatility 26% 24% 25%
Dividend yield 1.32% 1.37% 1.37%
Termination rate 4.0% 3.2% 3.2%
Exercise multiple 1.62 1.48 1.48
Although the initial fair value of stock options is not adjusted after the grant date, changes in the Company’s assumptions
may change the value of, and therefore the expense related to, future stock option grants. The assumptions that cause the
greatest variation in fair value in the binomial valuation model are the expected volatility and expected exercise multiple.
Increases or decreases in either the expected volatility or expected exercise multiple will cause the binomial option value to
increase or decrease, respectively. The volatility assumption considers both historical and implied volatility and may be
impacted by the Company’s performance as well as changes in economic and market conditions.
Compensation expense for RSUs and stock options is recognized ratably over the service period of the award.
Compensation expense for RSUs is based on the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date.
Compensation expense for Performance RSUs reflects the estimated probability that the market or performance conditions will
be met.
The impact of stock options/rights and RSUs on income and cash flows for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, was as
follows:
2016 2015 2014
Stock option/rights compensation expense (1) $ 93 $ 102 $ 102
RSU compensation expense 293 309 312
Total equity-based compensation expense (2) 386 411 414
Tax impact (131) (134) (139)
Reduction in net income $ 255 $ 277 $ 275
Equity-based compensation expense capitalized during the period $ 78 $ 57 $ 49
Tax benefit reported in cash flow from financing activities $ 208 $ 313 $ 255
(1) Includes stock appreciation rights.
(2) Equity-based compensation expense is net of capitalized equity-based compensation and excludes amortization of
previously capitalized equity-based compensation costs.
The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions (shares in millions):
2016
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of year 29 $ 54.93
Awards forfeited (1) 91.27
Awards granted 4 112.69
Awards exercised (7) 39.13
Awards expired/canceled — —
Outstanding at end of year 25 66.91
Exercisable at end of year 14 $ 49.65
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The following tables summarize information about stock options vested and expected to vest at October 1, 2016 (shares
in millions):
Vested
Range of Exercise Prices
Number of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Years of
Contractual
Life
$ 0 — $ 35 2 $ 30.44 3.2
$ 36 — $ 45 6 39.10 4.9
$ 46 — $ 90 5 58.20 6.6
$ 91 — $ 115 1 92.40 8.2
14
Expected to Vest
Range of Exercise Prices
Number of
Options (1)
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Years of
Contractual
Life
$ 0 — $ 55 2 $ 50.97 6.3
$ 56 — $ 75 3 72.50 7.2
$ 76 — $ 95 3 92.09 8.2
$ 96 — $ 115 3 113.06 9.2
11
(1) Number of options expected to vest is total unvested options less estimated forfeitures.
The following table summarizes information about RSU transactions (shares in millions):
2016
Units
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of year 12 $ 68.71
Granted (1) 4 112.49
Vested (5) 58.51
Forfeited (1) 88.77
Unvested at end of year (2) 10 $ 88.84
(1) Includes 0.2 million Performance RSUs.
(2) Includes 0.7 million Performance RSUs.
The weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $30.93, $22.65
and $19.21, respectively. The total intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) of options exercised and
RSUs vested during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $981 million, $1,332 million and $1,257 million, respectively. The
aggregate intrinsic values of stock options vested and expected to vest at October 1, 2016 were $603 million and $127 million,
respectively.
As of October 1, 2016, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and RSUs was $129 million
and $469 million, respectively. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years for stock
options and 1.6 years for RSUs.
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Cash received from option exercises for fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $259 million, $329 million and $404 million,
respectively. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with option exercises and RSUs vesting for fiscal 2016, 2015
and 2014 totaled $342 million, $457 million and $431 million, respectively.
13 Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Current receivables
Accounts receivable $ 8,458 $ 7,613
Other 760 563
Allowance for doubtful accounts (153) (157)
$ 9,065 $ 8,019
Other current assets
Prepaid expenses $ 449 $ 469
Other 244 493
$ 693 $ 962
Parks, resorts and other property
Attractions, buildings and improvements $ 27,930 $ 21,556
Leasehold improvements 830 769
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 16,912 16,068
Land improvements 4,598 4,352
50,270 42,745
Accumulated depreciation (26,849) (24,844)
Projects in progress 2,684 6,028
Land 1,244 1,250
$ 27,349 $ 25,179
Intangible assets
Character/franchise intangibles and copyrights $ 5,829 $ 5,830
Other amortizable intangible assets 893 901
Accumulated amortization (1,635) (1,426)
Net amortizable intangible assets 5,087 5,305
FCC licenses 624 629
Trademarks 1,218 1,218
Other indefinite lived intangible assets 20 20
$ 6,949 $ 7,172
Other non-current assets
Receivables $ 1,651 $ 1,589
Prepaid expenses 229 211
Other 460 621
$ 2,340 $ 2,421
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
Accounts payable $ 6,860 $ 5,504
Payroll and employee benefits 1,747 1,797
Other 523 543
$ 9,130 $ 7,844
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Other long-term liabilities
Pension and postretirement medical plan liabilities $ 5,184 $ 3,940
Other 2,522 2,429
$ 7,706 $ 6,369
14 Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company has various contractual commitments for broadcast rights for sports, feature films and other programming,
totaling approximately $51.0 billion, including approximately $0.4 billion for available programming as of October 1, 2016,
and approximately $48.7 billion related to sports programming rights, primarily college football (including bowl games and the
College Football Playoff) and basketball, NBA, NFL, MLB, US Open Tennis, various soccer rights, the Wimbledon
Championships and the Masters golf tournament.
The Company has entered into operating leases for various real estate and equipment needs, including retail outlets and
distribution centers for consumer products, broadcast equipment and office space for general and administrative purposes.
Rental expense for operating leases during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, including common-area maintenance and
contingent rentals, was $847 million, $859 million and $883 million, respectively.
The Company also has contractual commitments for two new cruise ships, creative talent and employment agreements
and unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports,
television and radio personalities and executives.
Contractual commitments for broadcast programming rights, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable
operating leases, cruise ships, creative talent and other commitments totaled $60.8 billion at October 1, 2016, payable as
follows:
Broadcast
Programming
Operating
Leases Other Total
2017 $ 6,119 $ 477 $ 1,880 $ 8,476
2018 6,015 376 1,006 7,397
2019 6,221 329 502 7,052
2020 6,416 278 486 7,180
2021 6,314 227 206 6,747
Thereafter 19,925 1,419 2,567 23,911
$ 51,010 $ 3,106 $ 6,647 $ 60,763
Certain contractual commitments, principally broadcast programming rights and operating leases, have payments that are
variable based primarily on revenues and are not included in the table above.
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The Company has non-cancelable capital leases, primarily for land and broadcast equipment, which had gross carrying
values of $464 million and $469 million at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, respectively. Accumulated amortization
related to these capital leases totaled $216 million and $196 million at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, respectively.
Future payments under these leases as of October 1, 2016 are as follows:
2017 $ 35
2018 24
2019 17
2020 15
2021 15
Thereafter 495
Total minimum obligations 601
Less amount representing interest (407)
Present value of net minimum obligations 194
Less current portion (20)
Long-term portion $ 174
Contractual Guarantees
The Company has guaranteed bond issuances by the Anaheim Public Authority that were used by the City of Anaheim to
finance construction of infrastructure and a public parking facility adjacent to the Disneyland Resort. Revenues from sales,
occupancy and property taxes from the Disneyland Resort and non-Disney hotels are used by the City of Anaheim to repay the
bonds. In the event of a debt service shortfall, the Company will be responsible to fund the shortfall. As of October 1, 2016, the
remaining debt service obligation guaranteed by the Company was $316 million, of which $51 million was principal. To the
extent that tax revenues exceed the debt service payments in subsequent periods, the Company would be reimbursed for any
previously funded shortfalls. To date, tax revenues have exceeded the debt service payments for the Anaheim bonds.
Legal Matters
Beef Products, Inc. v. American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. On September 13, 2012, plaintiffs filed an action in South
Dakota state court against certain subsidiaries and employees of the Company and others, asserting claims for defamation
arising from alleged false statements and implications, statutory and common law product disparagement, and tortious
interference with existing and prospective business relationships. The claims arise out of ABC News reports published in
March and April 2012 about a product, Lean Finely Textured Beef, that was included in ground beef and hamburger meat.
Plaintiffs’ complaint sought actual and consequential damages in excess of $400 million (which in March 2016 they asserted
could be as much as $1.9 billion), statutory damages (including treble damages) pursuant to South Dakota’s Agricultural Food
Products Disparagement Act, and punitive damages. Trial is set for June 2017. At this time, the Company is not able to predict
the ultimate outcome of this matter, nor can it estimate the range of possible loss.
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its
businesses.
Management does not believe that the Company has incurred a probable material loss by reason of any of the above
actions.
Long-Term Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company has accounts receivable with original maturities greater than one year related to the sale of television
program rights and vacation ownership units. Allowances for credit losses are established against these receivables as
necessary.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from the sale of television programs based
upon a number of factors, including historical experience and the financial condition of individual companies with which we do
business. The balance of television program sales receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of an immaterial
allowance for credit losses, was $0.9 billion as of October 1, 2016. Fiscal 2016 activity related to the allowance for credit losses
was not material.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from sales of its vacation ownership units
based primarily on historical collection experience. Estimates of uncollectible amounts also consider the economic environment
and the age of receivables. The balance of mortgage receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of a related allowance
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for credit losses of approximately 4%, was $0.7 billion as of October 1, 2016. Fiscal 2016 activity related to the allowance for
credit losses was not material.
15 Fair Value Measurement
The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables by fair value
measurement Level. See Note 10 for the definitions of fair value and each Level within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Measurement at October 1, 2016
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
Investments $ 85 $ — $ — $ 85
Derivatives
Interest rate — 132 — 132
Foreign exchange — 596 — 596
Other — 6 — 6
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate — (13) — (13)
Foreign exchange — (510) — (510)
Other — (4) — (4)
Total recorded at fair value $ 85 $ 207 $ — $ 292
Fair value of borrowings $ — $ 19,500 $ 1,579 $ 21,079
Fair Value Measurement at October 3, 2015
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
Investments $ 36 $ — $ — $ 36
Derivatives
Interest rate — 101 — 101
Foreign exchange — 910 — 910
Liabilities
Derivatives
Foreign exchange — (178) — (178)
Other — (38) — (38)
Other — — (96) (96)
Total recorded at fair value $ 36 $ 795 $ (96) $ 735
Fair value of borrowings $ — $ 17,036 $ 752 $ 17,788
The fair values of Level 2 derivatives are primarily determined by internal discounted cash flow models that use
observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency exchange rates. Counterparty credit risk, which is
mitigated by master netting agreements and collateral posting arrangements with certain counterparties, did not have a material
impact on derivative fair value estimates.
Level 2 borrowings, which include commercial paper and U.S. medium-term notes, are valued based on quoted prices for
similar instruments in active markets.
The fair value of the Level 3 other liabilities represented the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration for
Maker, which was settled in fiscal 2016.
Level 3 borrowings, which include International Theme Park borrowings and other foreign currency denominated
borrowings, are generally valued based on historical market transactions, prevailing market interest rates and the Company’s
current borrowing cost and credit risk.
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The Company’s financial instruments also include cash, cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable. The carrying
values of these financial instruments approximate the fair values.
The Company also has assets that are required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis when the estimated
future cash flows provide indicators that the asset may be impaired. During fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded film
production cost impairment charges of $102 million and $65 million, respectively. At October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the
aggregate carrying value of the films for which we prepared the fair value analyses in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $297 million
and $184 million, respectively. The majority of the fiscal 2016 and all of the fiscal 2015 impairment charges are reported in
“Cost of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The balance of the fiscal 2016 charges related to the shutdown of
certain international film production operations and are reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The film impairment charges reflected the excess of the unamortized cost of the impaired films over
their estimated fair value using discounted cash flows, which is a Level 3 valuation technique.
Credit Concentrations
The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to its
financial instruments on an ongoing basis and does not currently anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.
The Company does not expect that it would realize a material loss, based on the fair value of its derivative financial
instruments as of October 1, 2016, in the event of nonperformance by any single derivative counterparty. The Company
generally enters into derivative transactions only with counterparties that have a credit rating of A- or better and requires
collateral in the event credit ratings fall below A- or aggregate exposures exceed limits as defined by contract. In addition, the
Company limits the amount of investment credit exposure with any one institution.
The Company does not have material cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that have below
investment grade credit ratings. As of October 1, 2016, the Company’s balances with individual financial institutions that
exceeded 10% of the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents were 34% of total cash and cash equivalents compared to 31%
as of October 3, 2015.
The Company’s trade receivables and financial investments do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk at
October 1, 2016 due to the wide variety of customers and markets into which the Company’s products are sold, their dispersion
across geographic areas and the diversification of the Company’s portfolio among issuers.
16 Derivative Instruments
The Company manages its exposure to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations according to a risk
management policy. The primary risks managed with derivative instruments are interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.
The Company’s derivative positions measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables:
As of October 1, 2016
Current
Assets Other Assets
Other
Accrued
Liabilities
Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Foreign exchange $ 278 $ 191 $ (209) $ (163)
Interest rate — 132 (13) —
Other 3 3 (4) —
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Foreign exchange 125 2 (133) (5)
Gross fair value of derivatives 406 328 (359) (168)
Counterparty netting (241) (199) 316 124
Cash collateral (received)/paid (77) (44) 7 —
Net derivative positions $ 88 $ 85 $ (36) $ (44)
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As of October 3, 2015
Current
Assets Other Assets
Other
Accrued
Liabilities
Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Foreign exchange $ 406 $ 271 $ (54) $ (17)
Interest rate — 101 — —
Other — — (18) (3)
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Foreign exchange 146 87 (102) (5)
Other — — — (17)
Gross fair value of derivatives 552 459 (174) (42)
Counterparty netting (136) (56) 169 23
Cash collateral received (238) (191) — —
Net derivative positions $ 178 $ 212 $ (5) $ (19)
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its borrowing activities. The Company’s
objective is to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of its
borrowings. In accordance with its policy, the Company targets its fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a
minimum and maximum percentage. The Company typically uses pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps to facilitate its
interest rate management activities.
The Company designates pay-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings effectively
converting fixed-rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings indexed to LIBOR. As of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015,
the total notional amount of the Company’s pay-floating interest rate swaps was $8.3 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively. The
following table summarizes adjustments related to fair value hedges included in “Interest income/(expense), net” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
2016 2015 2014
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps $ 18 $ 60 $ (38)
Gain (loss) on hedged borrowings (18) (60) 38
In addition, the Company realized net benefits of $94 million, $97 million and $93 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and
2014, respectively, in “Interest income/(expense), net” related to the pay-floating interest rate swaps.
The Company may designate pay-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest payments on floating-rate
borrowings. Pay-fixed swaps effectively convert floating rate borrowings to fixed-rate borrowings. The unrealized gains or
losses from these cash flow hedges are deferred in AOCI and recognized in interest expense as the interest payments occur. The
Company did not have pay-fixed interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest payments at
October 1, 2016 or at October 3, 2015, and gains and losses related to pay-fixed swaps recognized in earnings for fiscal years
2016, 2015 and 2014 were not material.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The Company transacts business globally and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange
rates. The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow fluctuations associated with foreign currency exchange rate
changes, enabling management to focus on core business issues and challenges.
The Company enters into option and forward contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change to
protect the value of its existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted but not firmly committed
foreign currency transactions. In accordance with policy, the Company hedges its forecasted foreign currency transactions for
periods generally not to exceed four years within an established minimum and maximum range of annual exposure. The gains
and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of the related forecasted transaction, asset,
liability or firm commitment. The principal currencies hedged are the euro, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and British pound.
Cross-currency swaps are used to effectively convert foreign currency-denominated borrowings into U.S. dollar denominated
borrowings.
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The Company designates foreign exchange forward and option contracts as cash flow hedges of firmly committed and
forecasted foreign currency transactions. As of October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, the notional amounts of the Company’s
net foreign exchange cash flow hedges were $5.6 billion and $6.5 billion, respectively. Mark-to-market gains and losses on
these contracts are deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting changes in
the value of the foreign currency transactions. Gains and losses recognized related to ineffectiveness for fiscal years 2016, 2015
and 2014 were not material. Net deferred gains recorded in AOCI that will be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months
totaled $67 million.
Foreign exchange risk management contracts with respect to foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are not
designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. The notional amounts of these foreign exchange contracts at
October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015 were $3.3 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the net
foreign exchange gains or losses recognized on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and the net foreign
exchange gains or losses on the foreign exchange contracts we entered into to mitigate our exposure with respect to foreign
currency denominated assets and liabilities for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 by corresponding line item in which they are
recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income:
Costs and Expenses
Interest Income/
(Expense), net Income Tax Expense
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
Net gains (losses) on foreign
currency denominated assets
and liabilities $ 2 $ (574) $ (269) $ (2) $ 42 $ 24 $ 49 $ 40 $ 34
Net gains (losses) on foreign
exchange risk management
contracts not designated as
hedges (65) 558 216 — (43) (24) (24) — —
Net gains (losses) $ (63) $ (16) $ (53) $ (2) $ (1) $ — $ 25 $ 40 $ 34
In addition to the amounts in this table, the Company recorded a $143 million foreign currency translation loss on net
monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan BsF in fiscal 2014 that was reported in “Other expense, net” (see Note 4).
Commodity Price Risk Management
The Company is subject to the volatility of commodities prices, and the Company designates certain commodity forward
contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity purchases. Mark-to-market gains and losses on these contracts are
deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting changes in the value of
commodity purchases. The notional amount and fair value of these commodity forward contracts at October 1, 2016 and
October 3, 2015 were not material. The related gains and losses recognized in earnings were not material for fiscal years 2016,
2015 and 2014.
Risk Management – Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
The Company enters into certain other risk management contracts that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for
hedge accounting. These contracts, which include certain swap contracts, are intended to offset economic exposures of the
Company and are carried at market value with any changes in value recorded in earnings. The notional amount and fair value of
these contracts at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015 were not material. The related gains and losses recognized in earnings
were not material for fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Contingent Features and Cash Collateral
The Company has master netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to certain derivative financial instrument
contracts. The Company may be required to post collateral in the event that a net liability position with a counterparty exceeds
limits defined by contract and that vary with the Company’s credit rating. In addition, these contracts may require a
counterparty to post collateral to the Company in the event that a net receivable position with a counterparty exceeds limits
defined by contract and that vary with the counterparty’s credit rating. If the Company’s or counterparty’s credit ratings were to
fall below investment grade, such counterparties or the Company would also have the right to terminate our derivative
contracts, which could lead to a net payment to or from the Company for the aggregate net value by counterparty of our
derivative contracts. The aggregate fair values of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features in a net
liability position by counterparty were $86 million and $7 million at October 1, 2016 and October 3, 2015, respectively.
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17 Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $156 million, $53 million and $140 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal
years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2016 were primarily due to an investment impairment, asset
impairments associated with shutting down certain international film production operations and severance and contract
termination costs. Charges in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to a contract termination and severance. Charges in fiscal 2014
were primarily due to severance and radio FCC license impairments.
18 New Accounting Pronouncements
Restricted Cash
In November 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that requires restricted cash to be
presented with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively,
and is effective beginning in the first quarter of the Company’s 2019 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted). At October 1,
2016 and October 3, 2015, the Company held restricted cash of $150 million and $456 million, respectively, primarily
associated with collateral received from counterparties to its derivative contracts. The Company’s restricted cash balances are
presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other current assets and Other assets based on the maturity dates of the related
derivatives. Under the new guidance, changes in the Company’s restricted cash will continue to be classified as either operating
activities or investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, depending on the nature of the activities that
gave rise to the restriction.
Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an
asset other than inventory to be recognized when the transfer occurs instead of when the asset is sold to an outside party. The
new guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of the Company’s 2019 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted as
of the beginning of an annual period). The guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively by recording a cumulative-effect
adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the adoption period. The Company is assessing the potential impact this
guidance will have on its financial statements.
Stock Compensation – Employee Share-based Payments
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance to amend certain aspects of accounting for employee share-based awards,
including accounting for income taxes related to those transactions. This guidance will require recognizing excess tax benefits
and deficiencies (that result from an increase or decrease in the fair value of an award from grant date to the vesting date or
exercise date) on share-based compensation arrangements in the tax provision, instead of in equity as under the current
guidance. In addition, these amounts will be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows, instead of as a
financing activity. The Company reported excess tax benefits of approximately $0.2 billion, $0.3 billion and $0.3 billion in
fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition, cash paid for shares withheld to satisfy employee taxes will be classified
as a financing activity, instead of as an operating activity. Cash paid for employee taxes was approximately $0.2 billion, $0.3
billion and $0.3 billion in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 amounts of excess tax
benefits and cash paid for employee taxes are not necessarily indicative of future amounts that may arise in years following
implementation of the new accounting pronouncement. The guidance is effective beginning in the first quarter of the
Company’s 2018 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted) and is required to be adopted as follows:
• Prospectively for the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the tax provision
• Retrospectively or prospectively for the classification of excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the statement of cash
flows
• Retrospectively for the classification of cash paid for shares withheld to satisfy employee taxes in the statement of
cash flows
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which requires the present value of committed
operating lease payments to be recorded as right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. As of October 1,
2016, the Company had an estimated $3.1 billion in undiscounted future minimum lease commitments. The Company is
currently assessing the impact of the new guidance on its financial statements. The guidance is required to be adopted
retrospectively, and is effective beginning in the first quarter of the Company’s 2020 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted).
Income Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by reporting the net
amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities on a jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis as non-current on the balance sheet. The
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Company adopted the provisions of this guidance on a prospective basis in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 by reclassifying $0.8
billion in current assets and reporting them as a reduction to non-current liabilities.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that replaces the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition with a
single comprehensive five-step model. The core principle is to recognize revenue upon the transfer of goods or services to
customers at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received. Since its issuance, the FASB has amended
several aspects of the new guidance, including provisions that address revenue recognition associated with the licensing of
intellectual property. The new guidance, including the amendments, is effective beginning with the first quarter of the
Company’s 2019 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted beginning fiscal year 2018). The guidance may be adopted either by
restating all years presented in the Company’s financial statements or by recording the impact of adoption as an adjustment to
retained earnings at the beginning of the year of adoption. The Company is assessing the potential impact this guidance will
have on its financial statements.
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QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited) Q1(1) Q2 (2) Q3 (3) Q4 (4)
2016
Revenues $ 15,244 $ 12,969 $ 14,277 $ 13,142
Segment operating income (5) 4,267 3,822 4,456 3,176
Net income 2,910 2,276 2,712 1,892
Net income attributable to Disney 2,880 2,143 2,597 1,771
Earnings per share:
Diluted $ 1.73 $ 1.30 $ 1.59 $ 1.10
Basic 1.74 1.31 1.60 1.10
2015
Revenues $ 13,391 $ 12,461 $ 13,101 $ 13,512
Segment operating income (5) 3,545 3,482 4,120 3,534
Net income 2,244 2,228 2,639 1,741
Net income attributable to Disney 2,182 2,108 2,483 1,609
Earnings per share:
Diluted $ 1.27 $ 1.23 $ 1.45 $ 0.95
Basic 1.28 1.24 1.46 0.96
(1) Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 included the Vice Gain, which had a favorable impact of $0.13 on earnings per
diluted share, partially offset by restructuring and impairment charges ($0.03 per diluted share). These items resulted in a
net positive benefit of $0.10 on diluted earnings per share.
(2) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 included an adverse impact of $0.06 on diluted earnings per share due to the
Infinity Charge.
(3) Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 included restructuring and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of
$0.03 on diluted earnings per share.
(4) Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 included a favorable adjustment to the Infinity Charge taken in the second
quarter ($0.01 per diluted share), partially offset by restructuring and impairment charges ($0.01 per diluted share). Results
for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 included a non-cash charge in connection with the write-off of a deferred tax asset as a
result of the Disneyland Paris recapitalization ($0.24 per diluted share) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02
per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.25 per diluted share.
(5) Segment operating results reflect earnings before the Infinity Charge, corporate and unallocated shared expenses,
restructuring and impairment charges, other expense, interest income/(expense), income taxes and noncontrolling interests.
Segment operating income includes equity in the income of investees except for the Vice Gain.
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Comparison of five-year cumulative total return
The following graph compares the performance of the Company’s common stock with the performance of the S&P 500
and the Media Peers index assuming $100 was invested on September 30, 2011 (the last trading day of the 2011 fiscal
year) in the Company’s common stock, the S&P 500 and the Media Peers index.
The Walt Disney Company
S&P 500
Media Peers
$0
$50
$200
$100
$150
$250
$300
$400
$350
$100 $176 $223 $308 $364 $332
$100 $130 $156 $187 $188 $213
$100 $167 $231 $277 $283 $283
September 30, 2011 September 28, 2012 September 27, 2013 September 26, 2014 October 2, 2015 September 30, 2016
The Media Peers index is a custom index consisting of, in addition to The Walt Disney Company, media enterprises
Time Warner Inc., CBS Corporation (Class B), Viacom Inc. (Class B), Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (Class A), and
Comcast Corporation (Class A).
107
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SENIOR CORPORATE OFFICERS PRINCIPAL BUSINESSES
Susan E. Arnold Robert A. Iger Andy Bird
Operating Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chairman
The Carlyle Group Walt Disney International
Alan N. Braverman
John S. Chen Senior Executive Vice President, Bob Chapek
Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer General Counsel and Secretary Chairman
Blackberry, Ltd. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Kevin A. Mayer
Jack Dorsey Senior Executive Vice President and Alan Horn
Chief Executive Officer Chief Strategy Officer Chairman
Twitter, Inc. and The Walt Disney Studios
Christine M. McCarthyChairman and Chief Executive Officer
Senior Executive Vice President and James A. PitaroSquare, Inc.
Chief Financial Officer Chairman
Robert A. Iger Disney Consumer Products and
Zenia B. MuchaChairman and Chief Executive Officer Interactive Media
Executive Vice President andThe Walt Disney Company
Chief Communications Officer Ben Sherwood
Maria Elena Lagomasino Co-Chairman
Jayne ParkerChief Executive Officer and Managing Partner Disney Media Networks,
Executive Vice President andWE Family Offices President
Chief Human Resources Officer Disney/ABC Television Group
Fred H. Langhammer
Brent A. WoodfordChairman, Global Affairs John D. Skipper
Executive Vice PresidentThe Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Co-Chairman
Controllership, Financial Planning & Tax Disney Media Networks,
Aylwin B. Lewis President
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President ESPN
Potbelly Sandwich Works
STOCK EXCHANGE
Robert W. Matschullat Disney common stock is listed for trading on
Former Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer the New York Stock Exchange under the
The Seagram Company Ltd. ticker symbol DIS.
Mark G. Parker REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
NIKE, Inc. Attention: Disney Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 1342Sheryl K. Sandberg
Brentwood, NY 11717Chief Operating Officer
Phone: 1-855-553-4763Facebook, Inc.
E-Mail: disneyshareholder@broadridge.comOrin C. Smith
Former President and Chief Executive Officer Internet: www.disneyshareholder.com
Starbucks Corporation
A copy of the Company’s annual report filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(Form 10-K) will be furnished without charge
to any shareholder upon written request to the
address listed above.
DIRECT REGISTRATION SERVICES
The Walt Disney Company common stock can
be issued in direct registration (book entry or
uncertificated) form. The stock is Direct
Registration System (DRS) eligible.
108
23NOV201308451837 16JAN201510203148! Disney
6JAN201605190975
8DEC201716485428
Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Financial Report
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017 Commission File Number 1-11605
Incorporated in Delaware
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California 91521
(818) 560-1000
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
95-4545390
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”,
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of the
registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions) was $177.9
billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant and all persons filing a Schedule 13D with the Securities and Exchange
Commission in respect to registrant’s common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of
the registrant.
There were 1,510,312,194 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 15, 2017.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the 2018 annual
meeting of the Company’s shareholders.
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
ITEM 1. Business 1
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 2. Properties
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Executive Officers of the Company
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9B. Other Information
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
Consolidated Financial Information — The Walt Disney Company
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PART I
ITEM 1. Business
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with
operations in four business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products &
Interactive Media. For convenience, the terms “Company” and “we” are used to refer collectively to the parent company and
the subsidiaries through which our various businesses are actually conducted.
Information on the Company’s revenues, segment operating income and identifiable assets appears in Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof. The Company employed approximately 199,000 people as of
September 30, 2017.
The Company is preparing to launch two direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services, one in 2018 and one in late 2019.
An ESPN-branded service distributing multi-sports content is planned for 2018 and a Disney-branded service distributing the
Company’s film and television content is planned for 2019. In September 2017, the Company acquired a majority interest in
BAMTech LLC (BAMTech), a streaming technology and content delivery business, which is providing technical support for
the launch and distribution of these services (see Cable Networks for further discussion of BAMTech).
MEDIA NETWORKS
The Media Networks segment includes cable and broadcast television networks, television production and distribution
operations, domestic television stations and radio networks and stations. The Company also has investments in entities that
operate programming, distribution and content management services, including television networks, which are accounted for
under the equity method of accounting.
The businesses in the Media Networks segment principally generate revenue from the following:
• fees charged to cable, satellite and telecommunications service providers (traditional Multi-channel Video
Programming Distributors “MVPD”), over-the-top (OTT) digital MVPDs (“DMVPD”) collectively referred to as
MVPDs and television stations affiliated with our domestic broadcast television network for the right to deliver our
programs to their customers/subscribers (“affiliate fees”);
• the sale to advertisers of time in programs for commercial announcements (“ad sales”); and
• the sale to television networks and distributors for the right to use our television programming (“program sales”).
Operating expenses primarily consist of programming and production costs, participations and residuals expense,
technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs.
Cable Networks
Our primary cable networks are branded ESPN, Disney and Freeform. These networks produce their own programs or
acquire rights from third parties to air their programs on our networks.
Cable networks derive the majority of their revenues from affiliate fees and, for certain networks (primarily ESPN and
Freeform), ad sales. Generally, the Company’s cable networks provide programming services under multi-year agreements with
MVPDs that include contractually determined rates on a per subscriber basis. The amounts that we can charge to MVPDs for
our cable network services are largely dependent on the quality and quantity of programming that we can provide and the
competitive market. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on
the size and nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand. We also
sell programming developed by our cable networks worldwide to television broadcasters, to subscription video-on-demand
(SVOD) services (such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon) and in home entertainment formats (such as DVD, Blu-ray and electronic
home video license).
2
The Company’s significant cable channels and the number of subscribers as estimated by Nielsen Media Research(1)
(except where noted) are as follows:
Estimated
Subscribers
(in millions)
ESPN – Domestic
ESPN 88
ESPN2 87
ESPNU 67
ESPNEWS (2) 66
SEC Network (2) 60
Disney – Domestic
Disney Channel 92
Disney Junior 72
Disney XD 74
Freeform 90
International Channels (3)
ESPN 146
Disney Channel 221
Disney Junior 151
Disney XD 127
(1) Nielsen Media Research estimates are as of September 2017 and capture traditional MVPD and certain DMVPD
subscriber counts.
(2) Because Nielsen Media Research does not measure these channels, estimated subscriber counts are according to SNL
Kagan as of December 2016.
(3) Because Nielsen Media Research and SNL Kagan do not measure these channels, estimated subscriber counts are
based on internal management reports as of September 2017.
ESPN
ESPN is a multimedia sports entertainment company owned 80% by the Company and 20% by Hearst Corporation.
ESPN operates eight 24-hour domestic television sports channels: ESPN and ESPN2 (sports channel dedicated to professional
and college sports as well as sports news and original programming), ESPNU (a channel devoted to college sports),
ESPNEWS, SEC Network (a sports programming channel dedicated to Southeastern Conference college athletics), ESPN
Classic, Longhorn Network (a channel dedicated to The University of Texas athletics) and ESPN Deportes (a Spanish language
channel), which are all simulcast in high definition except ESPN Classic. ESPN programs the sports schedule on the ABC
Television Network, which is branded ESPN on ABC. ESPN owns 19 television channels outside of the United States
(primarily in Latin America) that reach 61 countries and territories in four languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese and
French).
ESPN holds rights for various professional and college sports programming including college football (including bowl
games and the College Football Playoff) and basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Football
League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), US Open Tennis, various soccer rights, the Wimbledon Championships and the
Masters golf tournament.
ESPN also operates:
• ESPN.com – which delivers sports news, information and video on internet-connected devices, with a dozen editions
in three languages globally. In the U.S., ESPN.com also features live video streams of ESPN channels to
authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to certain content.
• ESPN App – which delivers scores, news, highlights, short form video, podcasts and live audio, with 11 editions in
three languages globally. In the U.S., the ESPN app also features live video streams of ESPN’s linear channels and
exclusive events on internet-connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited
access to certain content.
• ESPN Events Management – which owns and operates the ESPYs (annual awards show), X Games (winter and
summer action sports competitions) and a portfolio of collegiate sporting events including bowl games, basketball
games and post-season award shows
3
• ESPN Radio – which distributes talk and play by play programming and is one of the largest sports radio networks in
the U.S. ESPN Radio network programming is carried on approximately 400 terrestrial stations including four ESPN
owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas and on satellite and internet radio
• ESPN The Magazine – which is a bi-weekly sports magazine
Disney
The Company operates over 100 Disney branded television channels, which are broadcast in 34 languages and 162
countries/territories, and Radio Disney. Branded channels include Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney
Cinemagic, Disney Cinema, Hungama and DLife. Disney content is also available through video-on-demand services and
online through our websites: DisneyChannel.com, DisneyXD.com and DisneyJunior.com. Programming for these channels
includes internally developed and acquired programming.
Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD are available digitally through products that deliver live or on-demand
programming on internet-connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to select
content on these platforms.
Disney Channel – Disney Channel is a cable channel that airs original series and movie programming targeted to kids
ages 2 to 14. In the U.S., Disney Channel airs 24 hours a day. Disney Channel develops and produces shows for exhibition on
its channel, including live-action comedy series, animated programming and preschool series as well as original movies.
Disney Channel also airs programming and content from Disney’s theatrical film and television programming library.
Disney Junior – Disney Junior is a cable channel that airs programming targeted to kids ages 2 to 7 and their parents and
caregivers, featuring animated and live-action programming that blends Disney’s storytelling and characters with learning. In
the U.S., Disney Junior airs 24 hours a day. Disney Junior also airs as a programming block on the Disney Channel.
Disney XD – Disney XD is a cable channel that airs a mix of live-action and animated programming targeted to kids ages
6 to 11. In the U.S., Disney XD airs 24 hours a day.
Disney Cinemagic and Disney Cinema – Disney Cinemagic and Disney Cinema are premium subscription services, which
are available in a limited number of countries in Europe, that air a selection of Disney movies, cartoons and shorts as well as
animated television series.
Radio Disney – Radio Disney is targeted to kids, tweens and families reaching listeners through a national broadcast on
various distribution platforms. Radio Disney is also available in Latin America on two owned terrestrial stations and through
agreements with third-party radio stations.
Freeform
Freeform is a domestic cable channel targeted to viewers ages 14 to 34. Freeform produces original live-action
programming, acquires programming from third parties, airs content from our owned theatrical film library and features
branded holiday programming events such as “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas”.
Freeform is available digitally through platforms that deliver either live or on-demand channel programing on internet-
connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to select Freeform programming.
Hungama
Hungama is a cable channel in India, which features a mix of animated series, movies and game shows, targeted at kids.
UTV/Bindass
We operate UTV and Bindass branded channels in India. UTV Action and UTV Movies offer Bollywood movies as well
as Hindi dubbed Hollywood movies. Bindass is a youth entertainment channel, and Bindass Play is a music channel.
BAMTech
BAMTech LLC (BAMTech) is a streaming technology and content delivery business. The Company acquired 15% and
18% interests in BAMTech in August 2016 and January 2017, respectively. On September 25, 2017, the Company acquired an
incremental 42% interest, bringing the Company’s aggregate ownership interest to 75%, and the Company now consolidates
BAMTech. Prior to September 25, 2017, BAMTech was accounted for as an equity investee, and the Company’s share of the
financial results were reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
BAMTech generates revenue from providing technology services to video streaming services and from subscription and
advertising revenue from direct-to-consumer streaming services it offers to consumers.
4
Broadcasting
Our broadcasting business includes a domestic broadcast network, television production and distribution operations, and
eight owned domestic television stations.
Domestic Broadcast Television Network
The Company operates the ABC Television Network (ABC), which as of September 30, 2017, had affiliation agreements
with 244 local television stations reaching almost 100% of U.S. television households. ABC broadcasts programs in the
primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports “dayparts”.
ABC produces its own programs and also acquires programming rights from third parties as well as entities that are
owned by or affiliated with the Company. ABC derives the majority of its revenues from ad sales. The ability to sell time for
commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the
network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand for time on network broadcasts. ABC also receives
fees from affiliated television stations for the right to broadcast ABC programming.
ABC network programming is available digitally on internet-connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers.
Non-subscribers have more limited access to on-demand episodes.
The ABC app and ABC.com provide online extensions to ABC programming including episodes and selected clips.
ABCNews.com provides in-depth worldwide news coverage online and video-on-demand news reports from ABC News
broadcasts. ABC News also has an agreement to provide news content to Yahoo! News.
Television Production
The Company produces the majority of its scripted television programs under the ABC Studios banner. Program
development is carried out in collaboration with independent writers, producers and creative teams, with a focus on one-hour
dramas and half-hour comedies, primarily for primetime broadcasts. Primetime programming produced either for our networks
or for third parties for the 2017/2018 television season includes nine returning and eight new one-hour dramas and four new
and three returning half-hour comedies. Additionally, the Company is producing four drama series for Netflix and one drama
series for Hulu. The Company also produces Jimmy Kimmel Live for late night and a variety of primetime specials, as well as
syndicated, news and daytime programming.
Television Distribution
We distribute the Company’s productions worldwide to television broadcasters, to SVOD services, and in home
entertainment formats.
Domestic Television Stations
The Company owns eight television stations, six of which are located in the top ten television household markets in the
U.S. The television stations derive the majority of their revenues from ad sales. The stations also receive affiliate fees from
MVPDs. All of our television stations are affiliated with ABC and collectively reach 21% of the nation’s television households.
Each owned station broadcasts three digital channels: the first consists of local, ABC and syndicated programming; the second
is the Live Well Network; and the third is the LAFF Network.
The stations we own are as follows:
TV Station Market
Television Market
Ranking(1)
WABC New York, NY 1
KABC Los Angeles, CA 2
WLS Chicago, IL 3
WPVI Philadelphia, PA 4
KGO San Francisco, CA 6
KTRK Houston, TX 8
WTVD Raleigh-Durham, NC 24
KFSN Fresno, CA 54
(1) Based on Nielsen Media Research, U.S. Television Household Estimates, January 1, 2017
5
Equity Investments
The Company has investments in media businesses that are accounted for under the equity method, and the Company’s
share of the financial results for these equity investments are reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s significant media equity investments are as follows:
A+E and Vice
A+E Television Networks (A+E) is a joint venture owned 50% by the Company and 50% by the Hearst Corporation.
A+E operates a variety of cable channels including:
• A&E – which offers entertainment programming including original reality and scripted series
• HISTORY – which offers original series and event-driven specials
• Lifetime – which is devoted to female-focused programming
• Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) – which is a 24-hour movie channel
• FYI – which offers contemporary lifestyle programming
• Lifetime Real Women – which is a 24-hour cable channel with programming focusing on women
A+E programming is available in over 200 countries and territories.
A+E has an 18% interest in Vice Group Holding, Inc. (Vice), which operates Viceland, a channel offering programming
of lifestyle-oriented documentaries and reality series aimed towards millennials. Viceland is owned 50% by A+E and 50% by
Vice. In addition, the Company has a 10% direct ownership interest in Vice.
A+E and Vice’s significant cable channels and the number of domestic subscribers by channel as estimated by Nielsen
Media Research(1) are as follows:
Estimated
Subscribers
(in millions)(1)
A+E
A&E 91
HISTORY 92
Lifetime 91
LMN 73
FYI 58
Vice
Viceland 70
(1) Nielsen Media Research estimates are as of September 2017 and capture traditional MVPD and certain DMVPD
subscriber counts.
CTV
ESPN holds a 30% equity interest in CTV Specialty Television, Inc., which owns television channels in Canada,
including The Sports Networks (TSN) 1-5, Le Réseau des Sports (RDS), RDS2, RDS Info, ESPN Classic Canada, Discovery
Canada and Animal Planet Canada.
Hulu
Hulu LLC (Hulu) aggregates acquired television and film entertainment content and original content produced by Hulu
and distributes it digitally to internet-connected devices. Hulu offers a subscription-based service with limited commercials and
a subscription-based service with no commercials. In May 2017, Hulu launched an OTT service, which offers live streams of
broadcast and cable channels, including the major broadcast networks.
The Company licenses television and film programming to Hulu in the ordinary course of business. The Company defers
a portion of its profits from these transactions until Hulu recognizes third-party revenue from the exploitation of the rights. The
portion that is deferred reflects our ownership interest in Hulu.
Hulu is owned 30% each by the Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. and Comcast Corporation. Time Warner, Inc.
(TW) holds the remaining 10% interest in the venture, which was acquired from Hulu for $583 million in August 2016. For not
more than 36 months from August 2016, TW may put its shares to Hulu or Hulu may call the shares from TW under certain
6
limited circumstances arising from regulatory review. The Company and Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. have agreed to make a
capital contribution for up to approximately $300 million each if required to fund the repurchase of shares from TW.
Seven TV
Seven TV operates an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney Channel in Russia. The Company has a 20% ownership
interest and a 49% economic interest in the business.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s Media Networks businesses compete for viewers primarily with other television and cable networks,
independent television stations and other media, such as online video services and video games. With respect to the sale of
advertising time, we compete with other television networks and radio stations, independent television stations, MVPDs and
other advertising media such as digital content, newspapers, magazines and billboards. Our television and radio stations
primarily compete for audiences and advertisers in local market areas.
The Company’s Media Networks businesses face competition from other networks for advertising revenue and carriage
by MVPDs and face competition from online services. The Company’s contractual agreements with MVPDs are renewed or
renegotiated from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Consolidation and other market conditions in the cable,
satellite and telecommunication distribution industry and other factors may adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and
maintain contractual terms for the distribution of its various cable programming services that are as favorable as those currently
in place.
The Company’s Media Networks businesses also compete for the acquisition of sports, talent, show concepts and other
programming. The market for programming is very competitive, particularly for live sports programming.
The Company’s internet websites and digital products compete with other websites and entertainment products.
Advertising revenues at Media Networks are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels.
Revenues are typically somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months. Affiliate fees are
generally collected ratably throughout the year.
Federal Regulation
Television and radio broadcasting are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
under federal laws and regulations, including the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Violation of FCC regulations can
result in substantial monetary forfeitures, limited renewals of licenses and, in egregious cases, denial of license renewal or
revocation of a license. FCC regulations that affect our Media Networks segment include the following:
• Licensing of television and radio stations. Each of the television and radio stations we own must be licensed by the
FCC. These licenses are granted for periods of up to eight years, and we must obtain renewal of licenses as they expire
in order to continue operating the stations. We (and the acquiring entity in the case of a divestiture) must also obtain
FCC approval whenever we seek to have a license transferred in connection with the acquisition or divestiture of a
station. The FCC may decline to renew or approve the transfer of a license in certain circumstances and may delay
renewals while permitting a licensee to continue operating. Although we have received such renewals and approvals in
the past or have been permitted to continue operations when renewal is delayed, there can be no assurance that this
will be the case in the future.
• Television and radio station ownership limits. The FCC imposes limitations on the number of television stations and
radio stations we can own in a specific market, on the combined number of television and radio stations we can own in
a single market and on the aggregate percentage of the national audience that can be reached by television stations we
own. Currently:
FCC regulations may restrict our ability to own more than one television station in a market, depending on the size
and nature of the market. We do not own more than one television station in any market.
Federal statutes permit our television stations in the aggregate to reach a maximum of 39% of the national
audience. Pursuant to the most recent decision by the FCC as to how to calculate compliance with this limit, our
eight stations reach approximately 21% of the national audience.
FCC regulations in some cases impose restrictions on our ability to acquire additional radio or television stations
in the markets in which we own radio stations, but we do not believe any such limitations are material to our
current operating plans.
• Dual networks. FCC rules currently prohibit any of the four major broadcast television networks — ABC, CBS, Fox
and NBC — from being under common ownership or control.
7
• Regulation of programming. The FCC regulates broadcast programming by, among other things, banning “indecent”
programming, regulating political advertising and imposing commercial time limits during children’s programming.
Penalties for broadcasting indecent programming can range up to nearly $400 thousand per indecent utterance or
image per station.
Federal legislation and FCC rules also limit the amount of commercial matter that may be shown on broadcast or cable
channels during programming designed for children 12 years of age and younger. In addition, broadcast channels are
generally required to provide a minimum of three hours per week of programming that has as a “significant purpose”
meeting the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and younger. FCC rules also give
television station owners the right to reject or refuse network programming in certain circumstances or to substitute
programming that the licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.
• Cable and satellite carriage of broadcast television stations. With respect to cable systems operating within a
television station’s Designated Market Area, FCC rules require that every three years each television station elect
either “must carry” status, pursuant to which cable operators generally must carry a local television station in the
station’s market, or “retransmission consent” status, pursuant to which the cable operator must negotiate with the
television station to obtain the consent of the television station prior to carrying its signal. Under the Satellite Home
Viewer Improvement Act and its successors, including most recently the STELA Reauthorization Act (STELAR),
which also requires the “must carry” or “retransmission consent” election, satellite carriers are permitted to retransmit
a local television station’s signal into its local market with the consent of the local television station. The ABC owned
television stations have historically elected retransmission consent. Portions of these satellite laws are set to expire on
December 31, 2019.
• Cable and satellite carriage of programming. The Communications Act and FCC rules regulate some aspects of
negotiations regarding cable and satellite retransmission consent, and some cable and satellite companies have sought
regulation of additional aspects of the carriage of programming on cable and satellite systems. New legislation, court
action or regulation in this area could have an impact on the Company’s operations.
The foregoing is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act, other legislation and specific FCC
rules and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, other legislation, FCC rules and public notices and
rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of the FCC’s regulatory authority.
FCC laws and regulations are subject to change, and the Company generally cannot predict whether new legislation,
court action or regulations, or a change in the extent of application or enforcement of current laws and regulations, would have
an adverse impact on our operations.
PARKS AND RESORTS
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; the Disneyland Resort in California;
Disneyland Paris; Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii; the Disney Vacation Club; the Disney Cruise Line; and Adventures
by Disney. The Company manages and has effective ownership interests of 47% in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and 43% in
Shanghai Disney Resort, both of which are consolidated in our financial statements. The Company also licenses our intellectual
property to a third party to operate the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs
and develops new theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
The businesses in the Parks and Resorts segment generate revenues from the sale of admissions to theme parks, sales of
food, beverage and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise and other vacation packages and sales, as
well as rentals of vacation club properties. Revenues are also generated from sponsorships and co-branding opportunities, real
estate rent and sales, and royalties from Tokyo Disney Resort. Significant costs include labor, infrastructure costs, depreciation,
costs of merchandise, food and beverage sold, marketing and sales expense and cost of vacation club units. Infrastructure costs
include information systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities and fuel, property taxes, insurance and transportation.
Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Resort is located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, on approximately 25,000 acres of land.
The resort includes theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom);
hotels; vacation club properties; a retail, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Springs); a sports complex; conference
centers; campgrounds; golf courses; water parks; and other recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for an extended
stay.
The Walt Disney World Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and
promotional activities. A number of attractions and restaurants in each of the theme parks are sponsored or operated by other
corporations through multi-year agreements.
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Magic Kingdom — The Magic Kingdom consists of six themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Liberty Square, Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. Each land provides a unique guest experience featuring themed
attractions, live Disney character interactions, restaurants, refreshment areas and merchandise shops. Additionally, there are
daily parades and a nighttime fireworks event.
Epcot — Epcot consists of two major themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World dramatizes certain
historical developments and addresses the challenges facing the world today through pavilions devoted to showcasing science
and technology innovations, communication, transportation, use of imagination, nature and food production, the ocean
environment and space. World Showcase presents a community of nations focusing on the culture, traditions and
accomplishments of people around the world. Countries represented with pavilions include Canada, China, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Both areas feature themed attractions,
restaurants and merchandise shops. Epcot also features a nighttime entertainment event.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney’s Hollywood Studios consists of seven themed areas: Animation Courtyard,
Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard, Muppets Courtyard, Pixar Place and Sunset Boulevard. The areas
provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action through various shows and attractions and offer themed food
service and merchandise facilities. The park also features nighttime entertainment events. The Company is constructing two
new themed areas, one based on the Toy Story franchise that is scheduled to open in 2018 and the other based on Star Wars that
is scheduled to open in 2019.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney’s Animal Kingdom consists of a 145-foot tall Tree of Life centerpiece surrounded
by seven themed areas: Africa, Asia, DinoLand USA, Discovery Island, Oasis, Pandora – The World of Avatar and Rafiki’s
Planet Watch. Each themed area contains attractions, entertainment, restaurants and merchandise shops. The park features more
than 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and 3,000 varieties of vegetation. Disney’s Animal Kingdom also
features a nighttime entertainment event.
Hotels, Vacation Club Properties and Other Resort Facilities — As of September 30, 2017, the Company owned and
operated 18 resort hotels and vacation club facilities at the Walt Disney World Resort, with approximately 22,000 rooms and
3,200 vacation club units. Resort facilities include 468,000 square feet of conference meeting space and Disney’s Fort
Wilderness camping and recreational area, which offers approximately 800 campsites. In 2017, the Company began
construction on a new 500-hotel room tower scheduled to open in 2019 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
Disney Springs is a 127-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex and consists of four areas: Marketplace, The
Landing, Town Center and West Side. The areas are home to more than 150 venues including the 51,000-square-foot World of
Disney retail store. Most of the Disney Springs facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent to the Company.
Nine independently-operated hotels with approximately 6,000 rooms are situated on property leased from the Company.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a 230-acre center that hosts professional caliber training and competitions,
festival and tournament events and interactive sports activities. The complex, which welcomes both amateur and professional
athletes, accommodates multiple sporting events, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis and track and
field. It also includes a 9,500-seat stadium. In 2016, the Company began construction on an additional indoor sports venue that
will have 8,000 seats and host cheer, dance, basketball and volleyball competitions.
Other recreational amenities and activities available at the Walt Disney World Resort include three championship golf
courses, miniature golf courses, full-service spas, tennis, sailing, water skiing, swimming, horseback riding and a number of
other sports and leisure time activities. The resort also includes two water parks: Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s
Typhoon Lagoon.
Disneyland Resort
The Company owns 486 acres and has the rights under long-term lease for use of an additional 55 acres of land in
Anaheim, California. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three
resort hotels and a retail, dining and entertainment complex (Downtown Disney).
The Disneyland Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and promotional
activities. A number of the attractions and restaurants in the theme parks are sponsored or operated by other corporations
through multi-year agreements.
Disneyland — Disneyland consists of eight themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Main Street USA, Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
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restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disneyland offers daily parades and nighttime fireworks
and entertainment events. The Company is constructing a new Star Wars-themed area that is scheduled to open in 2019.
Disney California Adventure — Disney California Adventure is adjacent to Disneyland and includes seven themed
areas: Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier and “a bug’s land”. These
areas include attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disney California
Adventure offers a nighttime entertainment event.
Hotels, Vacation Club Units and Other Resort Facilities — Disneyland Resort includes three Company-owned and
operated hotels and vacation club facilities with approximately 2,400 rooms, 50 vacation club units and 180,000 square feet of
conference meeting space. The Company plans to build a fourth hotel with 700 rooms opening in 2021.
Downtown Disney is a themed 15-acre, retail, entertainment and dining outdoor complex with approximately 30 venues
located adjacent to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Most of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by
third parties that pay rent to the Company. The Company plans to build a new 6,500-space parking garage scheduled to open in
2019.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is a Company operated family resort on a 21-acre oceanfront property on Oahu, Hawaii
featuring 351 hotel rooms, an 18,000-square-foot spa and 12,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The resort also has
481 Disney Vacation Club units.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is located on a 5,510-acre development in Marne-la-Vallée, approximately 20 miles east of Paris,
France. The land is being developed pursuant to a master agreement with French governmental authorities. Disneyland Paris
includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed resort hotels; two convention centers;
a shopping, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Village); and a 27-hole golf facility. Of the 5,510 acres comprising the
site, approximately half have been developed to date, including a planned community development (Val d’Europe) and an eco-
tourism destination (Villages Nature).
During fiscal 2017, the Company increased its effective ownership interest from 81% to 100% of Disneyland Paris (see
Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Disneyland Park — Disneyland Park consists of five themed areas: Adventureland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland,
Frontierland and Main Street USA. These areas include themed attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and
refreshment stands. Disneyland Park also features a daily parade and a nighttime entertainment event.
Walt Disney Studios Park — Walt Disney Studios Park takes guests into the worlds of cinema, animation and television
and includes four themed areas: Backlot, Front Lot, Production Courtyard and Toon Studio. These areas each include themed
attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands.
Hotels and Other Facilities — Disneyland Paris operates seven resort hotels, with approximately 5,800 rooms and
210,000 square feet of conference meeting space. In addition, nine on-site hotels that are owned and operated by third parties
provide approximately 2,700 rooms.
Disney Village is a 500,000-square-foot retail, dining and entertainment complex located between the theme parks and
the hotels. A number of the Disney Village facilities are operated by third parties and pay rent to Disneyland Paris.
Val d’Europe is a planned community near Disneyland Paris that is being developed in phases. Val d’Europe currently
includes a regional train station, hotels and a town center consisting of a shopping center as well as office, commercial and
residential space. Third parties operate these developments on land leased or purchased from Disneyland Paris.
Disneyland Paris along with its 50% joint venture partner, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs, is developing Villages
Nature, a European eco-tourism destination adjacent to the resort. Villages Nature, which opened its first phase in September
2017, currently consists of recreational facilities and 916 vacation rental units.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The Company owns a 47% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Hongkong International Theme Parks
Limited, an entity in which the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) owns a 53% majority
interest. The resort is located on 310 acres on Lantau Island and is in close proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport.
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Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes one theme park and three themed resort hotels. A separate Hong Kong subsidiary of the
Company is responsible for managing Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The Company is entitled to receive royalties and
management fees based on the operating performance of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Hong Kong Disneyland — Hong Kong Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Grizzly
Gulch, Main Street USA, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks event. In
October 2017, construction began on an expansion of the park that will open in phases by 2023 and add a number of new guest
offerings including two new themed areas.
Hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes three themed hotels with a total of 1,750 rooms.
Shanghai Disney Resort
The Company owns a 43% interest in Shanghai Disney Resort, which opened in June 2016. Shanghai Shendi (Group)
Co., Ltd (Shendi), owns a 57% interest. The resort is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai on approximately 1,000 acres
of land, which includes the Shanghai Disneyland theme park; two themed resort hotels; a retail, dining and entertainment
complex (Disneytown); and an outdoor recreation area. A management company, in which the Company has a 70% interest and
Shendi has a 30% interest, is responsible for operating the resort and receives a management fee based on the operating
performance of Shanghai Disney Resort. The Company is also entitled to royalties based on the resort’s revenues.
Shanghai Disneyland — Shanghai Disneyland consists of six themed areas: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of
Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland and Treasure Cove. These areas feature themed attractions, shows, restaurants,
merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks event. In 2016,
construction began on a seventh themed area based on the Toy Story franchise, which is set to open in 2018.
Hotels and Other Facilities – Shanghai Disneyland Resort includes two themed hotels with a total of 1,220 rooms.
Disneytown is an 11-acre outdoor complex of dining, shopping and entertainment venues located adjacent to Shanghai
Disneyland. Most Disneytown facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent to Shanghai Disney Resort.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort is located on 494 acres of land, six miles east of downtown Tokyo, Japan. The resort includes two
theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea); four Disney-branded hotels; six independently operated hotels; a retail,
dining and entertainment complex (Ikspiari); and Bon Voyage, a Disney-themed merchandise location.
The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is owned and operated by
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), a third-party Japanese corporation.
Tokyo Disneyland — Tokyo Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland,
Tomorrowland, Toontown, Westernland and World Bazaar. OLC has begun construction on an expansion of Tokyo Disneyland,
which is scheduled to open in 2020.
Tokyo DisneySea — Tokyo DisneySea, adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland, is divided into seven “ports of call,” including
American Waterfront, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mediterranean Harbor, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island and Port
Discovery.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — Tokyo Disney Resort includes four Disney-branded hotels with a total of more
than 2,400 rooms and a monorail, which links the theme parks and resort hotels with Ikspiari.
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers ownership interests in 14 resort facilities located at the Walt Disney World Resort;
Disneyland Resort; Aulani; Vero Beach, Florida; and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Available units are offered for sale
under a vacation ownership plan and are operated as hotel rooms when not occupied by vacation club members. The
Company’s vacation club units range from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand villas. Unit counts in this document are
presented in terms of two-bedroom equivalents. DVC had approximately 4,000 equivalent vacation club units as of
September 30, 2017. The Company has announced plans to build Disney’s Riviera Resort, a 300-unit DVC property at the Walt
Disney World Resort that is targeted to open in 2019, which is replacing two hotel buildings at Disney’s Caribbean Beach
Resort.
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Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is a four-ship vacation cruise line, which operates out of ports in North America and Europe. The
Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are approximately 85,000-ton 875-stateroom ships, and the Disney Dream and the Disney
Fantasy are approximately 130,000-ton 1,250-stateroom ships. The ships cater to families, children, teenagers and adults, with
distinctly-themed areas and activities for each group. Many cruise vacations include a visit to Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-
acre private Bahamian island. The Company is expanding its cruise business by adding three new ships to be delivered in
calendar 2021, 2022 and 2023. The new ships will each be approximately 135,000 tons with 1,250 staterooms.
Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney offers all-inclusive guided vacation tour packages predominantly at non-Disney sites around the
world. The Company offered 40 different tour packages during 2017.
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering provides master planning, real estate development, attraction, entertainment and show design,
engineering support, production support, project management and research and development for the Company’s Parks and
Resorts operations.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s theme parks and resorts as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club compete with other
forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. The profitability of the leisure-time industry may be
influenced by various factors that are not directly controllable, such as economic conditions including business cycle and
exchange rate fluctuations, the political environment, travel industry trends, amount of available leisure time, oil and
transportation prices, weather patterns and natural disasters.
All of the theme parks and the associated resort facilities are operated on a year-round basis. Typically, theme park
attendance and resort occupancy fluctuate based on the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities, the opening of
new guest offerings, and pricing and promotional offers. Peak attendance and resort occupancy generally occur during the
summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday periods.
STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT
The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video
content, musical recordings and live stage plays.
The businesses in the Studio Entertainment segment generate revenue from distribution of films in the theatrical, home
entertainment and television and SVOD markets, stage play ticket sales, music distribution and licensing of Company
intellectual property for use in live entertainment productions. Significant operating expenses include amortization of
production, participations and residuals costs, marketing and sales costs, distribution expenses and costs of sales.
The Company distributes films primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Touchstone
banners. In addition, the Company distributes Dreamworks Studios (Dreamworks) produced live-action films that were
released theatrically from 2010 through 2016.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel in fiscal year 2010, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to
produce and distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and X-Men.
Under the licensing arrangements, the third-party studios incur the costs to produce and distribute the films, and the Company
retains the merchandise licensing rights. Under the licensing arrangement for Spider-Man, the Company pays the third-party
studio a licensing fee based on each film’s box office receipts, subject to specified limits. Under the licensing arrangements for
The Fantastic Four and X-Men, the third-party studio pays the Company a licensing fee and receives a share of the Company’s
merchandise revenue on these properties. The Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the exception of The
Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by a third-party studio.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in fiscal year 2013, Lucasfilm produced six Star Wars films (Episodes 1
through 6). Lucasfilm retained the merchandise licensing rights related to all of those films and the rights related to television
and electronic distribution formats for all of those films, with the exception of the rights for Episode 4, which are owned by a
third-party studio. All of those films are distributed by a third-party studio in the theatrical and home entertainment markets.
The theatrical and home entertainment distribution rights for these films revert back to Lucasfilm in May 2020 with the
exception of Episode 4, for which these distribution rights are retained in perpetuity by the third-party studio.
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Lucasfilm also includes Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, which provide visual and audio effects and other
post-production services to the Company and third-party producers.
Theatrical Market
We produce and distribute both live-action films and full-length animated films. In the domestic theatrical market, we
generally distribute and market our filmed products directly. In most major international markets, we distribute our filmed
products directly while in other markets our films are distributed by independent companies or joint ventures. During fiscal
2018, we expect to release ten of our own produced feature films. Cumulatively through September 30, 2017 the Company has
released domestically approximately 1,000 full-length live-action features and 100 full-length animated features.
The Company incurs significant marketing and advertising costs before and throughout the theatrical release of a film in
an effort to generate public awareness of the film, to increase the public’s intent to view the film and to help generate consumer
interest in the subsequent home entertainment and other ancillary markets. These costs are expensed as incurred. Therefore, we
may incur a loss on a film in the theatrical markets, including in periods prior to the theatrical release of the film.
Home Entertainment Market
In the domestic market, we distribute home entertainment releases directly under each of our motion picture banners. In
international markets, we distribute home entertainment releases under our motion picture banners both directly and through
independent distribution companies. We also produce original content domestically and acquire content internationally for
direct-to-video release.
Domestic and international home entertainment distribution typically starts three to six months after the theatrical release
in each market. Home entertainment releases are distributed in physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and electronic formats. Electronic
formats may be released up to four weeks ahead of the physical release. Physical formats are generally sold to retailers, such as
Wal-Mart and Target and electronic formats are sold through e-tailers, such as Apple and Amazon. Titles are also sold to
physical rental services, such as Netflix. However, distribution by physical rental services may be delayed up to 28 days after
the start of home entertainment distribution.
As of September 30, 2017, we had approximately 1,400 active produced and acquired titles, including 1,000 live-action
titles and 400 animated titles, in the domestic home entertainment marketplace and approximately 1,900 active produced and
acquired titles, including 1,300 live-action titles and 600 animated titles, in the international marketplace.
Television Market
In the television market, we license our films to cable and broadcast networks, television stations and other video service
providers, which may provide the content to viewers on television or a variety of internet-connected devices.
Video-on-Demand (VOD) — Concurrently with physical home entertainment distribution, we license titles to VOD
service providers for electronic delivery to consumers for a specified rental period.
Pay Television (Pay 1) — In the U.S., there are two or three pay television windows. The first window is generally
eighteen months in duration and follows the VOD window. The Company has licensed exclusive domestic pay television rights
to Netflix, which operates a subscription video on demand (SVOD) service, for all films released theatrically during calendar
years 2016 through 2018, with the exception of DreamWorks films. Most films released theatrically prior to calendar year 2016
have been licensed to the Starz pay television service. DreamWorks titles that are distributed by the Company are licensed to
Showtime under a separate agreement.
Free Television (Free 1) — The Pay 1 window is followed by a television window that may last up to 84 months.
Motion pictures are usually sold in the Free 1 window to basic cable networks.
Pay Television 2 (Pay 2) and Free Television 2 (Free 2) — In the U.S., Free 1 is generally followed by a twelve to
nineteen-month Pay 2 window under our license arrangements with Netflix, Starz and Showtime. The Pay 2 window is
followed by a Free 2 window, whereby films are licensed to basic cable networks, SVOD services and to television station
groups.
Pay Television 3 (Pay 3) and Free Television 3 (Free 3) — In the U.S., Free 2 is sometimes followed by a seven-month
Pay 3 window, and then by a Free 3 window. In the Free 3 window, films are licensed to basic cable networks, SVOD services
and to television station groups.
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International Television — The Company also licenses its films outside of the U.S. The typical windowing sequence is
consistent with the domestic cycle such that titles premiere on VOD services and then on pay TV or SVOD services before
airing in free TV. Windowing strategies are developed in response to local market practices and conditions, and the exact
sequence and length of each window can vary country by country.
Disney Music Group
The Disney Music Group (DMG) commissions new music for the Company’s motion pictures and television programs
and develops, produces, markets and distributes recorded music worldwide either directly or through license agreements. DMG
also licenses the songs and recording copyrights to third parties for printed music, records, audio-visual devices, public
performances and digital distribution and produces live musical concerts. DMG includes Walt Disney Records, Hollywood
Records, Disney Music Publishing and Disney Concerts.
Disney Theatrical Group
Disney Theatrical Group develops, produces and licenses live entertainment events on Broadway and around the world,
including The Lion King, Aladdin, Newsies, Mary Poppins (a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Beauty and the
Beast, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida, TARZAN® and The Little Mermaid. The new musical Frozen will open on Broadway in
spring 2018.
Disney Theatrical Group also licenses the Company’s intellectual property to Feld Entertainment, the producer of Disney
On Ice and Marvel Universe Live!.
Competition and Seasonality
The Studio Entertainment businesses compete with all forms of entertainment. A significant number of companies
produce and/or distribute theatrical and television films, exploit products in the home entertainment market, provide pay
television and SVOD programming services, produce music and sponsor live theater. We also compete to obtain creative and
performing talents, story properties, advertiser support and broadcast rights that are essential to the success of our Studio
Entertainment businesses.
The success of Studio Entertainment operations is heavily dependent upon public taste and preferences. In addition,
Studio Entertainment operating results fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the theatrical, home
entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including competition and the timing of
vacation and holiday periods.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS & INTERACTIVE MEDIA
The Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment licenses the Company’s trade names, characters and visual and
literary properties to various manufacturers, game developers, publishers and retailers throughout the world. We also develop
and publish games, primarily for mobile platforms, and books, magazines and comic books. The segment also distributes
branded merchandise directly through retail, online and wholesale businesses. In addition, the segment’s operations include
website management and design, primarily for other Company businesses, and the development and distribution of online
video content.
The Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment generates revenue primarily from:
• licensing characters and content from our film, television and other properties to third parties for use on consumer
merchandise, published materials and in multi-platform games;
• selling merchandise through our retail stores, internet shopping sites and to wholesalers;
• selling games through app distributors and online and through consumers’ in-game purchases;
• selling self-published children’s books and magazines and comic books to wholesalers;
• selling advertising in online video content; and
• charging tuition at English language learning centers in China (Disney English).
Significant costs include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail occupancy costs,
product development and marketing.
Merchandise Licensing
The Company’s merchandise licensing operations cover a diverse range of product categories, the most significant of
which are: toys, apparel, home décor and furnishings, accessories, stationery, health and beauty, food, footwear and consumer
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electronics. The Company licenses characters from its film, television and other properties for use on third-party products in
these categories and earns royalties, which are usually based on a fixed percentage of the wholesale or retail selling price of the
products. Some of the major properties licensed by the Company include: Mickey and Minnie, Star Wars, Frozen, Disney
Princess, Disney Channel characters, Cars, Spider-Man, Avengers, Winnie the Pooh, Finding Dory/Finding Nemo and Disney
Classics.
Retail
The Company markets Disney-, Marvel- and Lucasfilm-themed products through retail stores operated under the Disney
Store name and through internet sites in North America (shopDisney.com and shop.Marvel.com), Western Europe, Japan and
China. The stores are generally located in leading shopping malls and other retail complexes. The Company currently owns and
operates 221 stores in North America, 87 stores in Europe, 55 stores in Japan and two stores in China. The Company also sells
merchandise to retailers under wholesale arrangements.
Games
The Company licenses our properties to third-party game developers. We also develop and publish games, primarily for
mobile platforms.
Publishing
The Company creates, distributes, licenses and publishes a variety of products in multiple countries and languages based
on the Company’s branded franchises. The products include children’s books, comic books, graphic novel collections, learning
products and storytelling apps. Disney English develops and delivers an English language learning curriculum for Chinese
children using Disney content in 27 learning centers in six cities across China.
Other Content
Disney Digital Network (DDN), which includes Maker Studios, distributes online video content with advertisements and
provides online marketing services. Maker Studios is a network and developer of online video content distributed primarily on
YouTube. The Company also licenses Disney properties and content to mobile phone carriers in Japan. In addition, the
Company develops, publishes and distributes interactive family content through Disney.com, Disney on YouTube, Babble.com
and various Disney-branded apps.
Competition and Seasonality
The Consumer Products & Interactive Media businesses compete with other licensors, retailers and publishers of
character, brand and celebrity names, as well as other licensors, publishers and developers of game software, online video
content, internet websites, other types of home entertainment and retailers of toys and kids merchandise. Operating results are
influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, consumer preferences, levels of marketing and promotion and by the
timing and performance of theatrical and game releases and cable programming broadcasts.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
The Company’s businesses throughout the world are affected by its ability to exploit and protect against infringement of
its intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Important intellectual
property includes rights in the content of motion pictures, television programs, electronic games, sound recordings, character
likenesses, theme park attractions, books and magazines. Risks related to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property
rights are set forth in Item 1A – Risk Factors.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports are available without charge on our website, www.disney.com/investors, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are
filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We are providing the address to our internet site
solely for the information of investors. We do not intend the address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents
of the website into this report.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
For an enterprise as large and complex as the Company, a wide range of factors could materially affect future
developments and performance. In addition to the factors affecting specific business operations identified in connection with
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the description of these operations and the financial results of these operations elsewhere in this report, the most significant
factors affecting our operations include the following:
Changes in U.S., global, or regional economic conditions could have an adverse effect on the profitability of some or all
of our businesses.
A decline in economic activity in the U.S. and other regions of the world in which we do business can adversely affect
demand for any of our businesses, thus reducing our revenue and earnings. Past declines in economic conditions reduced
spending at our parks and resorts, purchase of and prices for advertising on our broadcast and cable networks and owned
stations, performance of our home entertainment releases, and purchases of Company-branded consumer products, and similar
impacts can be expected should such conditions recur. A decline in economic conditions could also reduce attendance at our
parks and resorts, prices that MVPDs pay for our cable programming or subscription levels for our cable programming. Recent
instability in non-U.S. economies has had some of these and similar impacts on some of our domestic and overseas operations.
Economic conditions can also impair the ability of those with whom we do business to satisfy their obligations to us. In
addition, an increase in price levels generally, or in price levels in a particular sector such as the energy sector, could result in a
shift in consumer demand away from the entertainment and consumer products we offer, which could also adversely affect our
revenues and, at the same time, increase our costs. Changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies may reduce international
demand for our products or increase our labor or supply costs in non-U.S. markets, and recent changes have reduced the U.S.
dollar value of revenue we receive and expect to receive from other markets. Economic or political conditions in a country
could also reduce our ability to hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from
the country.
Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences for entertainment and consumer products could reduce demand
for our entertainment offerings and products and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
Our businesses create entertainment, travel and consumer products whose success depends substantially on consumer
tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to
consistently create and distribute filmed entertainment, broadcast and cable programming, online material, electronic games,
theme park attractions, hotels and other resort facilities and travel experiences and consumer products that meet the changing
preferences of the broad consumer market and respond to competition from an expanding array of choices facilitated by
technological developments in the delivery of content. Many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our
offerings and products by consumers outside the U.S., and their success therefore depends on our ability to successfully predict
and adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences outside as well as inside the U.S. Moreover, we must often invest
substantial amounts in film production, broadcast and cable programming, acquisition of sports rights, theme park attractions,
cruise ships or hotels and other resort facilities before we learn the extent to which these products will earn consumer
acceptance. If our entertainment offerings and products do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, our revenue from
advertising sales (which are based in part on ratings for the programs in which advertisements air) or subscription fees for
broadcast and cable programming and online services, from theatrical film receipts, from sales of distribution rights to other
distributors or home entertainment or electronic game sales, from theme park admissions, hotel room charges and merchandise,
food and beverage sales, from sales of licensed consumer products or from sales of our other consumer products and services
may decline or fail to grow to the extent we anticipate when making investment decisions and thereby adversely affect the
profitability of one or more of our businesses.
Changes in technology and in consumer consumption patterns may affect demand for our entertainment products, the
revenue we can generate from these products or the cost of producing or distributing products.
The media entertainment and internet businesses in which we participate increasingly depend on our ability to
successfully adapt to shifting patterns of content consumption through the adoption and exploitation of new technologies. New
technologies affect the demand for our products, the manner in which our products are distributed to consumers, the sources
and nature of competing content offerings, the time and manner in which consumers acquire and view some of our
entertainment products and the options available to advertisers for reaching their desired audiences. This trend has impacted the
business model for certain traditional forms of distribution, as evidenced by the industry-wide decline in ratings for broadcast
television, the reduction in demand for home entertainment sales of theatrical content, the development of alternative
distribution channels for broadcast and cable programming and declines in subscriber levels across the industry, including for a
number of our networks. In order to respond to these developments, we regularly consider and from time to time implement
changes to our business models and there can be no assurance that we will successfully respond to these changes, that we will
not experience disruption as we respond to the changes, or that the business models we develop will be as profitable as our
current business models. As a result, the income from our entertainment offerings may decline or increase at slower rates than
our historical experience or our expectations when we make investments in products.
16
The success of our businesses is highly dependent on the existence and maintenance of intellectual property rights in the
entertainment products and services we create.
The value to us of our intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of our rights as defined by
applicable laws in the U.S. and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or
interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of our rights, or if existing laws are changed, our ability to generate revenue
from our intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may increase.
The unauthorized use of our intellectual property may increase the cost of protecting rights in our intellectual property or
reduce our revenues. New technologies such as the convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, the
falling prices of devices incorporating such technologies, increased broadband internet speed and penetration, increased
availability and speed of mobile data transmission and increasingly sophisticated attempts to obtain unauthorized access to data
systems have made the unauthorized digital copying and distribution of our films, television productions and other creative
works easier and faster and protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights more challenging. The unauthorized use
of intellectual property in the entertainment industry generally continues to be a significant challenge for intellectual property
rights holders. Inadequate laws or weak enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual property in one country can adversely
affect the results of the Company’s operations worldwide, despite the Company’s efforts to protect its intellectual property
rights. These developments require us to devote substantial resources to protecting our intellectual property against unlicensed
use and present the risk of increased losses of revenue as a result of unlicensed distribution of our content.
With respect to intellectual property developed by the Company and rights acquired by the Company from others, the
Company is subject to the risk of challenges to our copyright, trademark and patent rights by third parties. Successful
challenges to our rights in intellectual property may result in increased costs for obtaining rights or the loss of the opportunity
to earn revenue from the intellectual property that is the subject of challenged rights.
Protection of electronically stored data is costly and if our data is compromised in spite of this protection, we may incur
additional costs, lost opportunities and damage to our reputation.
We maintain information necessary to conduct our business, including confidential and proprietary information as well as
personal information regarding our customers and employees, in digital form. Data maintained in digital form is subject to the
risk of intrusion, tampering and theft. We develop and maintain systems in an effort to prevent intrusion, tampering and theft,
but the development and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies
change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. Accordingly, despite our efforts, the possibility
of intrusion, tampering and theft cannot be eliminated entirely, and risks associated with each of these remain. In addition, we
provide confidential, proprietary and personal information to third parties when it is necessary to pursue business objectives.
While we obtain assurances that these third parties will protect this information and, where we believe appropriate, monitor the
protections employed by these third parties, there is a risk the confidentiality of data held by third parties may be compromised.
If our data systems are compromised, our ability to conduct our business may be impaired, we may lose profitable opportunities
or the value of those opportunities may be diminished and, as described above, we may lose revenue as a result of unlicensed
use of our intellectual property. If personal information of our customers or employees is misappropriated, our reputation with
our customers and employees may be injured resulting in loss of business or morale, and we may incur costs to remediate
possible injury to our customers and employees or to pay fines or take other action with respect to judicial or regulatory actions
arising out of the incident.
A variety of uncontrollable events may reduce demand for our products and services, impair our ability to provide our
products and services or increase the cost of providing our products and services.
Demand for our products and services, particularly our theme parks and resorts, is highly dependent on the general
environment for travel and tourism. The environment for travel and tourism, as well as demand for other entertainment
products, can be significantly adversely affected in the U.S., globally or in specific regions as a result of a variety of factors
beyond our control, including: adverse weather conditions arising from short-term weather patterns or long-term change,
catastrophic events or natural disasters (such as excessive heat or rain, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes);
health concerns; international, political or military developments; and terrorist attacks. These events and others, such as
fluctuations in travel and energy costs and computer virus attacks, intrusions or other widespread computing or
telecommunications failures, may also damage our ability to provide our products and services or to obtain insurance coverage
with respect to these events. An incident that affected our property directly would have a direct impact on our ability to provide
goods and services and could have an extended effect of discouraging consumers from attending our facilities. Moreover, the
costs of protecting against such incidents reduces the profitability of our operations.
In addition, we derive royalties from the sales of our licensed goods and services by third parties and the management of
businesses operated under brands licensed from the Company, and we are therefore dependent on the successes of those third
parties for that portion of our revenue. A wide variety of factors could influence the success of those third parties and if
17
negative factors significantly impacted a sufficient number of our licensees, the profitability of one or more of our businesses
could be adversely affected.
We obtain insurance against the risk of losses relating to some of these events, generally including physical damage to
our property and resulting business interruption, certain injuries occurring on our property and some liabilities for alleged
breach of legal responsibilities. When insurance is obtained it is subject to deductibles, exclusions, terms, conditions and limits
of liability. The types and levels of coverage we obtain vary from time to time depending on our view of the likelihood of
specific types and levels of loss in relation to the cost of obtaining coverage for such types and levels of loss.
Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the
profitability of our businesses.
As changes in our business environment occur we may adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may
otherwise decide to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. In addition, external events including changing
technology, changing consumer patterns, acceptance of our theatrical offerings and changes in macroeconomic conditions may
impair the value of our assets. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and
may need to write down the value of assets. We also make investments in existing or new businesses, including investments in
international expansion of our business and in new business lines. In recent years, such investments have included expansion
and renovation of certain of our theme park attractions, investment in Shanghai Disney Resort and investments related to
direct-to-consumer offerings of sports and other entertainment products. Some of these investments may have short-term
returns that are negative or low and the ultimate business prospects of the businesses may be uncertain. In any of these events,
our costs may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or returns on new
investments may be lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring.
Turmoil in the financial markets could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of
financing our operations and investments.
Past disruptions in the U.S. and global credit and equity markets made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing
on acceptable terms. These conditions tended to increase the cost of borrowing and if they recur, our cost of borrowing could
increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations or investments. In addition, our borrowing costs can
be affected by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies that are based, in part, on the
Company’s performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings
would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. Past disruptions in the
global financial markets also impacted some of the financial institutions with which we do business. A similar decline in the
financial stability of financial institutions could affect our ability to secure credit-worthy counterparties for our interest rate and
foreign currency hedging programs, could affect our ability to settle existing contracts and could also affect the ability of our
business customers to obtain financing and thereby to satisfy their obligations to us.
Increased competitive pressures may reduce our revenues or increase our costs.
We face substantial competition in each of our businesses from alternative providers of the products and services we offer
and from other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. We also must compete to obtain human
resources, programming and other resources we require in operating our business. For example:
• Our broadcast and cable networks, stations and online offerings compete for viewers with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services as well as with home entertainment products, new sources of broadband and mobile delivered content
and internet usage.
• Our broadcast and cable networks and stations compete for the sale of advertising time with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services, as well as with newspapers, magazines, billboards and radio stations. In addition, we increasingly
face competition for advertising sales from internet and mobile delivered content, which offer advertising delivery
technologies that are more targeted than can be achieved through traditional means.
• Our cable networks compete for carriage of their programming with other programming providers.
• Our studio operations, broadcast and cable networks compete to obtain creative and performing talent, sports and other
programming, story properties, advertiser support and market share with other studio operations, broadcast and cable
networks and new sources of broadband delivered content.
• Our theme parks and resorts compete for guests with all other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreation
activities.
• Our studio operations compete for customers with all other forms of entertainment.
• Our Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment competes with other licensors, publishers and retailers of
character, brand and celebrity names.
18
• Our interactive media operations compete with other licensors and publishers of console, online and mobile games and
other types of home entertainment.
Competition in each of these areas may increase as a result of technological developments and changes in market
structure, including consolidation of suppliers of resources and distribution channels. Increased competition may divert
consumers from our creative or other products, or to other products or other forms of entertainment, which could reduce our
revenue or increase our marketing costs. Such competition may also reduce, or limit growth in, prices for our products and
services, including advertising rates and subscription fees at our media networks, parks and resorts admissions and room rates,
and prices for consumer products from which we derive license revenues. Competition for the acquisition of resources can
increase the cost of producing our products and services.
Sustained increases in costs of pension and postretirement medical and other employee health and welfare benefits may
reduce our profitability.
With approximately 199,000 employees, our profitability is substantially affected by costs of pension benefits and current
and postretirement medical benefits. We may experience significant increases in these costs as a result of macro-economic
factors, which are beyond our control, including increases in the cost of health care. In addition, changes in investment returns
and discount rates used to calculate pension expense and related assets and liabilities can be volatile and may have an
unfavorable impact on our costs in some years. These macroeconomic factors as well as a decline in the fair value of pension
and postretirement medical plan assets may put upward pressure on the cost of providing pension and postretirement medical
benefits and may increase future funding requirements. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs,
there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the
profitability of our businesses.
Our results may be adversely affected if long-term programming or carriage contracts are not renewed on sufficiently
favorable terms.
We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and the distribution of media programming and products,
including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sporting events and other programs, and contracts for the
distribution of our programming to content distributors. As these contracts expire, we must renew or renegotiate the contracts,
and if we are unable to renew them on acceptable terms, we may lose programming rights or distribution rights. Even if these
contracts are renewed, the cost of obtaining programming rights may increase (or increase at faster rates than our historical
experience) or programming distributors, facing pressures resulting from increased subscription fees and alternative
distribution challenges, may demand terms (including pricing and the breadth of distribution) that reduce our revenue from
distribution of programs (or increase revenue at slower rates than our historical experience). Moreover, our ability to renew
these contracts on favorable terms may be affected by recent consolidation in the market for program distribution and the
entrance of new participants in the market for distribution of content on digital platforms. With respect to the acquisition of
programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, the impact of these long-term contracts on our results over the
term of the contracts depends on a number of factors, including the strength of advertising markets, subscription levels and
rates for programming, effectiveness of marketing efforts and the size of viewer audiences. There can be no assurance that
revenues from programming based on these rights will exceed the cost of the rights plus the other costs of producing and
distributing the programming.
Changes in regulations applicable to our businesses may impair the profitability of our businesses.
Our broadcast networks and television stations are highly regulated, and each of our other businesses is subject to a
variety of U.S. and overseas regulations. These regulations include:
• U.S. FCC regulation of our television and radio networks, our national programming networks, and our owned
television stations. See Item 1 — Business — Media Networks, Federal Regulation.
• Federal, state and foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations.
• Regulation of the safety of consumer products and theme park operations.
• Environmental protection regulations.
• Imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions, restrictions on the manner in which content is currently licensed
and distributed, ownership restrictions, currency exchange controls or motion picture or television content
requirements or quotas.
• Domestic and international wage laws, tax laws or currency controls.
Changes in any of these regulations or regulatory activities in any of these areas may require us to spend additional
amounts to comply with the regulations, or may restrict our ability to offer products and services in ways that are profitable.
19
Our operations outside the United States may be adversely affected by the operation of laws in those jurisdictions.
Our operations in non-U.S. jurisdictions are in many cases subject to the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate
rather than U.S. law. Laws in some jurisdictions differ in significant respects from those in the U.S. These differences can affect
our ability to react to changes in our business, and our rights or ability to enforce rights may be different than would be
expected under U.S. law. Moreover, enforcement of laws in some overseas jurisdictions can be inconsistent and unpredictable,
which can affect both our ability to enforce our rights and to undertake activities that we believe are beneficial to our business.
In addition, the business and political climate in some jurisdictions may encourage corruption, which could reduce our ability
to compete successfully in those jurisdictions while remaining in compliance with local laws or United States anti-corruption
laws applicable to our businesses. As a result, our ability to generate revenue and our expenses in non-U.S. jurisdictions may
differ from what would be expected if U.S. law governed these operations.
Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
A significant number of employees in various of our businesses are covered by collective bargaining agreements,
including employees of our theme parks and resorts as well as writers, directors, actors, production personnel and others
employed in our media networks and studio operations. In addition, the employees of licensees who manufacture and retailers
who sell our consumer products, and employees of providers of programming content (such as sports leagues) may be covered
by labor agreements with their employers. In general, a labor dispute involving our employees or the employees of our
licensees or retailers who sell our consumer products or providers of programming content may disrupt our operations and
reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.
The seasonality of certain of our businesses could exacerbate negative impacts on our operations.
Each of our businesses is normally subject to seasonal variations, as follows:
• Revenues in our Media Networks segment are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership
levels. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer
months. Affiliate fees are typically collected ratably throughout the year.
• Revenues in our Parks and Resorts segment fluctuate with changes in theme park attendance and resort occupancy
resulting from the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities. Peak attendance and resort occupancy
generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday
periods.
• Revenues in our Studio Entertainment segment fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including
competition and the timing of vacation and holiday periods.
• Revenues in our Consumer Products & Interactive Media segments are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing
behavior, which generally results in higher revenues during the Company’s first fiscal quarter, and by the timing and
performance of theatrical and game releases and cable programming broadcasts.
Accordingly, if a short-term negative impact on our business occurs during a time of high seasonal demand (such as
hurricane damage to our parks during the summer travel season), the effect could have a disproportionate effect on the results
of that business for the year.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC that
were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2017 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.
20
ITEM 2. Properties
The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and other properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are described
in Item 1 under the caption Parks and Resorts. Film library properties are described in Item 1 under the caption Studio
Entertainment. Television stations owned by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Media Networks. Retail
store locations leased by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Consumer Products & Interactive Media.
The Company and its subsidiaries own and lease properties throughout the world. In addition to the properties noted
above, the table below provides a brief description of other significant properties and the related business segment.
Location
Property /
Approximate Size Use Business Segment(1)
Burbank, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Land (201 acres) &
Buildings (4,695,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Warehouse (includes
236,000 ft2 sublet to third-
party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Burbank, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Buildings (1,537,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Los Angeles, CA Land (22 acres) &
Buildings (600,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Studio
Los Angeles, CA Buildings (462,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
Media/Studio
New York, NY Land (6 acres) &
Buildings (1,418,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Corp
New York, NY Buildings (550,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Theater/Warehouse
(includes 14,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/CPIM
Bristol, CT Land (117 acres) &
Buildings (1,174,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media
Bristol, CT Buildings (512,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse/
Technical
Media
Emeryville, CA Land (20 acres) &
Buildings (430,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Studio
Emeryville, CA Buildings (80,000 ft2) Leased Office/Storage Studio
San Francisco, CA Buildings (709,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
(includes 56,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
USA & Canada Land and Buildings
(Multiple sites and sizes)
Owned and Leased Office/
Production/Transmitter/
Theaters/Warehouse
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Hammersmith, England Building (279,500 ft2) Leased Office Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
Europe, Asia, Australia &
Latin America
Buildings (Multiple sites
and sizes)
Leased Office/Warehouse/
Retail
Corp/Studio/Media/
CPIM/P&R
(1) Corp – Corporate, CPIM – Consumer Products & Interactive Media, P&R – Parks and Resorts
(2) Surrounding cities include Glendale, CA, North Hollywood, CA and Sun Valley, CA
21
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
As disclosed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is engaged in certain legal matters, and
the disclosure set forth in Note 14 relating to certain legal matters is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its
businesses. Management does not expect the Company to suffer any material liability by reason of these actions.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Company
The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors,
which follows the annual meeting of the shareholders, and at other Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate. Each of the
executive officers has been employed by the Company in the position or positions indicated in the list and pertinent notes
below. Each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company for more than five years.
At September 30, 2017, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:
Name Age Title
Executive
Officer Since
Robert A. Iger 66 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(1) 2000
Alan N. Braverman 69 Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 2003
Kevin A. Mayer 55 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer(2) 2005
Christine M. McCarthy 62 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(3) 2005
M. Jayne Parker 56 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer(4) 2009
(1) Mr. Iger was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective March 13, 2012. He was
President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2, 2005 through that date.
(2) Mr. Mayer was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer effective June 30, 2015. He was
previously Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development of the Company from 2005 to
2015.
(3) Ms. McCarthy was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 30, 2015.
She was previously Executive Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, Alliances and Treasurer of the Company from
2000 to 2015.
(4) Ms. Parker was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer effective August 20,
2017. She was previously Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer from 2009.
22
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DIS”. The following
table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported in the Bloomberg
Financial markets services.
Sales Price
High Low
2017
4th Quarter $ 110.83 $ 96.20
3rd Quarter 116.10 103.17
2nd Quarter 113.71 105.21
1st Quarter 106.26 90.32
2016
4th Quarter $ 100.80 $ 91.19
3rd Quarter 106.75 94.00
2nd Quarter 103.43 86.25
1st Quarter 120.65 102.61
See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company’s dividends in fiscal years 2017
and 2016. The Board of Directors has not declared a dividend related to the second half of fiscal 2017 as of the date of this
report.
As of September 30, 2017, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 871,300.
The following table provides information about Company purchases of equity securities that are registered by the
Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended September 30, 2017:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
Weighted
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs(2)
July 2, 2017 – July 31, 2017 6,365,800 $ 105.57 6,343,537 219 million
August 1, 2017 – August 31, 2017 12,517,752 103.28 12,299,100 207 million
September 1, 2017 – September 30, 2017 14,978,497 99.40 14,945,804 192 million
Total 33,862,049 101.99 33,588,441 192 million
(1) 273,608 shares were purchased on the open market to provide shares to participants in the Walt Disney Investment
Plan (WDIP). These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase plan or program.
(2) Under a share repurchase program implemented effective June 10, 1998, the Company is authorized to repurchase
shares of its common stock. On January 30, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the repurchase
authorization to a total of 400 million shares as of that date. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
23
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share data)
2017 (1) 2016 (2) 2015 (3) 2014 (4) 2013 (5)
Statements of income
Revenues $ 55,137 $ 55,632 $ 52,465 $ 48,813 $ 45,041
Net income 9,366 9,790 8,852 8,004 6,636
Net income attributable to Disney 8,980 9,391 8,382 7,501 6,136
Per common share
Earnings attributable to Disney
Diluted $ 5.69 $ 5.73 $ 4.90 $ 4.26 $ 3.38
Basic 5.73 5.76 4.95 4.31 3.42
Dividends (6) 1.56 1.42 1.81 0.86 0.75
Balance sheets
Total assets $ 95,789 $ 92,033 $ 88,182 $ 84,141 $ 81,197
Long-term obligations 26,710 24,189 19,142 18,573 17,293
Disney shareholders’ equity 41,315 43,265 44,525 44,958 45,429
Statements of cash flows (7)
Cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities $ 12,343 $ 13,136 $ 11,385 $ 10,148 $ 9,495
Investing activities (4,111) (5,758) (4,245) (3,345) (4,676)
Financing activities (8,959) (7,220) (5,801) (6,981) (4,458)
(1) The fiscal 2017 results include a benefit from the adoption of a new accounting pronouncement related to the tax impact of
employee share-based awards ($0.08 per diluted share) (see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition,
results include a non-cash net gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in BAMTech ($0.10 per
diluted share) (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), an adverse impact due to a charge, net of committed
insurance recoveries, incurred in connection with the settlement of litigation ($0.07 per dilutive share) and restructuring and
impairment charges ($0.04 per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.01 per diluted share.
(2) The fiscal 2016 results include the Company’s share of a net gain recognized by A+E in connection with an acquisition of
an interest in Vice ($0.13 per diluted share) (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), restructuring and
impairment charges ($0.07 per diluted share) and a charge in connection with the discontinuation of our Infinity console
game business ($0.05 per diluted share) (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). These items collectively
resulted in a net benefit of $0.01 per diluted share.
(3) The fiscal 2015 results include the write-off of a deferred tax asset as a result of the Disneyland Paris recapitalization ($0.23
per diluted share) (see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02
per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.25 per diluted share.
(4) The fiscal 2014 results include a loss resulting from the foreign currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in
Venezuelan currency ($0.05 per diluted share), restructuring and impairment charges ($0.05 per diluted share), a gain on the
sale of property ($0.03 per diluted share) and a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute ($0.01 per diluted
share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.06 per diluted share.
(5) During fiscal 2013, the Company completed a $4.1 billion cash and stock acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC. In addition,
results for the year include a charge related to the Celador litigation ($0.11 per diluted share), restructuring and impairment
charges ($0.07 per diluted share), a charge related to an equity redemption by Hulu ($0.02 per diluted share), favorable tax
adjustments related to an increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely reinvested
outside of the United States and favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings of prior years ($0.12 per diluted share)
and gains in connection with the sale of our equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports and certain businesses ($0.08 per diluted
share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.01 per diluted share.
(6) In fiscal 2015, the Company began paying dividends on a semiannual basis. Accordingly, fiscal 2015 includes dividend
payments related to fiscal 2014 and the first half of fiscal 2015 (see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(7) Cash flow information for prior years has been restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting standards during fiscal
2017 (see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Operating activities reflected a $77 million decrease, a $476
million increase, a $368 million increase and a $43 million increase, and financing activities reflected decreases of $229
million, $287 million, $271 million and $244 million in fiscal 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
24
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
(in millions, except per share data)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
2017 2016 2015
2017
vs.
2016
2016
vs.
2015
Revenues:
Services $ 46,843 $ 47,130 $ 43,894 (1)% 7 %
Products 8,294 8,502 8,571 (2)% (1)%
Total revenues 55,137 55,632 52,465 (1)% 6 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation
and amortization) (25,320) (24,653) (23,191) (3)% (6)%
Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation
and amortization) (4,986) (5,340) (5,173) 7 % (3)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (8,176) (8,754) (8,523) 7 % (3)%
Depreciation and amortization (2,782) (2,527) (2,354) (10)% (7)%
Total costs and expenses (41,264) (41,274) (39,241) — % (5)%
Restructuring and impairment charges (98) (156) (53) 37 % >(100)%
Other income, net 78 — — nm nm
Interest expense, net (385) (260) (117) (48)% >(100)%
Equity in the income of investees 320 926 814 (65)% 14 %
Income before income taxes 13,788 14,868 13,868 (7)% 7 %
Income taxes (4,422) (5,078) (5,016) 13 % (1)%
Net income 9,366 9,790 8,852 (4)% 11 %
Less: Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests (386) (399) (470) 3 % 15 %
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney
Company (Disney) $ 8,980 $ 9,391 $ 8,382 (4)% 12 %
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted $ 5.69 $ 5.73 $ 4.90 (1)% 17 %
Basic $ 5.73 $ 5.76 $ 4.95 (1)% 16 %
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding:
Diluted 1,578 1,639 1,709
Basic 1,568 1,629 1,694
25
Organization of Information
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative on the Company’s financial performance and condition that
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. It includes the following sections:
• Consolidated Results and Non-Segment Items
• Business Segment Results — 2017 vs. 2016
• Business Segment Results — 2016 vs. 2015
• Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses
• Liquidity and Capital Resources
• Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
• Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
• Forward-Looking Statements
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS AND NON-SEGMENT ITEMS
2017 vs. 2016
Revenues for fiscal 2017 decreased 1%, or $0.5 billion, to $55.1 billion; net income attributable to Disney decreased 4%,
or $0.4 billion, to $9.0 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) decreased 1%, or $0.04 to $5.69. The
EPS decrease in fiscal 2017 was due to lower segment operating income at Media Networks, Studio Entertainment and
Consumer Products & Interactive Media and higher net interest expense. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in
weighted average shares outstanding as a result of our share repurchase program, higher operating income at Parks and Resorts
and a decrease in the effective tax rate. In addition, net income attributable to Disney reflected an approximate 1 percentage
point decline due to the movement of the U.S. dollar against major currencies including the impact of our hedging program (FX
Impact).
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2017 decreased 1%, or $0.3 billion, to $46.8 billion, due to declines in revenue from theatrical
and home entertainment distribution, advertising and merchandise licensing. These decreases were partially offset by the
benefit from a full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort, which opened in June 2016, an increase in affiliate fees and
higher average guest spending and attendance growth at our other parks and resorts. Service revenue reflected an approximate 1
percentage point decline due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Product revenues for fiscal 2017 decreased 2%, or $0.2 billion, to $8.3 billion, due to lower volumes at our home
entertainment distribution and retail businesses and the discontinuation of Infinity, partially offset by the impact of a full year of
operations at Shanghai Disney Resort and higher average guest spending and volumes at our other parks and resorts. Product
revenue reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decline due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2017 increased 3%, or $0.7 billion, to $25.3 billion, due to higher sports programming costs, a
full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort and new guest offerings and inflation at our other parks and resorts. These
increases were partially offset by lower film cost amortization and theatrical distribution costs.
Cost of products for fiscal 2017 decreased 7%, or $0.4 billion, to $5.0 billion, due to the discontinuation of Infinity, the
absence of the Infinity Charge (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and lower retail and home entertainment
volumes. These decreases were partially offset by a full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort and inflation at our
domestic parks and resorts.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs for the fiscal year decreased 7%, or $0.6 billion, to $8.2 billion, due to
lower theatrical marketing costs and the discontinuation of Infinity. Selling, general, administrative and other costs reflected an
approximate 1 percentage point benefit due to a favorable FX Impact.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 10%, or $0.3 billion, to $2.8 billion primarily due to a full year of
operations at Shanghai Disney Resort and depreciation associated with new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.
26
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $98 million and $156 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years 2017 and
2016, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2017 were due to severance costs and asset impairments. Charges in fiscal 2016 were due
to asset impairments and severance and contract termination costs.
Other Income, net
Other income, net is as follows:
(in millions) 2017
Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech $ 255
Settlement of litigation (177)
Other income, net $ 78
In fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a non-cash net gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in
BAMTech (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), partially offset by a charge, net of committed insurance
recoveries, in connection with the settlement of litigation.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net is as follows:
(in millions) 2017 2016
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Interest expense $ (507) $ (354) (43)%
Interest and investment income 122 94 30 %
Interest expense, net $ (385) $ (260) (48)%
The increase in interest expense was due to higher average debt balances, lower capitalized interest and an increase in our
effective interest rate.
The increase in interest and investment income for the year was primarily due to an increase in interest income driven by
an increase in average cash balances in interest bearing accounts and higher interest rates.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees decreased 65% or $606 million, to $0.3 billion due to the absence of the $332 million
Vice Gain (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), which was recognized in the prior year, and higher losses
from our investments in BAMTech and Hulu. The BAMTech results reflected a valuation adjustment to sports programming
rights that were prepaid prior to our acquisition of BAMTech and increased costs for technology platform investments. The
decrease at Hulu was due to higher programming, distribution, marketing and labor costs, partially offset by growth in
advertising and subscription revenues.
Effective Income Tax Rate
2017 2016
Change
Better/(Worse)
Effective income tax rate 32.1% 34.2% 2.1 ppt
The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due to lower tax on foreign earnings, a favorable impact from the
adoption of the new accounting pronouncement related to the tax impact of employee share-based awards ($125 million) (see
Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and an increase in the benefit related to qualified domestic production
activities. These decreases were partially offset by a benefit in the prior year from the favorable resolution of certain tax
matters. The lower tax on foreign earnings was driven by a decrease in foreign losses for which we are not recognizing a tax
benefit.
27
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year decreased $13 million to $386 million due to the impact of
lower net income at ESPN, partially offset by the impact of improved results at Shanghai Disney Resort.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees,
financing costs and income taxes.
2016 vs. 2015
Revenues for fiscal 2016 increased 6%, or $3.2 billion, to $55.6 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 12%,
or $1.0 billion, to $9.4 billion; and EPS for the year increased 17%, or $0.83 to $5.73. The EPS increase in fiscal 2016 was due
to segment operating income growth at Studio Entertainment, Parks and Resorts and Consumer Products & Interactive Media, a
decrease in weighted average shares outstanding as a result of our share repurchase program, a decrease in our effective income
tax rate, which reflected a deferred tax asset write-off in fiscal 2015, and the benefit of the Vice Gain. These increases were
partially offset by higher net interest expense, the Infinity Charge (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and
higher restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal 2016. In addition, net income attributable to Disney reflected an
approximate 5 percentage point decline due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Fiscal 2016 included fifty-two weeks of operations, while fiscal 2015 results included the benefit from a fifty-third week
of operations (Fiscal Period Impact) due to the timing of our fiscal period end. The estimated EPS impact of the additional
week of operations in fiscal 2015 was approximately $0.13, and the majority of the impact was at our cable networks business,
followed by our parks and resorts and, to a lesser extent, consumer products businesses.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2016 increased 7%, or $3.2 billion, to $47.1 billion, due to higher theatrical distribution
revenues. The increase in service revenues was also driven by growth in merchandise and game licensing revenue, higher
average guest spending and attendance at our domestic parks and resorts and higher affiliate fees. Additionally, growth in TV/
SVOD, revenues from the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, growth in digital distribution of film content and higher
advertising revenue contributed to the increase in service revenue. These increases were partially offset by lower attendance at
Disneyland Paris. Service revenue reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decrease due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Product revenues for fiscal 2016 decreased 1%, or $69 million, to $8.5 billion, due to the discontinuation of Infinity and
lower retail store volumes, partially offset by higher average guest spending at our domestic parks and resorts, higher net
effective pricing at home entertainment and revenues from the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort. Product revenue reflected
an approximate 1 percentage point decline due to an unfavorable FX Impact.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2016 increased 6%, or $1.5 billion, to $24.7 billion, due to higher film cost amortization and
distribution expense, increased media programming and production costs, the impact of the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort
and cost inflation and higher infrastructure and labor costs at our domestic parks and resorts. These increases were partially
offset by efficiency initiatives at our domestic parks and resorts. Cost of services reflected an approximate 1 percentage point
benefit due to a favorable FX Impact.
Cost of products for fiscal 2016 increased 3%, or $167 million, to $5.3 billion, due to the Infinity Charge, higher guest
spending and cost inflation at our domestic parks and resorts and higher film cost amortization due to home entertainment
revenue growth, partially offset by lower costs from the discontinuation of Infinity.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs for fiscal 2016 increased 3%, or $231 million, to $8.8 billion, driven by
increased theatrical marketing costs, partially offset by lower marketing spend for our cable channels. Selling, general,
administrative and other costs reflected an approximate 1 percentage point benefit due to a favorable FX Impact.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 7%, or $173 million, to $2.5 billion due to the opening of Shanghai Disney
Resort and depreciation of new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.
28
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $156 million and $53 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years 2016 and
2015, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2016 were due to asset impairments and severance and contract termination costs. Charges
in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to a contract termination and severance costs.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net is as follows:
(in millions) 2016 2015
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Interest expense $ (354) $ (265) (34)%
Interest and investment income 94 148 (36)%
Interest expense, net $ (260) $ (117) >(100)%
The increase in interest expense was due to higher average debt balances and an increase in our effective interest rate,
partially offset by higher capitalized interest.
The decrease in interest and investment income was due to lower gains on sales of investments.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees increased 14% or $112 million, to $0.9 billion due to the $332 million Vice Gain. The
benefit of the Vice Gain was partially offset by a higher loss at Hulu and lower operating results at A+E. The increased equity
loss at Hulu was due to higher programming, marketing and labor costs, partially offset by growth in subscription and
advertising revenues. The decrease at A+E was due to lower advertising revenue and the impact of the conversion of the H2
channel to Viceland.
Effective Income Tax Rate
2016 2015
Change
Better/(Worse)
Effective income tax rate 34.2% 36.2% 2.0 ppt
The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a write-off of a $399 million deferred income tax asset
in fiscal 2015 as a result of the increase in the Company’s ownership of Euro Disney S.C.A. in connection with the Disneyland
Paris recapitalization (Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off) (See Notes 6 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
further discussion). This decrease was partially offset by an increase in foreign losses for which we are not recognizing a tax
benefit.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2016 decreased $71 million to $399 million due to higher
pre-opening expenses at Shanghai Disney Resort and a decrease related to Disneyland Paris, partially offset by higher results at
ESPN. The decrease related to Disneyland Paris was driven by lower results, partially offset by the impact of an increase in the
Company’s ownership interest.
Certain Items Impacting Comparability
Results for fiscal 2017 were impacted by the following:
• A $255 million non-cash net gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in BAMTech
• A $177 million charge, net of committed insurance recoveries, in connection with the settlement of litigation
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $98 million
Results for fiscal 2016 were impacted by the following:
• The $332 million Vice Gain
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $156 million
29
• The $129 million Infinity Charge
Results for fiscal 2015 were impacted by the following:
• The $399 million Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $53 million
A summary of the impact of these items on EPS is as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
Pre-Tax
Income/(Loss)
Tax Benefit/
(Expense)(1)
After-Tax
Income/(Loss)
EPS
Favorable/
(Adverse) (2)
Year Ended September 30, 2017:
Settlement of litigation $ (177) $ 65 $ (112) $ (0.07)
Restructuring and impairment charges (98) 31 (67) (0.04)
Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech 255 (93) 162 0.10
Total $ (20) $ 3 $ (17) $ (0.01)
Year Ended October 1, 2016:
Vice Gain $ 332 $ (122) $ 210 $ 0.13
Restructuring and impairment charges (156) 43 (113) (0.07)
Infinity Charge(3) (129) 47 (82) (0.05)
Total $ 47 $ (32) $ 15 $ 0.01
Year Ended October 3, 2015:
Disneyland Paris Tax Asset Write-off $ — $ (399) $ (399) $ (0.23)
Restructuring and impairment charges (53) 20 (33) (0.02)
Total $ (53) $ (379) $ (432) $ (0.25)
(1) Tax benefit/expense adjustments are determined using the tax rate applicable to the individual item affecting
comparability.
(2) EPS is net of noncontrolling interest share, where applicable. Total may not equal the sum of the column due to
rounding.
(3) Recorded in “Cost of products” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS — 2017 vs. 2016
Below is a discussion of the major revenue and expense categories for our business segments. Costs and expenses for
each segment consist of operating expenses, selling, general, administrative and other costs and depreciation and amortization.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs include third-party and internal marketing expenses.
Our Media Networks segment generates revenue from affiliate fees, ad sales and other revenues, which include the sale
and distribution of television programming. Significant expenses include amortization of programming, production,
participations and residuals costs, technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs.
Our Parks and Resorts segment generates revenue from the sale of admissions to theme parks, the sale of food, beverage
and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise vacation packages and sales, as well as rentals of vacation
club properties. Revenues are also generated from sponsorships and co-branding opportunities, real estate rent and sales, and
royalties from Tokyo Disney Resort. Significant expenses include operating labor, infrastructure costs, depreciation, costs of
sales and other operating expenses. Infrastructure costs include information systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities
and fuel, property taxes, insurance and transportation and other operating expenses include costs for such items as supplies,
commissions and entertainment offerings.
Our Studio Entertainment segment generates revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical, home entertainment
and television and SVOD markets (TV/SVOD), stage play ticket sales, music distribution and licensing of our intellectual
30
property for use in live entertainment productions. Significant expenses include amortization of production, participations and
residuals costs, marketing and sales costs, distribution expenses and costs of sales.
Our Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment generates revenue from licensing characters and content from our
film, television and other properties to third parties for use on consumer merchandise, published materials and in multi-
platform games and from operating retail stores, internet shopping sites and a wholesale business. We also generate revenue
from the sales of games through app distributors and online, consumers’ in-game purchases, sales of self-published children’s
books and magazines and comic books, advertising through distribution of online video content and operating English language
learning centers. Significant expenses include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail
occupancy costs, product development and marketing.
The following is a summary of segment revenue and operating income:
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
2017
vs.
2016
2016
vs.
2015
Revenues:
Media Networks $ 23,510 $ 23,689 $ 23,264 (1)% 2 %
Parks and Resorts 18,415 16,974 16,162 8 % 5 %
Studio Entertainment 8,379 9,441 7,366 (11)% 28 %
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 4,833 5,528 5,673 (13)% (3)%
$ 55,137 $ 55,632 $ 52,465 (1)% 6 %
Segment operating income:
Media Networks $ 6,902 $ 7,755 $ 7,793 (11)% — %
Parks and Resorts 3,774 3,298 3,031 14 % 9 %
Studio Entertainment 2,355 2,703 1,973 (13)% 37 %
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 1,744 1,965 1,884 (11)% 4 %
$ 14,775 $ 15,721 $ 14,681 (6)% 7 %
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management
uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the overall performance of the operating businesses. Aggregate
segment operating income is not a financial measure defined by GAAP, should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant
GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company
believes that information about aggregate segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in
the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from factors other than business operations that affect
net income.
The following table reconciles segment operating income to income before income taxes.
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
2017
vs.
2016
2016
vs.
2015
Segment operating income $ 14,775 $ 15,721 $ 14,681 (6)% 7 %
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (582) (640) (643) 9 % — %
Restructuring and impairment charges (98) (156) (53) 37 % >(100)%
Other income, net 78 — — nm nm
Interest expense, net (385) (260) (117) (48)% >(100)%
Vice Gain — 332 — nm nm
Infinity Charge — (129) — nm nm
Income before income taxes $ 13,788 $ 14,868 $ 13,868 (7)% 7 %
31
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Revenues
Affiliate fees $ 12,659 $ 12,259 3 %
Advertising 8,129 8,509 (4)%
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,722 2,921 (7)%
Total revenues 23,510 23,689 (1)%
Operating expenses (14,068) (13,571) (4)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,647) (2,705) 2 %
Depreciation and amortization (237) (255) 7 %
Equity in the income of investees 344 597 (42)%
Operating Income $ 6,902 $ 7,755 (11)%
Revenues
The increase in affiliate fees was due to an increase of 7% from higher contractual rates, partially offset by a decrease of
3% from subscribers.
The decrease in advertising revenues was due to decreases of $192 million at Broadcasting, from $4,058 million to
$3,866 million and $188 million at Cable Networks, from $4,451 million to $4,263 million. The decrease at Broadcasting was
due to decreases of 8% from lower network impressions and 1% from the absence of the Emmy Awards show, partially offset
by an increase of 6% from higher network rates. The decrease at Cable Networks was due to decreases of 6% from lower
impressions and 1% from other advertising, partially offset by an increase of 3% from higher rates. The decrease in impressions
at Cable Networks and Broadcasting was due to lower average viewership.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue decreased $199 million due to a decrease in program sales and an unfavorable
FX Impact. The decrease in program sales was due to lower sales of cable and ABC programs.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $559 million from $12,363 million to
$12,922 million. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $636 million due to rate increases for NBA
and, to a lesser extent, NFL and college sports programming. At Broadcasting, programming and production costs decreased
$77 million due to lower program sales.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $58 million from $2,705 million to $2,647 million due to lower
marketing costs at Cable Networks and a favorable FX Impact.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization was driven by lower depreciation for broadcasting equipment.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees decreased $253 million from $597 million to $344 million due to higher losses from our
investments in BAMTech and Hulu. BAMTech results reflected a valuation adjustment to sports programming rights that were
prepaid prior to our acquisition of BAMTech and increased costs for technology platform investments. The decrease at Hulu
was due to higher programming, distribution, marketing and labor costs, partially offset by growth in advertising and
subscription revenues.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income decreased 11%, or $853 million, to $6,902 million due to a decrease at ESPN and lower
income from equity investees.
32
The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Revenues
Cable Networks $ 16,527 $ 16,632 (1)%
Broadcasting 6,983 7,057 (1)%
$ 23,510 $ 23,689 (1)%
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 5,353 $ 5,965 (10)%
Broadcasting 1,205 1,193 1 %
Equity in the income of investees 344 597 (42)%
$ 6,902 $ 7,755 (11)%
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded charges of $74 million, $87 million and $62 million related to Media Networks for fiscal years
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, that were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The charges in fiscal 2017 were due to severance costs and asset impairments. The charges in fiscal
2016 were for an investment impairment and contract termination and severance costs. The charges in fiscal 2015 were due to a
contract termination and severance costs.
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Revenues
Domestic $ 14,812 $ 14,242 4 %
International 3,603 2,732 32 %
Total revenues 18,415 16,974 8 %
Operating expenses (10,667) (10,039) (6)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,950) (1,913) (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (1,999) (1,721) (16)%
Equity in the loss of investees (25) (3) >(100)%
Operating Income $ 3,774 $ 3,298 14 %
Revenues
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 8%, or $1,441 million, to $18.4 billion due to increases of $871 million at our
international operations and $570 million at our domestic operations. Revenues at our domestic operations were unfavorably
impacted by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Matthew during the current year.
Revenue growth of 32% at our international operations was due to increases of 27% from higher volumes and 4% from
higher average guest spending, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from an unfavorable FX Impact. Higher volumes were due
to a full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort and higher attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris.
Higher average guest spending was driven by an increase at Disneyland Paris and higher average ticket prices at Hong Kong
Disneyland Resort, partially offset by lower average ticket prices at Shanghai Disney Resort. The increase at Disneyland Paris
was primarily due to increases in food and beverage spending, average ticket prices and average daily hotel room rates.
Revenue growth of 4% at our domestic operations was primarily due to an increase of 3% from higher average guest
spending due to an increase in average ticket prices for admissions to our theme parks and for sailings at our cruise line, as well
as higher food and beverage spending and average hotel room rates. Domestic volumes were comparable to the prior year as
increased attendance at Walt Disney World Resort was largely offset by lower occupied room nights at Walt Disney World
33
Resort and Disneyland Resort. At Walt Disney World Resort, available hotel room nights decreased due to refurbishments and
conversions to vacation club units.
The following table presents supplemental park and hotel statistics:
Domestic International (2) Total
Fiscal Year
2017
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2017
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2017
Fiscal Year
2016
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance 2% (1)% 47 % 5% 13 % 1%
Per Capita Guest Spending 2% 7 % (1)% 6% (1)% 7%
Hotels (1)
Occupancy 88% 89 % 80 % 78% 86 % 87%
Available Room Nights
(in thousands) 10,205 10,382 3,022 2,600 13,227 12,982
Per Room Guest Spending $317 $305 $292 $278 $312 $301
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the
fiscal 2016 average foreign exchange rate.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $281 million from $4,709 million to $4,990 million,
infrastructure costs, which increased $131 million from $1,934 million to $2,065 million and cost of sales, which increased
$120 million from $1,536 million to $1,656 million. The increase in operating labor was primarily due to inflation and a full
year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort. Higher infrastructure costs were driven by a full year of operations at Shanghai
Disney Resort. The increase in cost of sales was due to a full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort, inflation and higher
volumes. Other operating expenses, which include costs for items such as supplies, commissions and entertainment, increased
due to new guest offerings and a full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $37 million from $1,913 million to $1,950 million due to higher
domestic marketing spend, partially offset by lower marketing spend for Shanghai Disney Resort.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to a full year of operations at Shanghai Disney Resort
and depreciation associated with new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.
Equity in the Loss of Investees
Loss from equity investees increased $22 million to $25 million due to a higher operating loss from Disneyland Paris’
50% joint venture interest in Villages Nature.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 14%, or $476 million, to $3.8 billion due to growth at our international and
domestic operations.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $9 million and $17 million of severance costs related to Parks and Resorts for fiscal years 2017
and 2016, respectively that were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of
Income.
34
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Revenues
Theatrical distribution $ 2,903 $ 3,672 (21)%
Home entertainment 1,798 2,108 (15)%
TV/SVOD distribution and other 3,678 3,661 — %
Total revenues 8,379 9,441 (11)%
Operating expenses (3,667) (3,991) 8 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,242) (2,622) 14 %
Depreciation and amortization (115) (125) 8 %
Operating Income $ 2,355 $ 2,703 (13)%
Revenues
The decrease in theatrical distribution revenue was primarily due to the comparison of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and
two Pixar titles in release in the prior year compared to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and one Pixar title in release in the
current year. These decreases were partially offset by the performance of Beauty and the Beast and two Marvel titles in the
current year compared to The Jungle Book and one Marvel title in the prior year. Other significant titles in the current year
included Moana and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, while the prior year included Zootopia and Alice
Through the Looking Glass.
Lower home entertainment revenue was due to a decrease of 16% from a decline in unit sales driven by lower sales of
Star Wars Classic titles and the performance of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in the current year compared to the strong
performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the prior year. The current year also included the release of one Pixar title,
compared to two Pixar titles in the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by the success of Moana, Beauty and the
Beast and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in the current year compared to Zootopia, Captain America: Civil War and The
Jungle Book, respectively, in the prior year.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was flat as increases of 5% from TV/SVOD distribution, 1% from stage plays
and 1% from Lucasfilm’s special effects business were offset by a decrease of 7% from lower revenue share with the Consumer
Products & Interactive Media segment. The increase in TV/SVOD distribution revenue was due to international growth and
higher domestic rates, partially offset by a decrease due to a domestic sale of Star Wars Classic titles in the prior year. Higher
stage play revenue was driven by new productions opening in the current year, while higher revenue from Lucasfilm’s special
effects business was driven by more projects in the current year. Lower revenue share with the Consumer Products &
Interactive Media segment was due to the stronger performance of merchandise based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens and
Frozen in the prior year, partially offset by Cars merchandise in the current year.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include film cost amortization, which decreased $149 million, from $2,623 million to $2,474 million
and cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which decreased $175 million, from $1,368 million to $1,193 million. Lower film
cost amortization was due to the impact of lower revenues, partially offset by a higher average amortization rate in the current
year. Lower cost of goods sold and distribution costs were primarily due to a decrease in theatrical distribution costs and a
decline in home entertainment unit sales.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $380 million from $2,622 million to $2,242 million primarily
due to lower theatrical marketing costs reflecting more titles released in the prior year, which also included the release of two
DreamWorks titles, Pete’s Dragon and The Finest Hours.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income decreased 13%, or $348 million to $2,355 million due to a decrease in theatrical distribution
results, lower revenue share with the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment and a decrease in home entertainment
results. These decreases were partially offset by growth in TV/SVOD distribution.
35
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $7 million of severance costs related to Studio Entertainment for fiscal year 2017 that were
reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Operating results for the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Revenues
Licensing, publishing and games $ 3,256 $ 3,819 (15)%
Retail and other 1,577 1,709 (8)%
Total revenues 4,833 5,528 (13)%
Operating expenses (1,904) (2,263) 16 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,007) (1,125) 10 %
Depreciation and amortization (179) (175) (2)%
Equity in the income of investees 1 — nm
Operating Income $ 1,744 $ 1,965 (11)%
Revenues
The decrease in licensing, publishing and games revenue was due to decreases of 8% from our games business, 6% from
our merchandise licensing business and 2% from our publishing business. Lower games revenue was due to the discontinuation
of Infinity in the prior year and decreased licensing revenue from Star Wars: Battlefront. The decrease at our merchandise
licensing business was due to lower revenue in the current year from merchandise based on Star Wars and Frozen and an
unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by a benefit from licensee settlements and higher revenue from merchandise based on
Cars. The decrease at our publishing business was primarily due to lower sales of licensed and self-published books based on
Star Wars and Frozen and a decrease in sales of comic books based on Star Wars.
The decrease in retail and other revenue was due to a decrease of 9% from our retail business driven by lower comparable
store and online sales in our key markets, reflecting higher sales of Frozen and Star Wars merchandise in the prior year,
partially offset by sales of Moana merchandise in the current year.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses included a $249 million decrease in cost of goods sold and distribution costs, from $1,340 million to
$1,091 million, a $2 million increase in labor and occupancy costs, from $539 million to $541 million, and a $96 million
decrease in product development expense, from $318 million to $222 million. The decrease in cost of goods sold and
distribution costs was due to the discontinuation of Infinity, lower retail sales and the decrease in sales of books and comics.
Lower product development expense was primarily due to the discontinuation of Infinity and fewer mobile games in
development.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $118 million from $1,125 million to $1,007 million primarily
due to the discontinuation of Infinity and a favorable FX Impact. The discontinuation of Infinity resulted in lower marketing
costs.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income decreased 11%, or $221 million, to $1.7 billion due to lower results at our merchandise
licensing, retail and publishing businesses, partially offset by an improvement at our games business.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded charges of $8 million and $143 million related to Consumer Products & Interactive Media for
fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. The charges in fiscal 2017 included severance costs that were reported in
“Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Charges in fiscal 2016 included the Infinity
Charge of $129 million, which was reported in “Cost of Products” in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The remaining
charges of $14 million in fiscal year 2016 were primarily due to severance costs and were reported in “Restructuring and
impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
36
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2016 vs. 2015
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Affiliate fees $ 12,259 $ 12,029 2 %
Advertising 8,509 8,361 2 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,921 2,874 2 %
Total revenues 23,689 23,264 2 %
Operating expenses (13,571) (13,150) (3)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,705) (2,869) 6 %
Depreciation and amortization (255) (266) 4 %
Equity in the income of investees 597 814 (27)%
Operating Income $ 7,755 $ 7,793 — %
Revenues
The increase in affiliate fees reflected an increase of 7% from higher contractual rates, partially offset by decreases of 2%
from subscribers, 2% from an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact and 1% from an unfavorable FX Impact.
The increase in advertising revenues was due to increases of $117 million at Cable Networks, from $4,334 million to
$4,451 million and $31 million at Broadcasting, from $4,027 million to $4,058 million. The increase at Cable Networks was
due to a 3% increase from higher rates and a 1% increase from higher impressions, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from an
unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact. The increase in impressions was due to an increase in units sold, partially offset by lower
average viewership. Growth at Broadcasting was due to increases of 6% from higher network rates and 1% from the addition of
the Emmy Awards show, which were largely offset by decreases of 5% from lower impressions and 2% from an unfavorable
Fiscal Period Impact. The decrease in impressions was due to lower average network viewership, partially offset by higher
digital impressions and an increase in network units sold.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $47 million from $2,874 million to $2,921 million due to an increase
in program sales, partially offset by an unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in program sales was due to higher sales of ABC
programs, partially offset by lower sales of cable programs.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $386 million from $11,977 million to
$12,363 million. At Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $306 million due to a higher average
amortization rate, the impact of higher program sales, as well as an increase in cost write-downs for network programming.
These increases were partially offset by a favorable Fiscal Period Impact. At Cable Networks, programming and production
costs increased $80 million due to rate increases for sports programming, partially offset by the absence of rights costs for
NASCAR and the British Open, a favorable Fiscal Period Impact and a favorable FX Impact.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $164 million from $2,869 million to $2,705 million due to a
favorable FX Impact and lower marketing and labor costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees decreased $217 million from $814 million to $597 million due to a higher loss at Hulu and
lower operating results at A+E. The decrease at Hulu was due to higher programming, marketing and labor costs, partially
offset by growth in subscription and advertising revenues. The decrease at A+E was due to lower advertising revenue and the
impact of the conversion of the H2 channel to Viceland.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income decreased $38 million, to $7,755 million due to lower income from equity investees and an
unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by increases at ESPN and the ABC TV Network. In addition, the Fiscal Period Impact
was unfavorable to segment operating income, primarily at our cable networks business.
37
The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Cable Networks $ 16,632 $ 16,581 — %
Broadcasting 7,057 6,683 6 %
$ 23,689 $ 23,264 2 %
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 5,965 $ 5,891 1 %
Broadcasting 1,193 1,088 10 %
Equity in the income of investees 597 814 (27)%
$ 7,755 $ 7,793 — %
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Domestic $ 14,242 $ 13,611 5 %
International 2,732 2,551 7 %
Total revenues 16,974 16,162 5 %
Operating expenses (10,039) (9,730) (3)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,913) (1,884) (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (1,721) (1,517) (13)%
Equity in the loss of investees (3) — nm
Operating Income $ 3,298 $ 3,031 9 %
Revenues
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 5%, or $812 million, to $17.0 billion due to increases of $631 million at our
domestic operations and $181 million at our international operations.
Revenue growth of 5% at our domestic operations reflected an increase of 5% from higher average guest spending,
partially offset by a decrease of 1% from lower volumes. The increase in average guest spending was due to higher average
ticket prices for admissions to our theme parks and for sailings at our cruise line, increased food, beverage and merchandise
spending and higher average hotel room rates. Lower volumes reflected an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact as well as lower
unit sales at Disney Vacation Club, partially offset by higher attendance and occupied room nights on a comparable fiscal
period basis. The decrease at Disney Vacation Club was due to fiscal 2015 sales of units at The Villas at Disney’s Grand
Floridian Resort & Spa, which sold out in fiscal 2015, and lower sales at Aulani, partially offset by higher sales at Disney’s
Polynesian Villas & Bungalows in fiscal 2016.
Revenue growth of 7% at our international operations reflected increases of 6% from higher volumes and 4% from other
revenue, partially offset by a decrease of 4% from an unfavorable FX Impact. Higher volumes were due to the opening of
Shanghai Disney Resort, partially offset by lower attendance at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The
increase from other revenue was driven by Shanghai Disney Resort, including revenues for periods prior to its grand opening.
38
The following table presents supplemental park and hotel statistics:
Domestic International (2) Total
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2016
Fiscal Year
2015
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance (1)% 7% 5% —% 1% 5%
Per Capita Guest Spending 7 % 4% 5% 5% 7% 4%
Hotels (1)
Occupancy 89 % 87% 78% 79% 87% 86%
Available Room Nights
(in thousands) 10,382 10,644 2,600 2,473 12,982 13,117
Per Room Guest Spending $305 $295 $285 $295 $302 $295
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the
fiscal 2015 average foreign exchange rate.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $129 million from $4,580 million to $4,709 million,
infrastructure costs, which increased $53 million from $1,881 million to $1,934 million and cost of sales, which increased $31
million from $1,505 million to $1,536 million. The increase in operating labor was driven by the opening of Shanghai Disney
Resort, inflation and higher operations support costs, partially offset by the benefit of efficiency initiatives and lower pension
and postretirement medical costs. The increase in infrastructure costs was primarily due to the opening of Shanghai Disney
Resort. The increase in cost of sales was driven by higher volumes. Other operating expenses, which include costs for items
such as supplies, commissions and entertainment, increased driven by the opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, inflation and
higher volumes. Operating expenses reflected a 2% decrease as a result of the Fiscal Period Impact, which had similar impacts
on operating labor, cost of sales and infrastructure costs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $29 million from $1,884 million to $1,913 million due to higher
marketing spend for Shanghai Disney Resort, partially offset by lower domestic marketing spending.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the impact of Shanghai Disney Resort and
depreciation associated with new attractions at our domestic parks and resorts.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 9%, or $267 million, to $3.3 billion due to growth at our domestic operations,
partially offset by a decrease at our international operations.
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Theatrical distribution $ 3,672 $ 2,321 58 %
Home entertainment 2,108 1,799 17 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 3,661 3,246 13 %
Total revenues 9,441 7,366 28 %
Operating expenses (3,991) (3,050) (31)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,622) (2,204) (19)%
Depreciation and amortization (125) (139) 10 %
Operating Income $ 2,703 $ 1,973 37 %
39
Revenues
The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was primarily due to the performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Other significant titles in fiscal 2016 included Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory, Zootopia and The Jungle Book,
whereas fiscal 2015 included Avengers: Age of Ultron, Inside Out, Big Hero 6 and Cinderella.
The increase in home entertainment revenue was due to increases of 14% from higher unit sales and 7% from higher
average net effective pricing, partially offset by a decrease of 4% from an unfavorable FX Impact. The higher unit sales and net
effective pricing were due to the strong performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Other significant titles included Inside
Out, Zootopia, Captain America: Civil War, The Good Dinosaur and Ant-Man in fiscal 2016 compared to Guardians of the
Galaxy, Big Hero 6, Frozen, Maleficent and Avengers: Age of Ultron in fiscal 2015. Fiscal 2016 also reflected higher revenues
from Star Wars Classic titles. Net effective pricing is the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and
returns.
The increase in TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was due to increases of 9% from TV/SVOD distribution and
7% from higher revenue share with the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment, partially offset by a decrease of 3%
from an unfavorable FX Impact. The increase in TV/SVOD distribution revenue was due to international growth, a sale of Star
Wars Classic titles in fiscal 2016 and two Pixar VOD availabilities in fiscal 2016 compared to none in fiscal 2015. Higher
revenue share with the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment was due to the success of merchandise based on Star
Wars: The Force Awakens in fiscal 2016, partially offset by lower sales of Frozen merchandise.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include film cost amortization, which increased $833 million, from $1,790 million to $2,623 million
and cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which increased $108 million, from $1,260 million to $1,368 million. The
increase in film cost amortization was due to the impact of higher revenues and a higher average amortization rate in fiscal
2016. The increase in cost of goods sold and distribution costs was due to higher theatrical distribution costs and an increase in
home entertainment unit sales, partially offset by a favorable FX Impact. Higher theatrical distribution costs were primarily due
to the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in fiscal 2016, whereas fiscal 2015 had no comparable title.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $418 million from $2,204 million to $2,622 million driven by
higher theatrical marketing costs reflecting more titles released in fiscal 2016, including the release of two DreamWorks titles.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 37%, or $730 million to $2,703 million due to growth from theatrical and home
entertainment results, an increase in TV/SVOD distribution and higher revenue share with the Consumer Products &
Interactive Media segment.
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Operating results for the Consumer Products & Interactive Media segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Revenues
Licensing, publishing and games $ 3,819 $ 3,850 (1)%
Retail and other 1,709 1,823 (6)%
Total revenues 5,528 5,673 (3)%
Operating expenses (2,263) (2,434) 7 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,125) (1,172) 4 %
Depreciation and amortization (175) (183) 4 %
Operating Income $ 1,965 $ 1,884 4 %
Revenues
The decrease in licensing, publishing and games revenue was due to a 5% decrease from our games business, partially
offset by a 4% increase from our merchandise licensing business. Lower games revenues were due to the discontinuation of the
Infinity business, lower performance of our Frozen Free Fall mobile game and an unfavorable FX Impact, partially offset by
revenues from Star Wars: Battlefront, which was released by a licensee in fiscal 2016. Higher merchandise licensing revenues
were primarily due to the performance of merchandise based on Star Wars and Finding Dory/Nemo, partially offset by higher
revenue share with the Studio Entertainment segment, a decrease in revenues from Frozen merchandise and an unfavorable FX
Impact.
40
The decrease in retail and other revenue was primarily due to a decrease of 4% from our retail business due to lower
comparable store sales in Europe and North America, an unfavorable Fiscal Period Impact and an unfavorable FX Impact,
partially offset by the benefit of new stores in North America.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses included a $107 million decrease in cost of goods sold and distribution costs, from $1,447 million to
$1,340 million, a $5 million decrease in labor and occupancy costs, from $544 million to $539 million, and a $49 million
decrease in product development expense, from $367 million to $318 million. The decrease in cost of goods sold and
distribution costs was due to the discontinuation of Infinity, lower Frozen Free Fall co-developer fees and a favorable Fiscal
Period Impact, partially offset by higher average per unit costs at our retail business in North America and Europe and higher
game inventory reserves. The decrease in product development expense was due to the discontinuation of Infinity.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $47 million from $1,172 million to $1,125 million due to the
discontinuation of Infinity, partially offset by higher marketing costs at our merchandise licensing business.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 4%, or $81 million, to $1,965 million due to higher results at our merchandise
licensing and games businesses, partially offset by a decrease at our retail business.
CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED SHARED EXPENSES
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses are as follows:
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
2017
vs.
2016
2016
vs.
2015
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses $ (582) $ (640) $ (643) 9% —%
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses in fiscal 2017 decreased $58 million to $582 million from $640 million in
fiscal 2016 due to lower labor costs, partially offset by higher charitable contributions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is as follows:
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Cash provided by operations $ 12,343 $ 13,136 $ 11,385
Cash used in investing activities (4,111) (5,758) (4,245)
Cash used in financing activities (8,959) (7,220) (5,801)
Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash 31 (123) (302)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (696) $ 35 $ 1,037
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2017 decreased 6% or $0.8 billion to $12.3 billion compared to fiscal
2016 due to a decrease in operating cash flow at Studio Entertainment and an increase in pension plan contributions, partially
offset by higher operating cash flow at Parks and Resorts and lower tax payments. The decrease in operating cash flow at
Studio Entertainment was due to lower operating cash receipts driven by a decrease in revenue and higher film production
spending. Parks and Resorts cash flow reflected higher operating cash receipts due to increased revenues, partially offset by
higher payments for labor and other costs.
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2016 increased 15% or $1.8 billion to $13.1 billion compared to fiscal
2015. The increase in operating cash flow was due to higher operating cash receipts at Studio Entertainment, Media Networks
and Parks and Resorts driven by revenue growth. These increases were partially offset by higher operating cash disbursements
at Studio Entertainment and an increase in pension plan contributions.
41
Depreciation expense is as follows:
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 137 $ 147 $ 150
Broadcasting 88 90 95
Total Media Networks 225 237 245
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,336 1,273 1,169
International 660 445 345
Total Parks and Resorts 1,996 1,718 1,514
Studio Entertainment 50 51 55
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 63 63 69
Corporate 252 251 249
Total depreciation expense $ 2,586 $ 2,320 $ 2,132
Amortization of intangible assets is as follows:
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Media Networks $ 12 $ 18 $ 21
Parks and Resorts 3 3 3
Studio Entertainment 65 74 84
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 116 112 114
Total amortization of intangible assets $ 196 $ 207 $ 222
Film and Television Costs
The Company’s Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments incur costs to acquire and produce feature film and
television programming. Film and television production costs include all internally produced content such as live-action and
animated feature films, animated direct-to-video programming, television series, television specials, theatrical stage plays or
other similar product. Programming costs include film or television product licensed for a specific period from third parties for
airing on the Company’s broadcast, cable networks and television stations. Programming assets are generally recorded when
the programming becomes available to us with a corresponding increase in programming liabilities. Accordingly, we analyze
our programming assets net of the related liability.
The Company’s film and television production and programming activity for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 are as
follows:
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Beginning balances:
Production and programming assets $ 7,547 $ 7,353 $ 6,386
Programming liabilities (1,063) (989) (875)
6,484 6,364 5,511
Spending:
Television program licenses and rights 7,406 6,585 6,335
Film and television production 5,319 4,632 4,701
12,725 11,217 11,036
Amortization:
Television program licenses and rights (7,595) (6,678) (6,482)
Film and television production (4,055) (4,438) (3,632)
(11,650) (11,116) (10,114)
Change in film and television production and
programming costs 1,075 101 922
Other non-cash activity 94 19 (69)
Ending balances:
Production and programming assets 8,759 7,547 7,353
Programming liabilities (1,106) (1,063) (989)
$ 7,653 $ 6,484 $ 6,364
42
Investing Activities
Investing activities consist principally of investments in parks, resorts and other property and acquisition and divestiture
activity. The Company’s investments in parks, resorts and other property for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 75 $ 86 $ 127
Broadcasting 64 80 71
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 2,375 2,180 1,457
International 816 2,035 2,147
Studio Entertainment 85 86 107
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 30 53 87
Corporate 178 253 269
$ 3,623 $ 4,773 $ 4,265
Capital expenditures for the Parks and Resorts segment are principally for theme park and resort expansion, new
attractions, cruise ships, capital improvements and systems infrastructure. The increase at our domestic parks and resorts in
fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was due to spending on new attractions at Disneyland Resort, while the increase in fiscal
2016 compared to fiscal 2015 was due to spending on new attractions at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The
decrease in capital expenditures at our international parks and resorts in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was due to lower
spending at Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, while the decrease in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal
2015 was due to lower spending at Shanghai Disney Resort, partially offset by higher spending at Hong Kong Disneyland
Resort.
Capital expenditures at Media Networks primarily reflect investments in facilities and equipment for expanding and
upgrading broadcast centers, production facilities and television station facilities.
Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in corporate facilities, information technology
infrastructure and equipment.
The Company currently expects its fiscal 2018 capital expenditures will be approximately $1 billion higher than fiscal
2017 capital expenditures of $3.6 billion due to increased investments at our domestic parks and resorts.
Other Investing Activities
During fiscal 2017, acquisitions of $417 million reflected the January 2017 acquisition of an additional 18% interest in
BAMTech for $557 million, partially offset by $140 million of cash assumed upon the consolidation of BAMTech following
the September 2017 acquisition of an additional 42% interest. In addition, other investing activities reflected a $71 million use
of cash reflecting $266 million of contributions to joint ventures and investment purchases, partially offset by $173 million of
proceeds from investment dispositions.
During fiscal 2016, acquisitions totaled $850 million due to the acquisition of a 15% interest in BAMTech and an 11%
interest in Vice. In addition, other investing activities reflected a $135 million use of cash reflecting $109 million of
contributions to joint ventures and investment purchases and $74 million in premiums paid for foreign currency option
contracts in connection with our commitment to acquire two new cruise ships.
During fiscal 2015, other investing activities reflected $20 million of cash proceeds reflecting $166 million from the sale
of investments and other assets, partially offset by contributions to joint ventures of $151 million.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $9.0 billion in fiscal 2017 compared to $7.2 billion in fiscal 2016. The net use of
cash in the current year was due to $9.4 billion of common stock repurchases and $2.4 billion in dividends, partially offset by
net borrowings of $3.7 billion. The increase in cash used in financing activities compared to fiscal 2016 was due to higher
common stock repurchases ($9.4 billion in fiscal 2017 compared to $7.5 billion in fiscal 2016).
Cash used in financing activities was $7.2 billion in fiscal 2016 compared to $5.8 billion in fiscal 2015. The net use of
cash in fiscal 2016 was due to $7.5 billion of common stock repurchases and $2.3 billion in dividends, partially offset by net
43
borrowings of $2.9 billion. The increase in cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 was due to
higher common stock repurchases ($7.5 billion in fiscal 2016 compared to $6.1 billion in fiscal 2015).
During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s borrowing activity was as follows:
(in millions)
October 1,
2016 Borrowings Payments
Other
Activity
September 30,
2017
Commercial paper with original
maturities less than three
months, net (1) $ 777 $ 372 $ — $ 2 $ 1,151
Commercial paper with original
maturities greater than three
months 744 6,364 (5,489) 2 1,621
U.S. and European medium-term
notes 16,827 4,741 (1,850) 3 19,721
Asia Theme Parks borrowings 1,087 13 — 45 1,145
BAMTech acquisition payable (2) — — — 1,581 1,581
Foreign currency denominated
debt and other obligations (3) 735 66 (514) (215) 72
Total $ 20,170 $ 11,556 $ (7,853) $ 1,418 $ 25,291
(1) Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.
(2) See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of BAMTech.
(3) The other activity is due to market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges.
See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s bank facilities. The
Company may use commercial paper borrowings up to the amount of its unused bank facilities, in conjunction with term debt
issuance and operating cash flow, to retire or refinance other borrowings before or as they come due.
See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company’s dividends and share repurchases
in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015.
We believe that the Company’s financial condition is strong and that its cash balances, other liquid assets, operating cash
flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund
ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses and
development of new projects. However, the Company’s operating cash flow and access to the capital markets can be impacted
by macroeconomic factors outside of its control. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors”. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the
Company’s borrowing costs can be impacted by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies,
which are based, in significant part, on the Company’s performance as measured by certain credit metrics such as interest
coverage and leverage ratios. As of September 30, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A2 and P-1, respectively, with stable outlook; Standard & Poor’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A+ and A-1+, respectively, with stable outlook; and Fitch’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company
were A and F-1, respectively, with stable outlook. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating
to interest coverage, which the Company met on September 30, 2017, by a significant margin. The Company’s bank facilities
also specifically exclude certain entities, including the International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants or
events of default.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has various contractual obligations, which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial
statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in
our consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements. For example,
the Company is contractually committed to acquire broadcast programming and make certain minimum lease payments for the
use of property under operating lease agreements.
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments on an undiscounted basis at
September 30, 2017 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. In addition, the table
reflects the timing of principal and interest payments on outstanding borrowings based on their contractual maturities.
44
Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as referenced
in the table:
Payments Due by Period
(in millions) Total
Less than
1 Year
1-3
Years
4-5
Years
More than
5 Years
Borrowings (Note 8)(1) $ 32,796 $ 6,718 $ 6,833 $ 4,873 $ 14,372
Operating lease commitments (Note 14) 3,348 580 873 568 1,327
Capital lease obligations (Note 14) 533 25 32 30 446
Sports programming commitments (Note 14) 44,954 6,068 12,920 11,070 14,896
Broadcast programming commitments (Note 14) 2,594 594 792 403 805
Total sports and other broadcast programming
commitments 47,548 6,662 13,712 11,473 15,701
Other(2) 7,413 1,825 1,775 1,389 2,424
Total contractual obligations(3) $ 91,638 $ 15,810 $ 23,225 $ 18,333 $ 34,270
(1) Excludes market value adjustments which reduce recorded borrowings by $73 million. Includes interest payments
based on contractual terms for fixed rate debt and on current interest rates for variable rate debt. In 2023, the Company
has the ability to call a debt instrument prior to its scheduled maturity, which if exercised by the Company would
reduce future interest payments by $1.0 billion.
(2) Other commitments primarily comprise contracts for the construction of three new cruise ships, creative talent and
employment agreements and unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include
obligations to actors, producers, sports, television and radio personalities and executives.
(3) Contractual commitments include the following:
Liabilities recorded on the balance sheet $ 25,929
Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet 65,709
$ 91,638
The Company also has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. See Note 10 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contingent Commitments and Contractual Guarantees
See Notes 3, 6 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s contingent
commitments and contractual guarantees.
Legal and Tax Matters
As disclosed in Notes 9 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain tax and
legal matters.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and
results of operations require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of our significant
accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Film and Television Revenues and Costs
We expense film and television production, participation and residual costs over the applicable product life cycle based
upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each
production. If our estimate of Ultimate Revenues decreases, amortization of film and television costs may be accelerated.
Conversely, if our estimate of Ultimate Revenues increases, film and television cost amortization may be slowed. For film
productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of the
initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from
delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later.
With respect to films intended for theatrical release, the most sensitive factor affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues
(and therefore affecting future film cost amortization and/or impairment) is theatrical performance. Revenues derived from
45
other markets subsequent to the theatrical release (e.g., the home entertainment or television markets) have historically been
highly correlated with the theatrical performance. Theatrical performance varies primarily based upon the public interest and
demand for a particular film, the popularity of competing films at the time of release and the level of marketing effort. Upon a
film’s release and determination of the theatrical performance, the Company’s estimates of revenues from succeeding windows
and markets are revised based on historical relationships and an analysis of current market trends. The most sensitive factor
affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues for released films is the level of expected home entertainment sales. Home
entertainment sales vary based on the number and quality of competing home entertainment products, as well as the manner in
which retailers market and price our products.
With respect to television series or other television productions intended for broadcast, the most sensitive factors
affecting estimates of Ultimate Revenues are program ratings and the strength of the advertising market. Program ratings,
which are an indication of market acceptance, directly affect the Company’s ability to generate advertising revenues during the
airing of the program. In addition, television series with greater market acceptance are more likely to generate incremental
revenues through the licensing of program rights worldwide to television distributors, SVOD services and in home
entertainment formats. Alternatively, poor ratings may result in cancellation of the program, which would require an immediate
write-down of any unamortized production costs. A significant decline in the advertising market would also negatively impact
our estimates.
We expense the cost of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs based on the number of
times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Amortization of those
television programming assets being amortized on a number of airings basis may be accelerated if we reduce the estimated
future airings and slowed if we increase the estimated future airings. The number of future airings of a particular program is
impacted primarily by the program’s ratings in previous airings, expected advertising rates and availability and quality of
alternative programming. Accordingly, planned usage is reviewed periodically and revised if necessary. We amortize rights
costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of
each year in the arrangement. The estimated value of each year is based on our projections of revenues over the contract period,
which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to each
season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the applicable
season. If planned usage patterns or estimated relative values by year were to change significantly, amortization of our sports
rights costs may be accelerated or slowed.
Costs of film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated
fair values with the unamortized costs. The net realizable values of television broadcast program licenses and rights are
reviewed using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of
day or programs of a similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes
broadcast and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated
basis for each cable network. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
Estimated values are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market
conditions are less favorable than our projections, film, television and programming cost write-downs may be required.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has revenue recognition policies for its various operating segments that are appropriate to the
circumstances of each business. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of these revenue
recognition policies.
We reduce home entertainment revenues for estimated future returns of merchandise and for customer programs and sales
incentives. These estimates are based upon historical return experience, current economic trends and projections of customer
demand for and acceptance of our products. If we underestimate the level of returns or sales incentives in a particular period,
we may record less revenue in later periods when returns or sales incentives exceed the estimated amount. Conversely, if we
overestimate the level of returns or sales incentives for a period, we may have additional revenue in later periods when returns
or sales incentives are less than estimated.
We recognize revenues from advance theme park ticket sales when the tickets are used. Revenues from annual pass sales
are recognized ratably over the period for which the pass is available for use.
Pension and Postretirement Medical Plan Actuarial Assumptions
The Company’s pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using a number of
actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important
elements of expense and/or liability measurement, which we evaluate annually. Other assumptions include the healthcare cost
trend rate and employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and rate of compensation increase.
46
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement
date. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The guideline for
setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. We increased our discount rate to 3.88% at the end of fiscal
2017 from 3.73% at the end of fiscal 2016 to reflect market interest rate conditions at our fiscal 2017 year end measurement
date. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering yield curves constructed of a large population of high-
quality corporate bonds and reflects the matching of plans’ liability cash flows to the yield curves. A one percentage point
decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase total benefit expense for fiscal 2018 by approximately $263 million and
would increase the projected benefit obligation at September 30, 2017 by approximately $2.8 billion. A one percentage point
increase in the assumed discount rate would decrease total benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation by
approximately $242 million and $2.3 billion, respectively.
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset
allocation as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. Our expected return on plan assets is 7.50%. A
lower expected rate of return on pension plan assets will increase pension expense, while a higher expected rate of return on
pension plan assets will decrease pension expense. A one percentage point change in the long-term asset return assumption
would impact fiscal 2018 annual benefit expense by approximately $127 million.
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Investments
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to
its carrying amount, and to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment of goodwill is recognized for
the excess up to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flows)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. The discounted cash flow analyses are sensitive to our estimates of
future revenue growth and margins for these businesses. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we
believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other
reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as
those included in segment operating results. We believe our estimates of fair value are consistent with how a marketplace
participant would value our reporting units.
In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company’s long-term cash flow projections are
subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts.
If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the
excess. Fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised
values, as appropriate.
The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has
occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset
for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the
useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest
level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and could
include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-
lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the
group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its
fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an
impairment loss is recognized for the difference. Determining whether a long-lived asset is impaired requires various estimates
and assumptions, including whether a triggering event has occurred, the identification of the asset groups, estimates of future
cash flows and the discount rate used to determine fair values. If we had established different asset groups or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
47
The Company has cost and equity investments. The fair value of these investments is dependent on the performance of
the investee companies as well as volatility inherent in the external markets for these investments. In assessing the potential
impairment of these investments, we consider these factors as well as the forecasted financial performance of the investees and
market values, where available. If these forecasts are not met or market values indicate an other-than-temporary decline in
value, impairment charges may be required.
The Company tested its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and investments for
impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $22 million, $7 million and $10 million in fiscal years 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively. These impairment charges were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimate collectability of accounts receivable based on our analysis
of historical bad debt experience in conjunction with our assessment of the financial condition of individual companies with
which we do business. In times of domestic or global economic turmoil, our estimates and judgments with respect to the
collectability of our receivables are subject to greater uncertainty than in more stable periods. If our estimate of uncollectible
accounts is too low, costs and expenses may increase in future periods, and if it is too high, costs and expenses may decrease in
future periods.
Contingencies and Litigation
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued estimates of the probable and
estimable losses for the resolution of these proceedings. These estimates are based upon an analysis of potential results,
assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies and have been developed in consultation with outside counsel as
appropriate. From time to time, we may also be involved in other contingent matters for which we have accrued estimates for a
probable and estimable loss. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular quarterly or annual
period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to legal
proceedings or our assumptions regarding other contingent matters. See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
more detailed information on litigation exposure.
Income Tax Audits
As a matter of course, the Company is regularly audited by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. From time to time,
these audits result in proposed assessments. Our determinations regarding the recognition of income tax benefits are made in
consultation with outside tax and legal counsel, where appropriate, and are based upon the technical merits of our tax positions
in consideration of applicable tax statutes and related interpretations and precedents and upon the expected outcome of
proceedings (or negotiations) with taxing and legal authorities. The tax benefits ultimately realized by the Company may differ
from those recognized in our future financial statements based on a number of factors, including the Company’s decision to
settle rather than litigate a matter, relevant legal precedent related to similar matters and the Company’s success in supporting
its filing positions with taxing authorities.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding new accounting pronouncements.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or
on behalf of the Company. We may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking,” including
statements contained in this report and other filings with the SEC and in reports to our shareholders. Such statements may, for
example, express expectations or projections about future actions that we may take, including restructuring or strategic
initiatives, or about developments beyond our control including changes in domestic or global economic conditions. These
statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions as of the time the statements are made and we
undertake no obligation to update these statements. There can be no assurance, however, that our expectations will necessarily
come to pass. Significant factors affecting these expectations are set forth under Item 1A – Risk Factors of this Report on Form
10-K.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations, commodity fluctuations
and changes in the market values of its investments.
48
Policies and Procedures
In the normal course of business, we employ established policies and procedures to manage the Company’s exposure to
changes in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodities using a variety of financial instruments.
Our objectives in managing exposure to interest rate changes are to limit the impact of interest rate volatility on earnings
and cash flows and to lower overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we primarily use interest rate swaps to
manage net exposure to interest rate changes related to the Company’s portfolio of borrowings. By policy, the Company targets
fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between minimum and maximum percentages.
Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to reduce volatility of earnings and cash flow in
order to allow management to focus on core business issues and challenges. Accordingly, the Company enters into various
contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent value of its existing foreign
currency assets, liabilities, commitments and forecasted foreign currency revenues and expenses. The Company utilizes option
strategies and forward contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies to hedge probable, but not firmly
committed, transactions. The Company also uses forward and option contracts to hedge foreign currency assets and liabilities.
The principal foreign currencies hedged are the euro, British pound, Japanese yen and Canadian dollar. Cross-currency swaps
are used to effectively convert foreign currency denominated borrowings to U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. By policy, the
Company maintains hedge coverage between minimum and maximum percentages of its forecasted foreign exchange
exposures generally for periods not to exceed four years. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S.
dollar equivalent value of the related exposures. The economic or political conditions in a country could reduce our ability to
hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country.
Our objectives in managing exposure to commodity fluctuations are to use commodity derivatives to reduce volatility of
earnings and cash flows arising from commodity price changes. The amounts hedged using commodity swap contracts are
based on forecasted levels of consumption of certain commodities, such as fuel oil and gasoline.
It is the Company’s policy to enter into foreign currency and interest rate derivative transactions and other financial
instruments only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as stated above. The Company does not enter into
these transactions or any other hedging transactions for speculative purposes.
Value at Risk (VAR)
The Company utilizes a VAR model to estimate the maximum potential one-day loss in the fair value of its interest rate,
foreign exchange, commodities and market sensitive equity financial instruments. The VAR model estimates were made
assuming normal market conditions and a 95% confidence level. Various modeling techniques can be used in a VAR
computation. The Company’s computations are based on the interrelationships between movements in various interest rates,
currencies, commodities and equity prices (a variance/co-variance technique). These interrelationships were determined by
observing interest rate, foreign currency, commodity and equity market changes over the preceding quarter for the calculation
of VAR amounts at each fiscal quarter end. The model includes all of the Company’s debt as well as all interest rate and foreign
exchange derivative contracts, commodities and market sensitive equity investments. Forecasted transactions, firm
commitments, and accounts receivable and payable denominated in foreign currencies, which certain of these instruments are
intended to hedge, were excluded from the model.
The VAR model is a risk analysis tool and does not purport to represent actual losses in fair value that will be incurred by
the Company, nor does it consider the potential effect of favorable changes in market factors.
VAR on a combined basis decreased to $92 million at September 30, 2017 from $113 million at October 1, 2016.
49
The estimated maximum potential one-day loss in fair value, calculated using the VAR model, is as follows (unaudited, in
millions):
Fiscal Year 2017
Interest Rate
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Currency
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Equity
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Commodity
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
Combined
Portfolio
Year end fiscal 2017 VAR $ 57 $ 47 $ 2 $ 1 $ 92
Average VAR 64 55 2 2 106
Highest VAR 80 64 2 2 126
Lowest VAR 56 46 2 1 92
Year end fiscal 2016 VAR 74 60 3 2 113
The VAR for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort is immaterial as of September 30, 2017 and
accordingly has been excluded from the above table.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 55.
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the
Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and made
known to the officers who certify the Company’s financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board
of Directors as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Based on their evaluation as of September 30, 2017, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the
Company have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s report set forth on page 56 is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
50
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information regarding Section 16(a) compliance, the Audit Committee, the Company’s code of ethics, background of the
directors and director nominations appearing under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,”
“Committees,” “Governing Documents,” “Director Selection Process” and “Election of Directors” in the Company’s Proxy
Statement for the 2018 annual meeting of Shareholders is hereby incorporated by reference.
Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
Information appearing under the captions “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and
“Compensation Tables” in the 2018 Proxy Statement (other than the “Compensation Committee Report,” which is deemed
furnished herein by reference) is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information setting forth the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appearing under the
caption “Stock Ownership” and information appearing under the caption “Equity Compensation Plans” in the 2018 Proxy
Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information regarding certain related transactions appearing under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related
Person Transactions” and information regarding director independence appearing under the caption “Director Independence” in
the 2018 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information appearing under the captions “Auditor Fees and Services” and “Policy for Approval of Audit and Permitted
Non-Audit Services” in the 2018 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.
51
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Financial Statements and Schedules
See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 55.
(2) Exhibits
The documents set forth below are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference to the location indicated.
Exhibit Location
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended October 1, 2016
3.2 Bylaws of the Company Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed December 2, 2016
4.1 Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 14,
2014
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company, filed March 20, 2014
4.2 Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 11,
2016
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed March 14, 2016
4.3 364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of March 10, 2017 Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed March 13, 2017
4.4 Senior Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of
September 24, 2001, between the Company and Wells
Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee
Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company, filed September 24, 2001
4.5 Other long-term borrowing instruments are omitted
pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K. The
Company undertakes to furnish copies of such
instruments to the Commission upon request
10.1 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
as of October 6, 2011, between the Company and
Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011
10.2 Amendment dated July 1, 2013 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed July 1, 2013
10.3 Amendment dated October 2, 2014 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed October 3, 2014
10.4 Amendment dated March 22, 2017 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed March 23, 2017
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed October 2, 2013
10.6 Amendment dated February 4, 2015 to the
Employment Agreement dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed February 5, 2015
10.7 Amendment dated August 15, 2017 to the Employment
Agreement dated as of September 27, 2013 between
the Company and Alan N. Braverman
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed August 17, 2017
10.8 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2015
between the Company and Kevin A. Mayer
Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed June 30, 2015
10.9 Amendment dated August 15, 2017 to the Employment
Agreement dated as of July 1, 2015 between the
Company and Kevin A. Mayer
Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed August 17, 2017
10.10 Employment Agreement dated August 15, 2017 and
effective between the Company and Jayne Parker
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed August 17, 2017
10.11 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 2015
between the Company and Christine M. McCarthy
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed June 30, 2015
10.12 Amendment dated August 15, 2017 to the Employment
Agreement dated as of July 1, 2015 between the
Company and Christine M. McCarthy
Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed August 17, 2017
52
Exhibit Location
10.13 Voluntary Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed December 23, 2014
10.14 Description of Directors Compensation Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 2, 2016
10.15 Form of Indemnification Agreement for certain
officers and directors
Annex C to the Proxy Statement for the 1987
annual meeting of DEI
10.16 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors Exhibit 20 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement
(No. 33-57811) of DEI, dated Feb. 23, 1995
10.17 Amended and Restated 2002 Executive Performance
Plan
Annex A to the Proxy Statement for the 2013
Annual Meeting of the Registrant
10.18 Management Incentive Bonus Program The portions of the tables labeled “Performance
based Bonus” in the sections of the Proxy
Statement for the 2017 annual meeting of the
Company titled “2016 Total Direct Compensation”
and “Compensation Process” and the section of the
Proxy Statement titled “Performance Goals”
10.19 Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Directors
Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan
Annex II to the Proxy Statement for the 2003
annual meeting of the Company
10.20 Amended and Restated The Walt Disney Company/
Pixar 2004 Equity Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed December 1, 2006
10.21 Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed
March 16, 2012
10.22 Disney Key Employees Retirement Savings Plan Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended July 2, 2011
10.23 Amendments dated April 30, 2015 to the Amended and
Restated The Walt Disney Productions and Associated
Companies Key Employees Deferred Compensation
and Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated Benefit
Equalization Plan of ABC, Inc. and Disney Key
Employees Retirement Savings Plan
Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended March 28, 2015
10.24 Group Personal Excess Liability Insurance Plan Exhibit 10(x) to the Form 10-K of the Company for
the period ended September 30, 1997
10.25 Amended and Restated Severance Pay Plan Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 27, 2008
10.26 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
(Time-Based Vesting)
Exhibit 10(aa) to the Form 10-K of the Company
for the period ended September 30, 2004
10.27 Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
10.28 Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Three-Year Vesting subject to Total
Shareholder Return/EPS Growth Tests/
Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)
Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of
the Company filed January 11, 2013
10.29 Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award
Agreement
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended April 2, 2011
10.30 Disney Savings and Investment Plan as Amended and
Restated Effective January 1, 2015
Filed herewith
10.31 First Amendment dated December 19, 2016 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan as amended and
restated effective January 1, 2015
Filed herewith
10.32 Second Amendment dated December 3, 2012 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended December 29, 2012
10.33 Third Amendment dated December 18, 2014 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended March 28, 2015
10.34 Fourth Amendment dated April 30, 2015 to the Disney
Savings and Investment Plan
Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended March 28, 2015
53
Exhibit Location
12.1 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges Filed herewith
21 Subsidiaries of the Company Filed herewith
23 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Filed herewith
31(a) Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer of the Company in accordance with Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
31(b) Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
32(a) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Furnished herewith
32(b) Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
Furnished herewith
101 The following materials from the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September
30, 2017 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting
Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of
Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated
Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Equity
and (vi) related notes
Filed herewith
* A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be
retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
54
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
(Registrant)
Date: November 22, 2017 By: /s/ ROBERT A. IGER
(Robert A. Iger,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
Principal Executive Officer
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER Chairman and Chief Executive Officer November 22, 2017
(Robert A. Iger)
Principal Financial and Accounting Officers
/s/ CHRISTINE M. MCCARTHY Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
November 22, 2017
(Christine M. McCarthy)
/s/ BRENT A. WOODFORD Executive Vice President-Controllership,
Financial Planning and Tax
November 22, 2017
(Brent A. Woodford)
Directors
/s/ SUSAN E. ARNOLD Director November 22, 2017
(Susan E. Arnold)
/s/ MARY T. BARRA Director November 22, 2017
(Mary T. Barra)
/s/ JOHN S. CHEN Director November 22, 2017
(John S. Chen)
/s/ JACK DORSEY Director November 22, 2017
(Jack Dorsey)
/s/ ROBERT A. IGER Chairman of the Board and Director November 22, 2017
(Robert A. Iger)
/s/ MARIA ELENA LAGOMASINO Director November 22, 2017
(Maria Elena Lagomasino)
/s/ FRED H. LANGHAMMER Director November 22, 2017
(Fred H. Langhammer)
/s/ AYLWIN B. LEWIS Director November 22, 2017
(Aylwin B. Lewis)
/s/ ROBERT W. MATSCHULLAT Director November 22, 2017
(Robert W. Matschullat)
/s/ MARK G. PARKER Director November 22, 2017
(Mark G. Parker)
/s/ SHERYL SANDBERG Director November 22, 2017
(Sheryl Sandberg)
/s/ ORIN C. SMITH Director November 22, 2017
(Orin C. Smith)
55
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements of The Walt Disney Company and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, October 1, 2016 and October
3, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, October 1,
2016 and October 3, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, October 1, 2016 and
October 3, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, October 1,
2016 and October 3, 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Summary (unaudited)
All schedules are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the required information is included in the
financial statements or notes.
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
102
56
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such
term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that
receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors
of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition,
use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission in 2013. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2017.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included
herein.
57
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, cash flows and shareholders’ equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2017 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to
express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States).Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the
risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based
on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Los Angeles, California
November 22, 2017
58
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)
2017 2016 2015
Revenues:
Services $ 46,843 $ 47,130 $ 43,894
Products 8,294 8,502 8,571
Total revenues 55,137 55,632 52,465
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (25,320) (24,653) (23,191)
Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (4,986) (5,340) (5,173)
Selling, general, administrative and other (8,176) (8,754) (8,523)
Depreciation and amortization (2,782) (2,527) (2,354)
Total costs and expenses (41,264) (41,274) (39,241)
Restructuring and impairment charges (98) (156) (53)
Other income, net 78 — —
Interest expense, net (385) (260) (117)
Equity in the income of investees 320 926 814
Income before income taxes 13,788 14,868 13,868
Income taxes (4,422) (5,078) (5,016)
Net income 9,366 9,790 8,852
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (386) (399) (470)
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney) $ 8,980 $ 9,391 $ 8,382
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted $ 5.69 $ 5.73 $ 4.90
Basic $ 5.73 $ 5.76 $ 4.95
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding:
Diluted 1,578 1,639 1,709
Basic 1,568 1,629 1,694
Dividends declared per share $ 1.56 $ 1.42 $ 1.81
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
59
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
2017 2016 2015
Net Income $ 9,366 $ 9,790 $ 8,852
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Market value adjustments for investments (18) 13 (87)
Market value adjustments for hedges (37) (359) 130
Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments 584 (1,154) (301)
Foreign currency translation and other (103) (156) (272)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) 426 (1,656) (530)
Comprehensive income 9,792 8,134 8,322
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (386) (399) (470)
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 25 98 77
Comprehensive income attributable to Disney $ 9,431 $ 7,833 $ 7,929
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
60
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,017 $ 4,610
Receivables 8,633 9,065
Inventories 1,373 1,390
Television costs and advances 1,278 1,208
Other current assets 588 693
Total current assets 15,889 16,966
Film and television costs 7,481 6,339
Investments 3,202 4,280
Parks, resorts and other property
Attractions, buildings and equipment 54,043 50,270
Accumulated depreciation (29,037) (26,849)
25,006 23,421
Projects in progress 2,145 2,684
Land 1,255 1,244
28,406 27,349
Intangible assets, net 6,995 6,949
Goodwill 31,426 27,810
Other assets 2,390 2,340
Total assets $ 95,789 $ 92,033
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $ 8,855 $ 9,130
Current portion of borrowings 6,172 3,687
Deferred revenue and other 4,568 4,025
Total current liabilities 19,595 16,842
Borrowings 19,119 16,483
Deferred income taxes 4,480 3,679
Other long-term liabilities 6,443 7,706
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 1,148 —
Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value
Authorized – 100 million shares, Issued – none — —
Common stock, $.01 par value, Authorized – 4.6 billion shares,
Issued – 2.9 billion shares 36,248 35,859
Retained earnings 72,606 66,088
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,528) (3,979)
105,326 97,968
Treasury stock, at cost, 1.4 billion shares at September 30, 2017 and 1.3 billion
shares at October 1, 2016 (64,011) (54,703)
Total Disney Shareholders’ equity 41,315 43,265
Noncontrolling interests 3,689 4,058
Total equity 45,004 47,323
Total liabilities and equity $ 95,789 $ 92,033
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
61
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
2017 2016 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 9,366 $ 9,790 $ 8,852
Depreciation and amortization 2,782 2,527 2,354
Gains on acquisitions and sales of investments (289) (26) (91)
Deferred income taxes 334 1,214 (102)
Equity in the income of investees (320) (926) (814)
Cash distributions received from equity investees 788 799 752
Net change in film and television costs and advances (1,075) (101) (922)
Equity-based compensation 364 393 410
Other 503 674 628
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables 107 (393) (211)
Inventories (5) 186 1
Other assets (52) (443) 223
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (368) 40 (49)
Income taxes 208 (598) 354
Cash provided by operations 12,343 13,136 11,385
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investments in parks, resorts and other property (3,623) (4,773) (4,265)
Acquisitions (417) (850) —
Other (71) (135) 20
Cash used in investing activities (4,111) (5,758) (4,245)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Commercial paper borrowings/(repayments), net 1,247 (920) 2,376
Borrowings 4,820 6,065 2,550
Reduction of borrowings (2,364) (2,205) (2,221)
Dividends (2,445) (2,313) (3,063)
Repurchases of common stock (9,368) (7,499) (6,095)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 276 259 329
Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders 17 — 1,012
Other (1,142) (607) (689)
Cash used in financing activities (8,959) (7,220) (5,801)
Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted
cash 31 (123) (302)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (696) 35 1,037
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year 4,760 4,725 3,688
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 4,064 $ 4,760 $ 4,725
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 466 $ 395 $ 314
Income taxes paid $ 3,801 $ 4,133 $ 4,396
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
62
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in millions)
Equity Attributable to Disney
Shares
Common
Stock
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
Treasury
Stock
Total
Disney
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interests Total Equity
Balance at September 27, 2014 1,707 $ 34,301 $ 53,734 $ (1,968) $ (41,109) $ 44,958 $ 3,220 $ 48,178
Comprehensive income — — 8,382 (453) — 7,929 393 8,322
Equity compensation activity 14 828 — — — 828 — 828
Common stock repurchases (60) — — — (6,095) (6,095) — (6,095)
Dividends — 24 (3,087) — — (3,063) — (3,063)
Contributions — — — — — — 1,012 1,012
Distributions and other — (31) (1) — — (32) (495) (527)
Balance at October 3, 2015 1,661 $ 35,122 $ 59,028 $ (2,421) $ (47,204) $ 44,525 $ 4,130 $ 48,655
Comprehensive income — — 9,391 (1,558) — 7,833 301 8,134
Equity compensation activity 10 726 — — — 726 — 726
Common stock repurchases (74) — — — (7,499) (7,499) — (7,499)
Dividends — 15 (2,328) — — (2,313) — (2,313)
Distributions and other — (4) (3) — — (7) (373) (380)
Balance at October 1, 2016 1,597 $ 35,859 $ 66,088 $ (3,979) $ (54,703) $ 43,265 $ 4,058 $ 47,323
Comprehensive income — — 8,980 451 — 9,431 361 9,792
Equity compensation activity 8 529 — — — 529 — 529
Common stock repurchases (89) — — — (9,368) (9,368) — (9,368)
Dividends — 13 (2,458) — — (2,445) — (2,445)
Distributions and other 1 (153) (4) — 60 (97) (730) (827)
Balance at September 30, 2017 1,517 $ 36,248 $ 72,606 $ (3,528) $ (64,011) $ 41,315 $ 3,689 $ 45,004
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
63
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
1 Description of the Business and Segment Information
The Walt Disney Company, together with the subsidiaries through which businesses are conducted (the Company), is a
diversified worldwide entertainment company with operations in the following business segments: Media Networks, Parks and
Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products & Interactive Media.
The Company is preparing to launch two direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services, one in 2018 and one in late 2019.
An ESPN-branded service distributing multi-sports content is planned for 2018 and a Disney-branded service distributing the
Company’s film and television content is planned for 2019. BAMTech LLC (BAMTech), a streaming technology and content
delivery business, is providing technical support for the launch and distribution of these services (see Note 3 for further
discussion of the BAMTech transaction).
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Media Networks
The Company operates cable programming services branded ESPN, Disney and Freeform, broadcast businesses, which
include the ABC TV Network and eight owned television stations, radio businesses consisting of the ESPN Radio network,
including four owned ESPN radio stations, and Radio Disney. The ABC TV and ESPN Radio networks have affiliated stations
providing coverage to consumers throughout the U.S. The Company also produces original live-action and animated television
programming, which may be sold in network, first-run syndication and other television markets worldwide, to subscription
video-on-demand services and in home entertainment formats (such as DVD, Blu-Ray and electric home video license). The
Company has interests in media businesses that are accounted for under the equity method including A+E Television Networks
LLC (A+E), CTV Specialty Television, Inc. (CTV), Hulu LLC (Hulu), Seven TV and Vice Group Holding, Inc. (Vice). Our
Media Networks business also operates branded internet sites and apps. In September 2017, the Company acquired an
incremental 42% interest in BAMTech bringing the Company’s aggregate ownership interest to 75%, and the Company now
consolidates BAMTech. Prior to the September 2017 acquisition, BAMTech was accounted for under the equity method.
Parks and Resorts
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. The
Walt Disney World Resort includes four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s
Animal Kingdom); 18 resort hotels; vacation club properties; a retail, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Springs); a
sports complex; conference centers; campgrounds; water parks; and other recreational facilities. The Disneyland Resort
includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three resort hotels and a retail, dining and
entertainment complex (Downtown Disney). Internationally, the Company owns and operates Disneyland Paris, which includes
two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed resort hotels; two convention centers; a
shopping, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Village); a 27-hole golf facility; and a 50% interest in Villages Nature, a
European eco-tourism resort. The Company manages and has a 47% ownership interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort,
which includes one theme park and three themed resort hotels. The Company has a 43% ownership interest in Shanghai Disney
Resort, which opened in June 2016 and includes one theme park; two themed resort hotels; a retail, dining and entertainment
complex (Disneytown); and an outdoor recreational area. The Company also has a 70% ownership interest in the management
company of Shanghai Disney Resort. The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which
includes two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) and four Disney-branded hotels and is owned and
operated by an unrelated Japanese corporation. The Company manages and markets vacation club ownership interests through
the Disney Vacation Club; operates the Disney Cruise Line; the Adventures by Disney guided group vacations business; and
Aulani, a hotel and vacation club resort in Hawaii. The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs and develops theme
park concepts and attractions as well as resort properties.
Studio Entertainment
The Company produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures for worldwide distribution in the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets and to subscription video on demand services. The Company distributes
these products through its own distribution and marketing companies in the U.S. and both directly and through independent
companies and joint ventures in foreign markets primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and
Touchstone banners. The Company also produces stage plays and musical recordings, licenses and produces live entertainment
events and provides visual and audio effects and other post-production services.
64
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
The Company licenses its trade names, characters and visual and literary properties to various manufacturers, game
developers, publishers and retailers throughout the world. We also develop and publish mobile games. The Company’s
operations include retail and online distribution of products through The Disney Store, shopDisney.com, shop.Marvel.com and
wholesale distribution direct to retailers. We operate The Disney Store in North America, Western Europe, Japan and China.
The Company publishes entertainment and educational books and magazines and comic books for children and families and
operates English language learning centers in China. In addition, the segment’s operations include website management and
design, primarily for other Company businesses. We distribute online video content and provide online marketing services
through Disney Digital Network, which includes Maker Studios, a network and developer of online video content.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The operating segments reported below are the segments of the Company for which separate financial information is
available and for which segment results are evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer in deciding how to allocate
resources and in assessing performance.
Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and
impairment charges, other expense, interest expense, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. Segment operating income
includes equity in the income of investees. Corporate and unallocated shared expenses principally consist of corporate
functions, executive management and certain unallocated administrative support functions.
Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating income is as follows:
2017 2016 2015
Media Networks $ 344 $ 597 $ 814
Parks and Resorts (25) (3) —
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 1 — —
Equity in the income of investees included in segment operating
income 320 594 814
Vice Gain — 332 —
Total equity in the income of investees $ 320 $ 926 $ 814
During fiscal 2016, the Company recognized its share of a net gain (Vice Gain) recorded by A+E, a joint venture owned
50% by the Company, in connection with A+E’s acquisition of an interest in Vice. The Company’s $332 million share of the
Vice Gain is recorded in “Equity in the income of investees” in the Consolidated Statement of Income but is not included in
segment operating income. See Note 3 for further discussion of the transaction.
The following segment results include allocations of certain costs, including information technology, pension, legal and
other shared services costs, which are allocated based on metrics designed to correlate with consumption. These allocations are
agreed-upon amounts between the businesses and may differ from amounts that would be negotiated in arm’s length
transactions. In addition, all significant intersegment transactions have been eliminated except that Studio Entertainment
revenues and operating income include an allocation of Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenues, which is meant to
reflect royalties on revenue generated by Consumer Products & Interactive Media on merchandise based on intellectual
property from certain Studio Entertainment films.
65
2017 2016 2015
Revenues
Media Networks $ 23,510 $ 23,689 $ 23,264
Parks and Resorts 18,415 16,974 16,162
Studio Entertainment
Third parties 7,887 8,701 6,838
Intersegment 492 740 528
8,379 9,441 7,366
Consumer Products & Interactive Media
Third parties 5,325 6,268 6,201
Intersegment (492) (740) (528)
4,833 5,528 5,673
Total consolidated revenues $ 55,137 $ 55,632 $ 52,465
Segment operating income
Media Networks $ 6,902 $ 7,755 $ 7,793
Parks and Resorts 3,774 3,298 3,031
Studio Entertainment 2,355 2,703 1,973
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 1,744 1,965 1,884
Total segment operating income $ 14,775 $ 15,721 $ 14,681
Reconciliation of segment operating income to income before
income taxes
Segment operating income $ 14,775 $ 15,721 $ 14,681
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (582) (640) (643)
Restructuring and impairment charges (98) (156) (53)
Other income, net 78 — —
Interest expense, net (385) (260) (117)
Vice Gain — 332 —
Infinity Charge(1) — (129) —
Income before income taxes $ 13,788 $ 14,868 $ 13,868
Capital expenditures
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 75 $ 86 $ 127
Broadcasting 64 80 71
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 2,375 2,180 1,457
International 816 2,035 2,147
Studio Entertainment 85 86 107
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 30 53 87
Corporate 178 253 269
Total capital expenditures $ 3,623 $ 4,773 $ 4,265
66
2017 2016 2015
Depreciation expense
Media Networks $ 225 $ 237 $ 245
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,336 1,273 1,169
International 660 445 345
Studio Entertainment 50 51 55
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 63 63 69
Corporate 252 251 249
Total depreciation expense $ 2,586 $ 2,320 $ 2,132
Amortization of intangible assets
Media Networks $ 12 $ 18 $ 21
Parks and Resorts 3 3 3
Studio Entertainment 65 74 84
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 116 112 114
Total amortization of intangible assets $ 196 $ 207 $ 222
Identifiable assets(2)
Media Networks $ 32,475 $ 32,706
Parks and Resorts 29,492 28,275
Studio Entertainment 16,307 15,359
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 8,996 9,332
Corporate(3) 4,919 6,361
Unallocated Goodwill(4) 3,600 —
Total consolidated assets $ 95,789 $ 92,033
Supplemental revenue data
Affiliate fees $ 12,659 $ 12,259 $ 12,029
Advertising 8,237 8,649 8,499
Retail merchandise, food and beverage 6,433 6,116 5,986
Theme park admissions 6,502 5,900 5,483
Revenues
United States and Canada $ 41,881 $ 42,616 $ 40,320
Europe 6,541 6,714 6,507
Asia Pacific 5,075 4,582 3,958
Latin America and Other 1,640 1,720 1,680
$ 55,137 $ 55,632 $ 52,465
Segment operating income
United States and Canada $ 10,962 $ 12,139 $ 10,820
Europe 1,812 1,815 1,964
Asia Pacific 1,626 1,324 1,365
Latin America and Other 375 443 532
$ 14,775 $ 15,721 $ 14,681
67
2017 2016
Long-lived assets(5)
United States and Canada $ 61,215 $ 56,388
Europe 8,208 8,125
Asia Pacific 8,196 8,228
Latin America and Other 155 210
$ 77,774 $ 72,951
(1) In fiscal 2016, the Company discontinued its Infinity console game business, which is reported in the Consumer
Products & Interactive Media segment, and recorded a charge (Infinity Charge) primarily to write down inventory. The
charge also included severance and other asset impairments. The charge was reported in “Cost of products” in the
Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2) Identifiable assets include amounts associated with equity method investments, goodwill and intangible assets. Equity
method investments by segment are as follows:
2017 2016
Media Networks $ 2,998 $ 4,032
Parks and Resorts 70 22
Studio Entertainment 1 3
Consumer Products & Interactive Media — —
Corporate 18 25
$ 3,087 $ 4,082
Goodwill and intangible assets by segment are as follows:
2017 2016
Media Networks $ 18,346 $ 18,153
Parks and Resorts 391 373
Studio Entertainment 8,360 8,450
Consumer Products & Interactive Media 7,594 7,653
Corporate 130 130
Unallocated Goodwill 3,600 —
$ 38,421 $ 34,759
(3) Primarily fixed assets and cash and cash equivalents.
(4) Unallocated Goodwill relates to the BAMTech acquisition (see Note 3 for further discussion of the transaction).
(5) Long-lived assets are total assets less the following: current assets, long-term receivables, deferred taxes, financial
investments and derivatives.
2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of The Walt Disney Company and its
majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company enters into relationships or investments with other entities that may be a variable interest entity (VIE). A
VIE is consolidated in the financial statements if the Company has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact
the economic performance of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that
could potentially be significant (as defined by ASC 810-10-25-38) to the VIE. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai
Disney Resort (collectively the Asia Theme Parks) are VIEs. Company subsidiaries (the Management Companies) have
management agreements with the Asia Theme Parks, which provide the Management Companies, subject to certain protective
rights of joint venture partners, with the ability to direct the day-to-day operating activities and the development of business
strategies that we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of the Asia Theme Parks. In addition, the
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Management Companies receive management fees under these arrangements that we believe could be significant to the Asia
Theme Parks. Therefore, the Company has consolidated the Asia Theme Parks in its financial statements.
Reporting Period
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to September 30 and consists of fifty-two weeks with the
exception that approximately every six years, we have a fifty-three week year. When a fifty-three week year occurs, the
Company reports the additional week in the fourth quarter. Fiscal 2017 and 2016 were fifty-two week years. Fiscal 2015 was a
fifty-three week year.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made in the fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 financial statements and notes to conform to
the fiscal 2017 presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual
results may differ from those estimates.
Revenues and Costs from Services and Products
The Company generates revenue from the sale of both services and tangible products and revenues and operating costs
are classified under these two categories in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Certain costs related to both the sale of
services and tangible products are not specifically allocated between the service or tangible product revenue streams but are
instead attributed to the principal revenue stream. The cost of services and tangible products exclude depreciation and
amortization.
Significant service revenues include:
• Affiliate fees
• Advertising revenues
• Revenue from the licensing and distribution of film and television properties
• Admissions to our theme parks, charges for room nights at hotels and sales of cruise vacation packages
• Licensing of intellectual property for use on consumer merchandise, published materials and in multi-platform games
Significant operating costs related to the sale of services include:
• Amortization of programming, production, participations and residuals costs
• Distribution costs
• Operating labor
• Facilities and infrastructure costs
Significant tangible product revenues include:
• The sale of food, beverage and merchandise at our retail locations
• The sale of DVDs, Blu-ray discs and video game discs and accessories
• The sale of books, comic books and magazines
Significant operating costs related to the sale of tangible products include:
• Costs of goods sold
• Amortization of programming, production, participations and residuals costs
• Distribution costs
• Operating labor
• Retail occupancy costs
• Game development costs
Revenue Recognition
Television advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired. Affiliate fee revenue is recognized as
services are provided based on per subscriber rates set out in agreements with Multi-channel Video Programming Distributors
(MVPD) and the number of MVPD subscribers.
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Revenues from advance theme park ticket sales are recognized when the tickets are used. Revenues from annual pass
sales are recognized ratably over the period for which the pass is available for use.
Revenues from the theatrical distribution of motion pictures are recognized when motion pictures are exhibited.
Revenues from home entertainment sales, net of anticipated returns and customer incentives, are recognized on the later of the
delivery date or the date that the product can be sold by retailers. Revenues from the licensing of feature films and television
programming are recorded when the content is available for telecast by the licensee and when certain other conditions are met.
Revenues from the sale of electronic formats of feature films and television programming are recognized when the product is
received by the consumer.
Merchandise licensing advances and guarantee royalty payments are recognized based on the contractual royalty rate
when the licensed product is sold by the licensee. Non-refundable advances and minimum guarantee royalty payments in
excess of royalties earned are generally recognized as revenue at the end of the contract period.
Revenues from our branded online and mobile operations are recognized as services are rendered. Advertising revenues
at our internet operations or associated with the distribution of our video content online are recognized when advertisements are
delivered online.
Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented in the Consolidated Statements of
Income on a net basis.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. The
allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on our analysis of trends in overall receivables aging, specific identification
of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, past collection experience and current economic trends.
Advertising Expense
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2.6 billion,
$2.9 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or
less.
Cash and cash equivalents subject to contractual restrictions and not readily available are classified as restricted cash. The
Company’s restricted cash balances are primarily made up of cash posted as collateral for certain derivative instruments.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,017 $ 4,610 $ 4,269
Restricted cash included in:
Other current assets 26 96 250
Other assets 21 54 206
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in
the statement of cash flows $ 4,064 $ 4,760 $ 4,725
Investments
Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-
maturity” and reported at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity and marketable equity securities are
considered “available-for-sale” and recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI). All other equity securities are accounted for using either the cost method or the equity
method.
The Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-
than-temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written
down to fair value.
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Translation Policy
The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for the majority of our international operations. Significant businesses where
the local currency is the functional currency include the Asia Theme Parks, Disneyland Paris and international locations of The
Disney Stores.
For U.S. dollar functional currency locations, foreign currency assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars at
end-of-period exchange rates, except for non-monetary balance sheet accounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange
rates. Revenue and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during each period, except for those expenses
related to the non-monetary balance sheet amounts, which are remeasured at historical exchange rates. Gains or losses from
foreign currency remeasurement are included in income.
For local currency functional locations, assets and liabilities are translated at end-of-period rates while revenues and
expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. Equity is translated at historical rates and the resulting
cumulative translation adjustments are included as a component of AOCI.
Inventories
Inventory primarily includes vacation timeshare units, merchandise, food, materials and supplies. Carrying amounts of
vacation ownership units are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Carrying amounts of merchandise, food,
materials and supplies inventories are generally determined on a moving average cost basis and are recorded at the lower of
cost or net realizable value.
Film and Television Costs
Film and television costs include capitalizable production costs, production overhead, interest, development costs and
acquired production costs and are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value. Acquired
programming costs for the Company’s cable and broadcast television networks are stated at the lower of cost, less accumulated
amortization, or net realizable value. Acquired television broadcast program licenses and rights are recorded when the license
period begins and the program is available for use. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs are expensed as
incurred.
Film and television production, participation and residual costs are expensed over the applicable product life cycle based
upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each production.
For film productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of
the initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from
delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later. For acquired
film libraries, remaining revenues include amounts to be earned for up to twenty years from the date of acquisition. Costs of
film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated fair values with
the unamortized costs. The Company bases these fair value measurements on the Company’s assumptions about how market
participants would price the assets at the balance sheet date, which may be different than the amounts ultimately realized in
future periods. The amount by which the unamortized costs of film and television productions exceed their estimated fair
values is written off. Film development costs for projects that have been abandoned. Projects that have not been set for
production within three years are also written off unless management has committed to a plan to proceed with the project and is
actively working on and funding the project.
The costs of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs are expensed based on the number
of times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Rights costs for
multi-year sports programming arrangements are amortized during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value
of each year in the arrangement. The estimated value of each year is based on our projections of revenues over the contract
period, which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to
each season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the
applicable season. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
The net realizable values of network television broadcast program licenses and rights are reviewed for recoverability
using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of day or
programs of a similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes broadcast
and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated basis for each
cable network.
Internal-Use Software Costs
The Company expenses costs incurred in the preliminary project stage of developing or acquiring internal use software,
such as research and feasibility studies as well as costs incurred in the post-implementation/operational stage, such as
maintenance and training. Capitalization of software development costs occurs only after the preliminary-project stage is
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complete, management authorizes the project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used
for the function intended. As of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, capitalized software costs, net of accumulated
depreciation, totaled $710 million and $714 million, respectively. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis
over the estimated useful life of the software, ranging from 3-10 years.
Software Product Development Costs
Software product development costs incurred prior to reaching technological feasibility are expensed. We have
determined that technological feasibility of our video game software is generally not established until substantially all product
development is complete.
Parks, Resorts and Other Property
Parks, resorts and other property are carried at historical cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over
estimated useful lives as follows:
Attractions 25 – 40 years
Buildings and improvements 20 – 40 years
Leasehold improvements Life of lease or asset life if less
Land improvements 20 – 40 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 – 25 years
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to
its carrying amount, and to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment of goodwill is recognized for
the excess up to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flows)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. We include in the projected cash flows an estimate of the revenue we
believe the reporting unit would receive if the intellectual property developed by the reporting unit that is being used by other
reporting units was licensed to an unrelated third party at its fair market value. These amounts are not necessarily the same as
those included in segment operating results.
In times of adverse economic conditions in the global economy, the Company’s long-term cash flow projections are
subject to a greater degree of uncertainty than usual. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different
valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record
impairment charges.
The Company is required to compare the fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets to their carrying amounts.
If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the
excess. Fair values of other indefinite-lived intangible assets are determined based on discounted cash flows or appraised
values, as appropriate. The Company has determined that there are currently no legal, competitive, economic or other factors
that materially limit the useful life of our FCC licenses and trademarks.
Amortizable intangible assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 40 years. The costs to
periodically renew our intangible assets are expensed as incurred.
The Company tests long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances (triggering events) indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Once a triggering event has
occurred, the impairment test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset for continued use or to hold the asset
for sale. The impairment test for assets held for use requires a comparison of cash flows expected to be generated over the
useful life of an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest
level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and could
include assets used across multiple businesses or segments. If the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the estimated
undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-
lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. The impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the
group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its
fair value. For assets held for sale, to the extent the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an
impairment loss is recognized for the difference.
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The Company tested its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and investments for
impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $22 million, $7 million and $10 million in fiscal years 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively. These impairment charges were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing amortizable intangible assets for fiscal years
2018 through 2022 to be as follows:
2018 $ 258
2019 246
2020 220
2021 216
2022 214
Risk Management Contracts
In the normal course of business, the Company employs a variety of financial instruments (derivatives) including interest
rate and cross-currency swap agreements and forward and option contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest
rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedges and hedged items as well as its risk management
objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company primarily enters into two types of
derivatives: hedges of fair value exposure and hedges of cash flow exposure. Hedges of fair value exposure are entered into in
order to hedge the fair value of a recognized asset, liability, or a firm commitment. Hedges of cash flow exposure are entered
into in order to hedge a forecasted transaction (e.g. forecasted revenue) or the variability of cash flows to be paid or received,
related to a recognized liability or asset (e.g. floating rate debt).
The Company designates and assigns the derivatives as hedges of forecasted transactions, specific assets or specific
liabilities. When hedged assets or liabilities are sold or extinguished or the forecasted transactions being hedged occur or are no
longer expected to occur, the Company recognizes the gain or loss on the designated derivatives.
The Company’s hedge positions are measured at fair value on the balance sheet. Realized gains and losses from hedges
are classified in the income statement consistent with the accounting treatment of the items being hedged. The Company
accrues the differential for interest rate swaps to be paid or received under the agreements as interest rates change as
adjustments to interest expense over the lives of the swaps. Gains and losses on the termination of effective swap agreements,
prior to their original maturity, are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the underlying hedged
transactions.
The Company enters into derivatives that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. These
derivatives are intended to offset certain economic exposures of the Company and are carried at fair value with changes in
value recorded in earnings. Cash flows from hedging activities are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
under the same category as the cash flows from the related assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions (see Notes 8 and 16).
Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded with respect to temporary differences in the accounting treatment
of items for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Where, based on the weight of available evidence, it is
more likely than not that some amount of recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established
for the amount that, in management’s judgment, is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely
than not to be realized.
A tax position must meet a minimum probability threshold before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The
minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable
taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the
position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of
being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Earnings Per Share
The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) amounts. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net
income attributable to Disney by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is
based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year, which is
calculated using the treasury-stock method for equity-based awards (Awards). Common equivalent shares are excluded from
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the computation in periods for which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Stock options for which the exercise price exceeds the
average market price over the period are anti-dilutive and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation.
A reconciliation of the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding and the number
of Awards excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as they were anti-dilutive, are as follows:
2017 2016 2015
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding (basic) 1,568 1,629 1,694
Weighted average dilutive impact of Awards 10 10 15
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent
shares outstanding (diluted) 1,578 1,639 1,709
Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share 10 6 3
3 Acquisitions
BAMTech
On September 25, 2017, the Company acquired an additional 42% interest in BAMTech, a streaming technology and
content delivery business, from an affiliate of Major League Baseball (MLB) for $1.6 billion due in January 2018. The
acquisition increased our interest from 33% to 75%, and as a result, we began consolidating BAMTech. The Company paid
$1.0 billion for its original 33% interest in BAMTech. The acquisition supports the Company’s strategy to launch DTC video
streaming services.
Upon consolidation, the Company recognized a non-cash gain of $255 million ($162 million after tax) as a result of
increasing the carrying value of the Company’s original 33% interest to $1.2 billion, its estimated fair value implied by the
acquisition price of our additional 42% interest. The gain was recorded in “Other income, net” in the fiscal 2017 Consolidated
Statement of Income.
The fair value of BAMTech (purchase price) is estimated to be $3.9 billion and represents the sum of (i) the $1.6 billion
payment for our newly acquired 42% interest, (ii) the $1.2 billion estimated fair value of the Company’s original 33% interest,
and (iii) the $1.1 billion estimated fair value of the remaining 25% noncontrolling interests.
Based on a preliminary purchase price allocation, $3.6 billion was allocated to goodwill (approximately half of which is
deductible for tax purposes) with the remainder primarily allocated to identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill reflects the
synergies expected from rationalization of the Company’s current digital distribution services, enhanced personalization of
content and advertising from access to DTC user data, and the ability to leverage BAMTech’s platform expertise for the
Company’s DTC services. Goodwill also includes technical knowhow associated with BAMTech’s assembled workforce. We
are in the process of finalizing the valuation of the acquired assets, assumed liabilities, and noncontrolling interests.
BAMTech’s noncontrolling interest holders, MLB and the National Hockey League (NHL), have the right to sell their
shares to the Company in the future. MLB can generally sell their shares to the Company starting five years from and ending
ten years after the acquisition date at the greater of fair value or a guaranteed floor value ($563 million accreting at 8%
annually for eight years). The NHL can sell their shares to the Company in fiscal 2020 for $300 million or in fiscal 2021 for
$350 million.
Based on the terms of the noncontrolling interests, their acquisition date fair value of $1.1 billion was recorded as
“Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values of the noncontrolling
interests were calculated using an option pricing model. The MLB noncontrolling interest fair value generally reflects the net
present value of MLB’s guaranteed floor value, while the NHL noncontrolling interest reflects their share of the $3.9 billion
BAMTech value.
The Company has the right to purchase MLB’s interest in BAMTech starting five years from and ending ten years after
the acquisition date at the greater of fair value or the guaranteed floor value. The Company has the right to acquire the NHL
interest in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 for $500 million.
As a result of the MLB and NHL sale rights, the noncontrolling interests will generally not be allocated BAMTech losses.
Prospectively, the Company will record the noncontrolling interests at the greater of (i) their acquisition date fair value adjusted
for their share (if any) of earnings, losses, or dividends or (ii) an accreted value from the date of the acquisition to the earliest
redemption date. The accretion of the MLB interest to the earliest redemption value in five years will be recorded using an
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interest method. As of September 30, 2017, the redeemable noncontrolling interest subject to accretion would have had a
redemption amount of $563 million if it were currently redeemable. Adjustments to the carrying amount of redeemable
noncontrolling interests will increase or decrease income available to Company shareholders through an adjustment to “Net
income attributable to noncontrolling interests” on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
The Company is negotiating to provide the noncontrolling interest holder in ESPN a portion of the Company’s share of
the BAMTech DTC sports business at a price that is consistent with the amount the Company invested. If such transaction is
finalized, their investment would be recorded as a noncontrolling interest transaction when consummated.
The revenue and costs of BAMTech included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for fiscal 2017 were
not material.
Vice
Vice is a media company targeting a millennial audience through news and pop culture content and creative brand
integration. During fiscal 2016, A+E acquired an 8% interest in Vice in exchange for a 49.9% interest in one of A+E’s cable
channels, H2, which has been rebranded as Viceland and programmed with Vice content. As a result of this exchange, A+E
recognized a net non-cash gain based on the estimated fair value of H2. The Company’s $332 million share of the Vice Gain
was recorded in “Equity in the income of investees” in the Consolidated Statement of Income in fiscal 2016. At September 30,
2017, A+E had an 18% interest in Vice.
During fiscal 2016, the Company acquired a direct interest in Vice for $400 million of cash, and at September 30, 2017
owned a 10% interest.
The Company accounts for its interest in Vice as an equity method investment.
Hulu
At the end of fiscal 2015, the Company had a 33% interest in Hulu, a joint venture owned one-third each by the
Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (Fox) and Comcast Corporation. In August 2016, Time Warner, Inc. (TW) acquired a
10% interest in the venture from Hulu for $583 million diluting the Company’s ownership interest to 30%. For not more than
36 months from August 2016, TW may put its shares to Hulu or Hulu may call the shares from TW under certain limited
circumstances arising from regulatory review. The Company and Fox have agreed to make a capital contribution for up to
approximately $300 million each if required to fund the repurchase of shares from TW. The August 2016 transaction resulted in
a deemed sale by the Company of a portion of its interest in Hulu at a gain of approximately $175 million. The Company
expects to recognize the gain if and when the put and call options expire.
In addition, the Company has guaranteed $113 million of Hulu’s $338 million term loan, which is due in August 2022.
The Company accounts for its interest in Hulu as an equity method investment.
Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 are as
follows:
Media
Networks
Parks and
Resorts
Studio
Entertainment
Consumer
Products &
Interactive
Media Unallocated (1) Total
Balance at Oct. 3, 2015 $ 16,354 $ 291 $ 6,836 $ 4,345 $ — $ 27,826
Acquisitions 1 — 1 — — 2
Dispositions — — — — — —
Other, net (10) — (7) (1) — (18)
Balance at Oct. 1, 2016 $ 16,345 $ 291 $ 6,830 $ 4,344 $ — $ 27,810
Acquisitions — — — — 3,600 3,600
Dispositions — — — — — —
Other, net (20) — (13) 49 — 16
Balance at Sept. 30, 2017 $ 16,325 $ 291 $ 6,817 $ 4,393 $ 3,600 $ 31,426
(1) Goodwill will be allocated to the segments once the BAMTech purchase price allocation is finalized.
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4 Other Income, net
Other income, net is as follows:
2017 2016 2015
Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech $ 255 $ — $ —
Settlement of litigation (177) — —
Other income, net $ 78 $ — $ —
Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech
In fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a non-cash net gain of $255 million in connection with the acquisition of a
controlling interest in BAMTech (see Note 3).
Settlement of litigation
In fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a charge of $177 million, net of committed insurance recoveries, in connection with
the settlement of a litigation matter.
5 Investments
Investments consist of the following:
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Investments, equity basis (1) $ 3,087 $ 4,082
Investments, other 115 198
$ 3,202 $ 4,280
(1) Prior to September 25, 2017, BAMTech was accounted for under the equity basis of accounting. At September 25,
2017, the Company acquired an additional interest and now consolidates BAMTech (see Note 3 for further discussion
of the BAMTech transaction). Accordingly, equity basis investments decreased by approximately $1 billion.
Investments, Equity Basis
The Company’s significant equity investments primarily consist of media and parks and resorts investments and include
A+E (50% ownership), CTV Specialty Television, Inc. (30% ownership), Hulu (30% ownership), Seven TV (20% ownership),
Vice (19% effective ownership including A+E ownership) and Villages Nature (50% ownership). A summary of combined
financial information for equity investments is as follows:
Results of Operations:
2017 2016 2015
Revenues $ 8,122 $ 7,416 $ 6,561
Net income 857 1,855 1,912
Balance Sheet
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
October 3,
2015
Current assets $ 4,623 $ 4,801 $ 3,676
Non-current assets 10,047 8,906 6,429
$ 14,670 $ 13,707 $ 10,105
Current liabilities $ 2,852 $ 2,018 $ 1,614
Non-current liabilities 5,056 4,531 4,128
Redeemable preferred stock 1,123 583 —
Shareholders’ equity 5,639 6,575 4,363
$ 14,670 $ 13,707 $ 10,105
As of September 30, 2017, the book value of the Company’s equity method investments exceeded our share of the book
value of the investees’ underlying net assets by approximately $0.7 billion, which represents amortizable intangible assets and
goodwill arising from acquisitions.
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The Company enters into transactions in the ordinary course of business with our equity investees, primarily related to the
licensing of television and film programming. Revenues from these transactions were $0.5 billion, $0.5 billion and $0.4 billion
in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company defers a portion of its profits from transactions with investees until
the investee recognizes third-party revenue from the exploitation of the rights. The portion that is deferred reflects our
ownership interest in the investee.
Investments, Other
As of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the Company held $36 million and $85 million, respectively, of
securities classified as available-for-sale and $79 million and $91 million, respectively, of non-publicly traded cost-method
investments. As of September 30, 2017, the Company held no significant investments in leveraged leases. As of October 1,
2016, the Company held $22 million of investments in leveraged leases.
In fiscal 2017 and 2015, the Company had realized gains of $15 million and $31 million, respectively, on available-for-
sale securities. In fiscal 2016, the Company had no significant realized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities.
At September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the Company held available-for-sale investments in unrecognized gain
positions totaling $18 million and $49 million, respectively, and no investments in significant unrecognized loss positions.
In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company had realized gains of $7 million, $23 million and $11 million,
respectively, on non-publicly traded cost-method investments.
In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $8 million, $44 million and $14 million,
respectively, to reflect other-than-temporary losses in value of investments.
Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale and non-publicly traded cost-method investments are reported in “Interest
expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
6 International Theme Parks
The Company has a 47% ownership interest in the operations of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and a 43% ownership
interest in the operations of Shanghai Disney Resort (together, the Asia Theme Parks), which are both VIEs
consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. See Note 2 for the Company’s policy on consolidating VIEs. Disneyland
Paris was also a consolidated VIE until the Company acquired 100% ownership of Disneyland Paris in June 2017. Given our
100% ownership, the Company will continue to consolidate Disneyland Paris’ financial results. The Asia Theme
Parks and Disneyland Paris are collectively referred to as the International Theme Parks.
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the International Theme Parks’ assets and liabilities included in
the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016:
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Cash and cash equivalents $ 843 $ 1,008
Other current assets 376 331
Total current assets 1,219 1,339
Parks, resorts and other property 9,403 9,270
Other assets 111 88
Total assets (1) $ 10,733 $ 10,697
Current liabilities $ 1,163 $ 1,499
Borrowings – long-term 1,145 1,087
Other long-term liabilities 371 256
Total liabilities (1) $ 2,679 $ 2,842
(1) The total assets of the Asia Theme Parks were $8.1 billion and $8.2 billion at September 30, 2017 and October 1,
2016, respectively, and primarily consist of parks, resorts and other property of $7.3 billion at both September 30,
2017 and October 1, 2016. The total liabilities of the Asia Theme Parks were $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion at
September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.
77
The following table summarizes the International Theme Parks’ revenues and costs and expenses included in the
Company’s consolidated statements of income as of September 30, 2017:
September 30,
2017
Revenues $ 3,318
Costs and expenses (3,265)
Equity in the loss of investees (25)
International Theme Parks’ royalty and management fees of $166 million for fiscal 2017 are eliminated in consolidation
but are considered in calculating earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests.
International Theme Parks’ cash flows included in the Company’s fiscal 2017 consolidated cash flow statement were
$757 million generated from operating activities, $840 million used in investing activities and $225 million used in financing
activities. The majority of cash flows used in investing activities were for the Asia Theme Parks.
Disneyland Paris
In February 2017, the Company increased its effective ownership percentage in Disneyland Paris from 81% to 88% by
exchanging 1.36 million of the Company’s common shares for 70.5 million outstanding shares of Euro Disney S.C.A.
(EDSCA), a publicly-traded French entity, which has an 82% interest in the Disneyland Paris operating company. The
transaction was valued at €141 million ($150 million) based on the purchase price of €2 per share.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company acquired the remaining outstanding shares of EDSCA at €2 per share, a
total cost of €224 million ($250 million), and EDSCA was delisted from Euronext Paris.
During calendar 2015, Disneyland Paris completed a recapitalization, which included an equity rights offering and a
conversion of Company loans to Disneyland Paris into equity. In addition, the Company completed a mandatory tender offer to
the other Disneyland Paris shareholders. These transactions resulted in an increase from 51% to 81% effective ownership
interest in Disneyland Paris.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Company have 53% and 47%
equity interests in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, respectively.
As part of financing the construction of a third hotel, which opened April 30, 2017, HKSAR converted $219 million of a
loan to equity during fiscal 2016 and 2015, leaving a balance on the loan at September 30, 2017 of HK $0.4 billion ($46
million) (see Note 8 for further details of this loan). In addition, the Company and HKSAR have provided loans with
outstanding balances of $138 million and $93 million, respectively, which bear interest at a rate of three month HIBOR plus
2% and mature in September 2025. The Company’s loan is eliminated in consolidation.
In August 2017, the Company and HKSAR entered into an agreement for a multi-year expansion of Hong Kong
Disneyland that will add a number of new guest offerings, including two new themed areas, by 2023. Under the terms of the
agreement, the HK $10.9 billion ($1.4 billion) expansion will be funded by equity contributions made by the Company and
HKSAR on an equal basis.
HKSAR has the right to receive additional shares over time to the extent Hong Kong Disneyland Resort exceeds certain
return on asset performance targets. The amount of additional shares HKSAR can receive is capped on both an annual and
cumulative basis and could decrease the Company’s equity interest by up to an additional 7 percentage points over a period no
shorter than 15 years. Assuming HK $10.9 billion is contributed in the expansion, the impact to the Company’s equity interest
would be limited to 4 percentage points.
The Company has a revolving credit facility HK $2.1 billion ($269 million), which bears interest at a rate of three month
HIBOR plus 1.25% and matures in December 2023. There is no outstanding balance under the line of credit at September 30,
2017.
The net impact to HKSAR and the Company’s ownership shares of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during fiscal 2017,
2016 and 2015 as a result of the above activities was not material.
78
Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co., Ltd (Shendi) and the Company have 57% and 43% equity interests in Shanghai Disney
Resort, respectively. A management company, in which the Company has a 70% interest and Shendi a 30% interest, is
responsible for operating Shanghai Disney Resort.
The Company has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with term loans totaling $782 million, bearing interest at rates up to
8% and maturing in 2036, with early repayment permitted. In addition, the Company has an outstanding balance of $305
million due from Shanghai Disney Resort related to development costs, pre-opening expenses and royalties and management
fees. The Company has also provided Shanghai Disney Resort with a $157 million line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is
no outstanding balance under the line of credit at September 30, 2017. These balances are eliminated in consolidation.
Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with term loans totaling 6.7 billion yuan (approximately $1.0 billion),
bearing interest at rates up to 8% and maturing in 2036, with early repayment permitted. Shendi has also provided Shanghai
Disney Resort with a 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $205 million) line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is no
outstanding balance under the line of credit at September 30, 2017.
7 Film and Television Costs and Advances
Film and television costs and advances are as follows:
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Theatrical film costs
Released, less amortization $ 1,658 $ 1,677
Completed, not released — —
In-process 3,200 2,179
In development or pre-production 306 336
5,164 4,192
Television costs
Released, less amortization 1,152 1,015
Completed, not released 472 365
In-process 364 417
In development or pre-production 53 13
2,041 1,810
Television programming rights and advances 1,554 1,545
8,759 7,547
Less current portion 1,278 1,208
Non-current portion $ 7,481 $ 6,339
Based on management’s total gross revenue estimates as of September 30, 2017, approximately 76% of unamortized film
and television costs for released productions (excluding amounts allocated to acquired film and television libraries) are
expected to be amortized during the next three years. By the end of fiscal 2021, we will have reached on a cumulative basis,
80% amortization of the September 30, 2017 balance of unamortized film and television costs. Approximately $1.0 billion of
accrued participation and residual liabilities will be paid in fiscal year 2018. The Company expects to amortize, based on
current estimates, approximately $1.3 billion in capitalized film and television production costs during fiscal 2018.
At September 30, 2017, acquired film and television libraries have remaining unamortized costs of $175 million, which
are generally being amortized straight-line over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 14 years.
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8 Borrowings
The Company’s borrowings at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, including the impact of interest rate and cross-
currency swaps, are summarized below:
2017
2017 2016
Stated
Interest
Rate (1)
Pay
Floating
Interest rate
and Cross-
Currency
Swaps (2)
Effective
Interest
Rate (3)
Swap
Maturities
Commercial paper $ 2,772 $ 1,521 — $ — 1.24%
U.S. and European medium-term notes (4) 19,721 16,827 2.73% 8,150 2.70% 2018-2027
BAMTech acquisition payable 1,581 — 1.27% — 1.27%
Capital Cities/ABC debt 105 107 8.75% — 6.00%
Foreign currency denominated debt 13 448 7.65% — 7.65%
Other (5) (46) 180 —
24,146 19,083 2.35% 8,150 2.46%
Asia Theme Parks borrowings 1,145 1,087 1.24% — 5.07%
Total borrowings 25,291 20,170 2.30% 8,150 2.58%
Less current portion 6,172 3,687 0.93% 1,550 1.44%
Total long-term borrowings $ 19,119 $ 16,483 $ 6,600
(1) The stated interest rate represents the weighted-average coupon rate for each category of borrowings. For floating rate
borrowings, interest rates are the rates in effect at September 30, 2017; these rates are not necessarily an indication of
future interest rates.
(2) Amounts represent notional values of interest rate and cross-currency swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2017.
(3) The effective interest rate includes the impact of existing and terminated interest rate and cross-currency swaps,
purchase accounting adjustments and debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs.
(4) Includes net debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs totaling $138 million and $132 million at September 30,
2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.
(5) Includes market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges, which reduce borrowings by $73 million and
increase borrowings by $146 million at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.
Commercial Paper
The Company has bank facilities with a syndicate of lenders to support commercial paper borrowings as follows:
Committed
Capacity
Capacity
Used
Unused
Capacity
Facility expiring March 2018 $ 2,500 $ — $ 2,500
Facility expiring March 2019 2,250 — 2,250
Facility expiring March 2021 2,250 — 2,250
Total $ 7,000 $ — $ 7,000
All of the above bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread depending on the credit default
swap spread applicable to the Company’s debt, subject to a cap and floor that vary with the Company’s debt rating assigned by
Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s. The spread above LIBOR can range from 0.23% to 1.63%. The Company
also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in March 2019, which if utilized,
reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has $181 million of outstanding
letters of credit, of which none were issued under this facility. The facilities specifically exclude certain entities, including the
International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants, or events of default and contain only one financial covenant,
relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on September 30, 2017 by a significant margin.
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Commercial paper activity is as follows:
Commercial
paper with
original
maturities less
than three
months, net (1)
Commercial
paper with
original
maturities
greater than
three months Total
Balance at Oct. 3, 2015 $ 2,330 $ 100 $ 2,430
Additions — 4,794 4,794
Payments (1,559) (4,155) (5,714)
Other Activity 6 5 11
Balance at Oct. 1, 2016 $ 777 $ 744 $ 1,521
Additions 372 6,364 6,736
Payments — (5,489) (5,489)
Other Activity 2 2 4
Balance at Sept. 30, 2017 $ 1,151 $ 1,621 $ 2,772
(1) Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.
Shelf Registration Statement
The Company has a shelf registration statement in place, which allows the Company to issue various types of debt
instruments, such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes, global
notes, and dual currency or other indexed notes. Issuances under the shelf registration will require the filing of a prospectus
supplement identifying the amount and terms of the securities to be issued. Our ability to issue debt is subject to market
conditions and other factors impacting our borrowing capacity.
U.S. Medium-Term Note Program
At September 30, 2017, the total debt outstanding under the U.S. medium-term note program was $19.2 billion with
maturities ranging from 1 to 76 years. The debt outstanding includes $17.2 billion of fixed rate notes, which have stated interest
rates that range from 0.88% to 7.55% and $2.0 billion of floating rate notes that bear interest at U.S. LIBOR plus or minus a
spread. At September 30, 2017, the effective rate on floating rate notes was 1.66%.
European Medium-Term Note Program
The Company has a European medium-term note program, which allows the Company to issue various types of debt
instruments such as fixed or floating rate notes, U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated notes, redeemable notes and index
linked or dual currency notes. Capacity under the program is $4.0 billion, subject to market conditions and other factors
impacting our borrowing capacity. Capacity under the program replenishes as outstanding debt under the program is repaid. At
September 30, 2017, the total debt outstanding under the program was $496 million. The debt has a stated interest rate of
2.13% and matures in September 2022.
BAMTech Acquisition Payable
In September 2017, the Company acquired a 42% interest in BAMTech for $1.6 billion due in January 2018 (see Note 3).
Capital Cities/ABC Debt
In connection with the Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. acquisition in 1996, the Company assumed debt previously issued by
Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. At September 30, 2017, the outstanding balance was $105 million, which includes unamortized fair
value adjustments recorded in purchase accounting. The debt matures in 2021 and has a stated interest rate of 8.75%.
Foreign Currency Denominated Debt
The Company has short-term credit facilities of Indian rupee (INR) 10.8 billion ($165 million), which bear interest at
rates determined at the time of drawdown and expire in 2018. At September 30, 2017, the outstanding balance was INR 840
million ($13 million), which bears interest at an average rate of 7.65%.
Asia Theme Parks Borrowings
As part of financing the construction of a third hotel at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, HKSAR converted $219 million
of a loan to equity during fiscal 2016 and 2015, leaving a balance at September 30, 2017 of HK$0.4 billion ($46 million). The
interest rate on this loan is subject to biannual revisions and determined based on the Hong Kong prime rate less 0.875%, but is
capped at an annual rate of 7.625% until March 2022. After March 2022, the interest rate is capped at an annual rate of 8.50%.
As of September 30, 2017, the rate on the loan was 4.13%. Debt service payments will be made depending on sufficient
available funds. Repayment is required by September 30, 2022; however, early repayment is permitted.
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In addition, HKSAR provided Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with a loan facility totaling HK$0.8 billion ($104 million)
that bears interest at a rate of three month HIBOR plus 2% and matures in 2025; however, earlier repayment is permitted. At
September 30, 2017, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort had borrowed HK$0.7 billion ($93 million) under the loan facility, which
bears interest at a rate of 2.78%.
Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with term loans totaling 6.7 billion yuan (approximately $1.0 billion)
bearing interest at rates that increase to 8% and maturing in 2036; however, early repayment is permitted. Shendi has also
provided Shanghai Disney Resort with a 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $205 million) line of credit bearing interest at 8%.
There is no outstanding balance under the line of credit at September 30, 2017.
Credit facility for cruise ships
In October 2016, the Company entered into two credit facilities to finance two new cruise ships, which are expected to be
delivered in 2021 and 2023. The financing may be used for up to 80% of the contract price of the cruise ships. Under the
agreements, $1.0 billion in financing is available beginning in April 2021 and $1.1 billion is available beginning in April 2023.
If utilized, the interest rates will be fixed at 3.48% and 3.74%, respectively, and payable semi-annually. The loans will be repaid
in 24 equal installments over a 12-year period from the borrowing date. Early repayment is permitted subject to cancellation
fees.
Subsequent Debt Issuance
On October 3, 2017, the Company issued Canadian $1.3 billion ($997 million) of fixed rate debt, which bears interest at
2.76% and matures in October 2024. The Company also entered into pay-float interest rate and cross currency swaps that
effectively convert the borrowing to variable rate U.S. dollar denominated borrowing indexed to LIBOR.
Total borrowings, excluding market value adjustments and debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs, have the
following scheduled maturities:
Before
Asia
Theme Parks
Consolidation
Asia
Theme Parks Total
2018 $ 6,169 $ — $ 6,169
2019 2,757 59 2,816
2020 3,000 — 3,000
2021 2,105 — 2,105
2022 1,900 46 1,946
Thereafter 8,426 1,040 9,466
$ 24,357 $ 1,145 $ 25,502
The Company capitalizes interest on assets constructed for its parks and resorts and on certain film and television
productions. In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, total interest capitalized was $87 million, $139 million and $110 million,
respectively. Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $507 million, $354 million
and $265 million, respectively.
9 Income Taxes
Income Before Income Taxes
2017 2016 2015
Domestic (including U.S. exports) $ 12,611 $ 14,018 $ 12,825
Foreign subsidiaries 1,177 850 1,043
$ 13,788 $ 14,868 $ 13,868
82
Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
2017 2016 2015
Current
Federal $ 3,229 $ 3,146 $ 4,182
State 360 154 333
Foreign (1) 489 533 525
4,078 3,833 5,040
Deferred
Federal 370 1,172 82
State 5 100 (52)
Foreign (31) (27) (54)
344 1,245 (24)
$ 4,422 $ 5,078 $ 5,016
(1) Includes foreign withholding taxes
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Deferred tax assets
Accrued liabilities $ (2,422) $ (2,736)
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1,705) (1,567)
Other (386) (566)
Total deferred tax assets (4,513) (4,869)
Deferred tax liabilities
Depreciable, amortizable and other property 5,692 5,682
Foreign subsidiaries 518 348
Licensing revenues 476 480
Other 422 295
Total deferred tax liabilities 7,108 6,805
Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance 2,595 1,936
Valuation allowance 1,716 1,602
Net deferred tax liability $ 4,311 $ 3,538
At September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the valuation allowance primarily relates to $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion,
respectively, of deferred tax assets for International Theme Park net operating losses primarily in France and Hong Kong, and
to a lesser extent, China. The noncontrolling interest share of the net operating losses were $0.2 billion and $0.4 billion at
September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively. The International Theme Park net operating losses have an indefinite
carryforward period in France and Hong Kong and a five-year carryforward period in China.
As of September 30, 2017, the Company had undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $4.7 billion
for which deferred U.S. federal income taxes have not been provided. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings for the
foreseeable future. If these amounts were distributed to the U.S., in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be
subject to additional U.S. income taxes. Assuming these foreign earnings were repatriated under laws and rates applicable at
year end fiscal 2017, the incremental federal tax applicable to the earnings would be approximately $1.2 billion.
83
A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the federal rate is as follows:
2017 2016 2015
Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State taxes, net of federal benefit 1.7 1.8 1.9
Domestic production activity deduction (2.1) (1.6) (1.9)
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory
U.S. federal rate (1.6) (1.1) (1.5)
Disneyland Paris recapitalization (1) — — 2.9
Other, including tax reserves and related interest (2) (0.9) 0.1 (0.2)
32.1 % 34.2 % 36.2 %
(1) At the beginning of fiscal 2015, the Company had a $399 million deferred income tax asset on the difference between
the Company’s tax basis in its investment in Disneyland Paris and the Company’s financial statement carrying value of
Disneyland Paris. As a result of the Disneyland Paris recapitalization and the increase in the Company’s ownership
interest (see Note 6 for further discussion of this transaction), the deferred tax asset was written off to income tax
expense in fiscal 2015.
(2) In fiscal 2017, the Company adopted new accounting guidance, which resulted in $125 million of tax benefits related
to employee share-based awards being credited to “Income taxes” in the Consolidated Statement of Income (see Note
18).
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrual for
interest, is as follows:
2017 2016 2015
Balance at the beginning of the year $ 844 $ 912 $ 803
Increases for current year tax positions 61 71 98
Increases for prior year tax positions 13 142 280
Decreases in prior year tax positions (55) (158) (193)
Settlements with taxing authorities (31) (123) (76)
Balance at the end of the year $ 832 $ 844 $ 912
The fiscal year-end 2017, 2016 and 2015 balances include $444 million, $469 million and $501 million, respectively, that
if recognized, would reduce our income tax expense and effective tax rate. These amounts are net of the offsetting benefits
from other tax jurisdictions.
As of the end of fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $234 million, $221 million and $231 million, respectively,
in accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company
accrued additional interest and penalties of $43 million, $22 million and $68 million, respectively, and recorded reductions in
accrued interest and penalties of $30 million, $32 million and $54 million, respectively, as a result of audit settlements and
other prior-year adjustments. The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examination for years prior to 2013 and is no longer subject to
examination in any of its major state or foreign tax jurisdictions for years prior to 2008.
In the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution
of certain tax matters, which could include payments on those tax matters. These resolutions and payments could reduce our
unrecognized tax benefits by $163 million.
In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, income tax benefits attributable to equity-based compensation transactions exceeded
the amounts recorded based on grant date fair value. In fiscal year 2017, $125 million of income tax benefit was credited to
“Income taxes” in the Consolidated Statement of Income and in fiscal years 2016 and 2015, $207 million and $313 million,
respectively, were credited to shareholders’ equity (see Note 18 for further discussion of the impact of new accounting
pronouncements in fiscal 2017).
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10 Pension and Other Benefit Programs
The Company maintains pension and postretirement medical benefit plans covering certain of its employees not covered
by union or industry-wide plans. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees hired prior to January 1, 2012.
For employees hired after this date, the Company has a defined contribution plan. Benefits under these pension plans are
generally based on years of service and/or compensation and generally require 3 years of vesting service. Employees generally
hired after January 1, 1987 for certain of our media businesses and other employees generally hired after January 1, 1994 are
not eligible for postretirement medical benefits.
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company measures the actuarial value of its benefit obligations and plan assets for its defined benefit pension and
postretirement medical benefit plans at September 30 and adjusts for any plan contributions or significant events between
September 30 and our fiscal year end.
The following chart summarizes the benefit obligations, assets, funded status and balance sheet impacts associated with
the defined benefit pension and postretirement medical benefit plans:
Pension Plans Postretirement Medical Plans
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning obligations $ (14,480) $ (12,379) $ (1,759) $ (1,590)
Service cost (368) (318) (11) (11)
Interest cost (447) (458) (56) (61)
Actuarial gain / (loss) 343 (1,769) 42 (142)
Plan amendments and other (22) 8 (9) (9)
Benefits paid 442 436 47 54
Ending obligations $ (14,532) $ (14,480) $ (1,746) $ (1,759)
Fair value of plans’ assets
Beginning fair value $ 10,401 $ 9,415 $ 614 $ 568
Actual return on plan assets 1,056 624 61 34
Contributions 1,348 839 61 61
Benefits paid (442) (436) (47) (54)
Expenses and other (38) (41) 7 5
Ending fair value $ 12,325 $ 10,401 $ 696 $ 614
Underfunded status of the plans $ (2,207) $ (4,079) $ (1,050) $ (1,145)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
Non-current assets $ 70 $ — $ — $ —
Current liabilities (46) (40) — —
Non-current liabilities (2,231) (4,039) (1,050) (1,145)
$ (2,207) $ (4,079) $ (1,050) $ (1,145)
The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
Pension Plans Postretirement Medical Plans
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Service cost $ 368 $ 318 $ 332 $ 11 $ 11 $ 14
Interest cost 447 458 521 56 61 68
Expected return on plan assets (874) (747) (711) (49) (45) (39)
Amortization of prior year service costs 12 14 16 — (1) (1)
Recognized net actuarial loss 405 242 247 17 8 10
Net periodic benefit cost $ 358 $ 285 $ 405 $ 35 $ 34 $ 52
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In fiscal 2018, we expect pension and postretirement medical costs to decrease by $63 million to $330 million driven by
higher expected returns on plan assets as a result of higher asset values at the end of fiscal 2017.
Key assumptions are as follows:
Pension Plans Postretirement Medical Plans
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Discount rate used to determine the
fiscal year end benefit obligation 3.88% 3.73% 4.47% 3.88% 3.73% 4.47%
Discount rate used to determine the
interest cost component of net
periodic benefit cost 3.18% 3.81% 4.40% 3.18% 3.81% 4.40%
Rate of return on plan assets 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% 7.50%
Rate of salary increase 4.00% 4.00% 4.00% n/a n/a n/a
Year 1 increase in cost of benefits n/a n/a n/a 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Rate of increase to which the cost of
benefits is assumed to decline (the
ultimate trend rate) n/a n/a n/a 4.25% 4.25% 4.25%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate
trend rate n/a n/a n/a 2031 2030 2029
Assumed mortality is also a key assumption in determining benefit obligations.
AOCI, before tax, as of September 30, 2017 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net
periodic benefit cost:
Pension Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans Total
Prior service cost $ (65) $ — $ (65)
Net actuarial loss (4,578) (194) (4,772)
Total amounts included in AOCI (4,643) (194) (4,837)
Prepaid / (accrued) pension cost 2,436 (856) 1,580
Net balance sheet liability $ (2,207) $ (1,050) $ (3,257)
Amounts included in AOCI, before tax, as of September 30, 2017 that are expected to be recognized as components of
net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2018 are:
Pension Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans Total
Prior service cost $ (13) $ — $ (13)
Net actuarial loss (347) (14) (361)
Total $ (360) $ (14) $ (374)
Plan Funded Status
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for pension plans
with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $8.5 billion, $7.7 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, as of
September 30, 2017 and $13.4 billion, $12.4 billion and $9.5 billion, respectively, as of October 1, 2016.
For pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation and
aggregate fair value of plan assets were $12.8 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively, as of September 30, 2017 and $14.5
billion and $10.4 billion respectively, as of October 1, 2016.
The Company’s total accumulated pension benefit obligations at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 were $13.4
billion and $13.3 billion. Approximately 99% was vested as of both dates.
The accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for postretirement medical plans
with accumulated postretirement medical benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $1.7 billion and $0.7 billion,
respectively, at September 30, 2017 and $1.8 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, at October 1, 2016.
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Plan Assets
A significant portion of the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans are managed in a third-party master trust. The
investment policy and allocation of the assets in the master trust were approved by the Company’s Investment and
Administrative Committee, which has oversight responsibility for the Company’s retirement plans. The investment policy
ranges for the major asset classes are as follows:
Asset Class Minimum Maximum
Equity investments 30% 60%
Fixed income investments 20% 40%
Alternative investments 10% 30%
Cash & money market funds 0% 10%
The primary investment objective for the assets within the master trust is the prudent and cost effective management of
assets to satisfy benefit obligations to plan participants. Financial risks are managed through diversification of plan assets,
selection of investment managers and through the investment guidelines incorporated in investment management agreements.
Investments are monitored to assess whether returns are commensurate with risks taken.
The long-term asset allocation policy for the master trust was established taking into consideration a variety of factors
that include, but are not limited to, the average age of participants, the number of retirees, the duration of liabilities and the
expected payout ratio. Liquidity needs of the master trust are generally managed using cash generated by investments or by
liquidating securities.
Assets are generally managed by external investment managers pursuant to investment management agreements that
establish permitted securities and risk controls commensurate with the account’s investment strategy. Some agreements permit
the use of derivative securities (futures, options, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps) that enable investment managers to
enhance returns and manage exposures within their accounts.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants and is generally classified in one of the following categories of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in
markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value
drivers are observable in active markets
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value
drivers are unobservable
During fiscal 2017, the Company adopted new accounting guidance that allows for investments that are measured at net
asset value (NAV) (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient to be excluded from the fair value hierarchy disclosure. Prior year
disclosures have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.
The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets reported at fair value. The methodologies
used at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 are the same.
Level 1 investments are valued based on reported market prices on the last trading day of the fiscal year. Investments in
common and preferred stocks are valued based on an exchange-listed price or a broker’s quote in an active market. Investments
in U.S. Treasury securities are valued based on a broker’s quote in an active market.
Level 2 investments in government and federal agency bonds, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities (MBS)
and asset-backed securities are valued using a broker’s quote in a non-active market or an evaluated price based on a
compilation of reported market information, such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads and estimated default rates.
Derivative financial instruments are valued based on models that incorporate observable inputs for the underlying securities,
such as interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates.
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The Company’s defined benefit plan assets are summarized by level in the following tables:
As of September 30, 2017
Description Level 1 Level 2 Total Plan Asset Mix
Cash $ 88 $ — $ 88 1%
Common and preferred stocks(1) 2,974 — 2,974 23%
Mutual funds 771 — 771 6%
Government and federal agency bonds, notes
and MBS
1,870 548 2,418 19%
Corporate bonds — 579 579 4%
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 99 99 1%
Derivatives and other, net — 14 14 —%
Total investments in the fair value hierarchy $ 5,703 $ 1,240 $ 6,943
Assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient:
Common collective funds 2,727 21%
Alternative investments 2,201 17%
Money market funds and other 1,150 9%
Total investments at fair value $ 13,021 100%
As of October 1, 2016
Description Level 1 Level 2 Total Plan Asset Mix
Cash $ 115 $ — $ 115 1 %
Common and preferred stocks(1) 2,238 — 2,238 20 %
Mutual funds 720 — 720 7 %
Government and federal agency bonds, notes
and MBS
2,116 420 2,536 23 %
Corporate bonds — 469 469 4 %
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 86 86 1 %
Derivatives and other, net 1 (7) (6) — %
Total investments in the fair value hierarchy $ 5,190 $ 968 $ 6,158
Assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient:
Common collective funds 1,861 17 %
Alternative investments 2,072 19 %
Money market funds and other 924 8 %
Total investments at fair value $ 11,015 100 %
(1) Includes 2.9 million shares of Company common stock valued at $282 million (2% of total plan assets) and 2.8
million shares valued at $264 million (2% of total plan assets) at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016,
respectively.
Uncalled Capital Commitments
Alternative investments held by the master trust include interests in funds that have rights to make capital calls to the
investors. In such cases, the master trust would be contractually obligated to make a cash contribution at the time of the capital
call. At September 30, 2017, the total committed capital still uncalled and unpaid was $788 million.
Plan Contributions
During fiscal 2017, the Company made contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans totaling $1.4 billion.
The Company currently does not expect to make material contributions in fiscal 2018. However, final minimum funding
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requirements for fiscal 2018 will be determined based on the January 1, 2018 funding actuarial valuation, which is expected to
be received during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following table presents estimated future benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years:
Pension
Plans
Postretirement
Medical Plans(1)
2018 $ 503 $ 49
2019 504 53
2020 536 58
2021 569 63
2022 607 67
2023 – 2027 3,569 405
(1) Estimated future benefit payments are net of expected Medicare subsidy receipts of $79 million.
Assumptions
Assumptions, such as discount rates, long-term rate of return on plan assets and the healthcare cost trend rate, have a
significant effect on the amounts reported for net periodic benefit cost as well as the related benefit obligations.
Discount Rate — The assumed discount rate for pension and postretirement medical plans reflects the market rates for
high-quality corporate bonds currently available. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering yield curves
constructed of a large population of high-quality corporate bonds and reflects the matching of the plans’ liability cash flows to
the yield curves. The Company measures service and interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve to
the plans’ liability cash flows.
Long-term rate of return on plan assets — The long-term rate of return on plan assets represents an estimate of long-term
returns on an investment portfolio consisting of a mixture of equities, fixed income and alternative investments. When
determining the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers long-term rates of return on the asset classes
(both historical and forecasted) in which the Company expects the pension funds to be invested. The following long-term rates
of return by asset class were considered in setting the long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption:
Equity Securities 7% to 11%
Debt Securities 3% to 5%
Alternative Investments 7% to 12%
Healthcare cost trend rate — The Company reviews external data and its own historical trends for healthcare costs to
determine the healthcare cost trend rates for the postretirement medical benefit plans. The 2017 actuarial valuation assumed a
7.00% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare claims with the rate decreasing in even increments
over fourteen years until reaching 4.25%.
Sensitivity — A one percentage point (ppt) change in the key assumptions would have the following effects on the
projected benefit obligations for pension and postretirement medical plans as of September 30, 2017 and on cost for fiscal
2018:
Discount Rate
Expected
Long-Term
Rate of Return
On Assets
Assumed Healthcare
Cost Trend Rate
Increase/(decrease)
Benefit
Expense
Projected
Benefit
Obligations
Benefit
Expense
Net Periodic
Postretirement
Medical Cost
Projected
Benefit
Obligations
1 ppt decrease $ 263 $ 2,778 $ 127 $ (29) $ (239)
1 ppt increase (242) (2,349) (127) 44 316
Multiemployer Benefit Plans
The Company participates in a number of multiemployer pension plans under union and industry-wide collective
bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees and expenses its contributions to these plans as incurred.
These plans generally provide for retirement, death and/or termination benefits for eligible employees within the applicable
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collective bargaining units, based on specific eligibility/participation requirements, vesting periods and benefit formulas. The
risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans. For example:
• Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other
participating employers.
• If a participating employer stops contributing to the multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may
become the obligation of the remaining participating employers.
• If the Company chooses to stop participating in these multiemployer plans, the Company may be required to pay those
plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan.
The Company also participates in several multiemployer health and welfare plans that cover both active and retired
employees. Health care benefits are provided to participants who meet certain eligibility requirements under the applicable
collective bargaining unit.
The following table sets forth our contributions to multiemployer pension and health and welfare benefit plans that were
expensed during the fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
2017 2016 2015
Pension plans $ 127 $ 126 $ 128
Health & welfare plans 160 167 173
Total contributions $ 287 $ 293 $ 301
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has defined contribution retirement plans for domestic employees who began service after December 31,
2011 and are not eligible to participate in the defined benefit pension plans. In general, the Company contributes from 3% to
9% of an employee’s compensation depending on the employee’s age and years of service with the Company up to plan limits.
The Company has savings and investment plans that allow eligible employees to contribute up to 50% of their salary through
payroll deductions depending on the plan in which the employee participates. The Company matches 50% of the employee’s
contribution up to plan limits. In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the costs of these defined contribution plans were $143
million, $131 million and $110 million, respectively. The Company also has defined contribution retirement plans for
employees in our international operations. The costs of these defined contribution plans were $20 million, $19 million and $19
million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
11 Equity
The Company paid the following dividends in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Per Share Total Paid Payment Timing Related to Fiscal Period
$0.78 $1.2 billion Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017 First Half 2017
$0.78 $1.2 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2017 Second Half 2016
$0.71 $1.1 billion Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 First Half 2016
$0.71 $1.2 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Second Half 2015
$0.66 $1.1 billion Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015 First Half 2015
$1.15 $1.9 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2015 2014
The Company repurchased its common stock in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 as follows:
Fiscal year Shares acquired Total paid
2017 89 million $9.4 billion
2016 74 million $7.5 billion
2015 60 million $6.1 billion
On January 30, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the amount of shares that can be repurchased to 400
million shares as of that date. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had remaining authorization in place to repurchase 192
million additional shares. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
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The following table summarizes the changes in each component of AOCI including our proportional share of equity
method investee amounts, net of 37% estimated tax:
Market Value Adjustments
Unrecognized
Pension and
Postretirement
Medical
Expense
Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other(1) AOCIInvestments
Cash Flow
Hedges
Balance at Sept. 27, 2014 $ 100 $ 204 $ (2,196) $ (76) $ (1,968)
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period (37) 421 (474) (195) (285)
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income (50) (291) 173 — (168)
Balance at Oct. 3, 2015 13 334 (2,497) (271) (2,421)
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period 13 (193) (1,321) (58) (1,559)
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income — (166) 167 — 1
Balance at Oct. 1, 2016 26 (25) (3,651) (329) (3,979)
Unrealized gains (losses)
arising during the period (1) 85 312 (78) 318
Reclassifications of realized
net (gains) losses to net
income (17) (122) 272 — 133
Balance at Sept. 30, 2017 $ 8 $ (62) $ (3,067) $ (407) $ (3,528)
(1) Foreign Currency Translation and Other is net of an average 22% estimated tax at September 30, 2017 as the
Company has not recognized deferred tax assets for some of our foreign entities.
Details about AOCI components reclassified to net income are as follows:
Gains/(losses) in net income:
Affected line item in the Consolidated
Statements of Income: 2017 2016 2015
Investments, net Interest expense, net $ 27 $ — $ 79
Estimated tax Income taxes (10) — (29)
17 — 50
Cash flow hedges Primarily revenue 194 264 462
Estimated tax Income taxes (72) (98) (171)
122 166 291
Pension and postretirement medical
expense Cost and expenses (432) (265) (274)
Estimated tax Income taxes 160 98 101
(272) (167) (173)
Total reclassifications for the period $ (133) $ (1) $ 168
12 Equity-Based Compensation
Under various plans, the Company may grant stock options and other equity-based awards to executive, management and
creative personnel. The Company’s approach to long-term incentive compensation contemplates awards of stock options and
restricted stock units (RSUs). Certain RSUs awarded to senior executives vest based upon the achievement of market or
performance conditions (Performance RSUs).
Stock options are generally granted at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the market price at the date of grant and
become exercisable ratably over a four-year period from the grant date. The contractual terms for our outstanding stock option
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grants are 10 years. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, options can
occasionally extend up to 15 years after date of grant. RSUs generally vest ratably over four years and Performance RSUs fully
vest after three years, subject to achieving market or performance conditions. Equity-based award grants generally provide
continued vesting, in the event of termination, for employees that reach age 60 or greater, have at least ten years of service and
have held the award for at least one year.
Each share granted subject to a stock option award reduces the number of shares available under the Company’s stock
incentive plans by one share while each share granted subject to a RSU award reduces the number of shares available by two
shares. As of September 30, 2017, the maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Company’s stock incentive
plans (assuming all the awards are in the form of stock options) was approximately 66 million shares and the number available
for issuance assuming all awards are in the form of RSUs was approximately 33 million shares. The Company satisfies stock
option exercises and vesting of RSUs with newly issued shares. Stock options and RSUs are generally forfeited by employees
who terminate prior to vesting.
Each year, during the first half of the year, the Company awards stock options and restricted stock units to a broad-based
group of management and creative personnel. The fair value of options is estimated based on the binomial valuation model. The
binomial valuation model takes into account variables such as volatility, dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate. The
binomial valuation model also considers the expected exercise multiple (the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which
exercises are expected to occur on average) and the termination rate (the probability of a vested option being canceled due to
the termination of the option holder) in computing the value of the option.
In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the weighted average assumptions used in the option-valuation model were as
follows:
2017 2016 2015
Risk-free interest rate 2.6% 2.3% 2.1%
Expected volatility 22% 26% 24%
Dividend yield 1.58% 1.32% 1.37%
Termination rate 4.0% 4.0% 3.2%
Exercise multiple 1.62 1.62 1.48
Although the initial fair value of stock options is not adjusted after the grant date, changes in the Company’s assumptions
may change the value of, and therefore the expense related to, future stock option grants. The assumptions that cause the
greatest variation in fair value in the binomial valuation model are the expected volatility and expected exercise multiple.
Increases or decreases in either the expected volatility or expected exercise multiple will cause the binomial option value to
increase or decrease, respectively. The volatility assumption considers both historical and implied volatility and may be
impacted by the Company’s performance as well as changes in economic and market conditions.
Compensation expense for RSUs and stock options is recognized ratably over the service period of the award.
Compensation expense for RSUs is based on the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date.
Compensation expense for Performance RSUs reflects the estimated probability that the market or performance conditions will
be met.
The impact of stock options and RSUs on income and cash flows for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, was as follows:
2017 2016 2015
Stock option $ 90 $ 93 $ 102
RSUs 274 293 309
Total equity-based compensation expense (1) 364 386 411
Tax impact (123) (131) (134)
Reduction in net income $ 241 $ 255 $ 277
Equity-based compensation expense capitalized during the period $ 78 $ 78 $ 57
Tax benefit reported in cash flow from financing activities (2) n/a $ 208 $ 313
(1) Equity-based compensation expense is net of capitalized equity-based compensation and estimated forfeitures and
excludes amortization of previously capitalized equity-based compensation costs.
(2) The amount for fiscal 2017 is not applicable as the Company adopted new accounting guidance in fiscal 2017 (see
Note 18).
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The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions (shares in millions):
2017
Shares
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of year 25 $ 66.91
Awards forfeited (1) 99.40
Awards granted 5 105.20
Awards exercised (5) 52.58
Outstanding at end of year 24 $ 76.68
Exercisable at end of year 14 $ 58.62
The following tables summarize information about stock options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2017
(shares in millions):
Vested
Range of Exercise Prices
Number of
Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Years of
Contractual
Life
$ — — $ 35 1 $ 30.15 2.3
$ 36 — $ 45 4 39.10 3.9
$ 46 — $ 90 6 59.42 5.6
$ 91 — $ 115 3 99.59 7.6
14
Expected to Vest
Range of Exercise Prices
Number of
Options (1)
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Years of
Contractual
Life
$ — — $ 75 1 $ 72.56 6.2
$ 76 — $ 95 2 92.12 7.3
$ 96 — $ 115 7 107.98 8.9
10
(1) Number of options expected to vest is total unvested options less estimated forfeitures.
The following table summarizes information about RSU transactions (shares in millions):
2017
Units
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of year 10 $ 88.84
Granted (1) 4 105.66
Vested (4) 77.15
Forfeited (1) 97.85
Unvested at end of year (2) 9 $ 101.17
(1) Includes 0.2 million Performance RSUs.
(2) Includes 0.6 million Performance RSUs.
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The weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $25.65, $30.93
and $22.65, respectively. The total intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) of options exercised and
RSUs vested during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 totaled $757 million, $981 million and $1,332 million, respectively. The
aggregate intrinsic values of stock options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2017 were $562 million and $42
million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2017, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and RSUs was $133
million and $468 million, respectively. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years for
stock options and 1.6 years for RSUs.
Cash received from option exercises for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $276 million, $259 million and $329 million,
respectively. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with option exercises and RSUs vesting for fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015 was $264 million, $342 million and $457 million, respectively.
13 Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts
Current receivables
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Accounts receivable $ 8,013 $ 8,458
Other 807 760
Allowance for doubtful accounts (187) (153)
$ 8,633 $ 9,065
Other current assets
Prepaid expenses $ 445 $ 449
Other 143 244
$ 588 $ 693
Parks, resorts and other property
Attractions, buildings and improvements $ 28,644 $ 27,930
Leasehold improvements 898 830
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 18,908 16,912
Land improvements 5,593 4,598
54,043 50,270
Accumulated depreciation (29,037) (26,849)
Projects in progress 2,145 2,684
Land 1,255 1,244
$ 28,406 $ 27,349
Intangible assets
Character/franchise intangibles and copyrights $ 5,829 $ 5,829
Other amortizable intangible assets 1,154 893
Accumulated amortization (1,828) (1,635)
Net amortizable intangible assets 5,155 5,087
FCC licenses 602 624
Trademarks 1,218 1,218
Other indefinite lived intangible assets 20 20
$ 6,995 $ 6,949
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Other non-current assets
September 30,
2017
October 1,
2016
Receivables $ 1,688 $ 1,651
Prepaid expenses 233 229
Other 469 460
$ 2,390 $ 2,340
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
Accounts payable $ 6,490 $ 6,860
Payroll and employee benefits 1,819 1,747
Other 546 523
$ 8,855 $ 9,130
Other long-term liabilities
Pension and postretirement medical plan liabilities $ 3,281 $ 5,184
Other 3,162 2,522
$ 6,443 $ 7,706
14 Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company has various contractual commitments for broadcast rights for sports, feature films and other programming,
totaling approximately $47.5 billion, including approximately $0.4 billion for available programming as of September 30,
2017, and approximately $45.0 billion related to sports programming rights, primarily for college football (including bowl
games and the College Football Playoff) and basketball, NBA, NFL, MLB, US Open Tennis, various soccer rights, NHL, the
Wimbledon Championships and the Masters golf tournament.
The Company has entered into operating leases for various real estate and equipment needs, including retail outlets and
distribution centers for consumer products, broadcast equipment and office space for general and administrative purposes.
Rental expense for operating leases during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, including common-area maintenance and
contingent rentals, was $868 million, $847 million and $859 million, respectively.
The Company also has contractual commitments for the construction of three new cruise ships, creative talent and
employment agreements and unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to
actors, producers, sports, television and radio personalities and executives.
Contractual commitments for broadcast programming rights, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable
operating leases, cruise ships, creative talent and other commitments totaled $58.3 billion at September 30, 2017, payable as
follows:
Broadcast
Programming
Operating
Leases Other Total
2018 $ 6,662 $ 580 $ 1,825 $ 9,067
2019 6,868 472 998 8,338
2020 6,844 401 777 8,022
2021 6,694 324 384 7,402
2022 4,779 244 1,005 6,028
Thereafter 15,701 1,327 2,424 19,452
$ 47,548 $ 3,348 $ 7,413 $ 58,309
Certain contractual commitments, principally broadcast programming rights and operating leases, have payments that are
variable based primarily on revenues and are not included in the table above.
The Company has non-cancelable capital leases, primarily for land and broadcast equipment, which had gross carrying
values of $466 million and $464 million at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively. Accumulated amortization
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related to these capital leases totaled $233 million and $216 million at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.
Future payments under these leases as of September 30, 2017 are as follows:
2018 $ 25
2019 17
2020 15
2021 15
2022 15
Thereafter 446
Total minimum obligations 533
Less amount representing interest (392)
Present value of net minimum obligations 141
Less current portion (12)
Long-term portion $ 129
Legal Matters
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its businesses.
Management does not believe that the Company has incurred a probable material loss by reason of any of the above actions.
Contractual Guarantees
The Company has guaranteed bond issuances by the Anaheim Public Authority that were used by the City of Anaheim to
finance construction of infrastructure and a public parking facility adjacent to the Disneyland Resort. Revenues from sales,
occupancy and property taxes from the Disneyland Resort and non-Disney hotels are used by the City of Anaheim to repay the
bonds. In the event of a debt service shortfall, the Company will be responsible to fund the shortfall. As of September 30, 2017,
the remaining debt service obligation guaranteed by the Company was $306 million, of which $48 million was principal. To the
extent that tax revenues exceed the debt service payments in subsequent periods, the Company would be reimbursed for any
previously funded shortfalls. To date, tax revenues have exceeded the debt service payments for the Anaheim bonds.
Long-Term Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses
The Company has accounts receivable with original maturities greater than one year related to the sale of television
program rights and vacation ownership units. Allowances for credit losses are established against these receivables as
necessary.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from the sale of television programs based
upon a number of factors, including historical experience and the financial condition of individual companies with which we do
business. The balance of television program sales receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of an immaterial
allowance for credit losses, was $0.9 billion as of September 30, 2017. Fiscal 2017 activity related to the allowance for credit
losses was not material.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses related to receivables from sales of its vacation ownership units
based primarily on historical collection experience. Estimates of uncollectible amounts also consider the economic environment
and the age of receivables. The balance of mortgage receivables recorded in other non-current assets, net of a related allowance
for credit losses of approximately 4%, was $0.7 billion as of September 30, 2017. Fiscal 2017 activity related to the allowance
for credit losses was not material.
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15 Fair Value Measurement
The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables by fair value
measurement Level. See Note 10 for definitions of fair value measures and the Levels within the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2017
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
Investments $ 36 $ — $ — $ 36
Derivatives
Interest rate — 10 — 10
Foreign exchange — 403 — 403
Other — 8 — 8
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate — (122) — (122)
Foreign exchange — (427) — (427)
Total recorded at fair value $ 36 $ (128) $ — $ (92)
Fair value of borrowings $ — $ 23,110 $ 2,764 $ 25,874
Fair Value Measurement at October 1, 2016
Description Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets
Investments $ 85 $ — $ — $ 85
Derivatives
Interest rate — 132 — 132
Foreign exchange — 596 — 596
Other — 6 — 6
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate — (13) — (13)
Foreign exchange — (510) — (510)
Other — (4) — (4)
Total recorded at fair value $ 85 $ 207 $ — $ 292
Fair value of borrowings $ — $ 19,500 $ 1,579 $ 21,079
The fair values of Level 2 derivatives are primarily determined by internal discounted cash flow models that use
observable inputs such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign currency exchange rates. Counterparty credit risk, which is
mitigated by master netting agreements and collateral posting arrangements with certain counterparties, did not have a material
impact on derivative fair value estimates.
Level 2 borrowings, which include commercial paper and U.S. medium-term notes, are valued based on quoted prices for
similar instruments in active markets.
Level 3 borrowings, which include Asia Theme Park borrowings and other foreign currency denominated borrowings, are
generally valued based on historical market transactions, prevailing market interest rates and the Company’s current borrowing
cost and credit risk.
The Company’s financial instruments also include cash, cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable. The carrying
values of these financial instruments approximate the fair values.
The Company also has assets that are required to be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis when the estimated
future cash flows provide indicators that the asset may be impaired. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded film
production cost impairment charges of $115 million and $102 million, respectively. At September 30, 2017 and October 1,
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2016, the aggregate carrying value of the films for which we prepared the fair value analyses in fiscal 2017 and 2016 was $143
million and $297 million, respectively. The fiscal 2017 and the majority of fiscal 2016 impairment charges are reported in
“Cost of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The balance of the fiscal 2016 charges related to the shutdown of
certain international film production operations and are reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The film impairment charges reflected the excess of the unamortized cost of the impaired films over
their estimated fair value using discounted cash flows, which is a Level 3 valuation technique.
Credit Concentrations
The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to its
financial instruments on an ongoing basis and does not currently anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties.
The Company does not expect that it would realize a material loss, based on the fair value of its derivative financial
instruments as of September 30, 2017, in the event of nonperformance by any single derivative counterparty. The Company
generally enters into derivative transactions only with counterparties that have a credit rating of A- or better and requires
collateral in the event credit ratings fall below A- or aggregate exposures exceed limits as defined by contract. In addition, the
Company limits the amount of investment credit exposure with any one institution.
The Company does not have material cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that have below
investment grade credit ratings. As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s balances with individual financial institutions that
exceeded 10% of the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents were 25% of total cash and cash equivalents compared to 34%
as of October 1, 2016.
The Company’s trade receivables and financial investments do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk at
September 30, 2017 due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which the Company’s products are sold, the dispersion
of our customers across geographic areas and the diversification of the Company’s portfolio among financial institutions.
16 Derivative Instruments
The Company manages its exposure to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations according to a risk
management policy. The primary risks managed with derivative instruments are interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.
The Company’s derivative positions measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables:
As of September 30, 2017
Current
Assets Other Assets
Other
Current
Liabilities
Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Foreign exchange $ 175 $ 190 $ (192) $ (170)
Interest rate — 10 (106) —
Other 6 2 — —
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Foreign exchange 38 — (46) (19)
Interest Rate — — — (16)
Gross fair value of derivatives 219 202 (344) (205)
Counterparty netting (142) (190) 188 144
Cash collateral (received)/paid (20) (7) 19 —
Net derivative positions $ 57 $ 5 $ (137) $ (61)
98
As of October 1, 2016
Current
Assets Other Assets
Other
Current
Liabilities
Other Long-
Term
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedges
Foreign exchange $ 278 $ 191 $ (209) $ (163)
Interest rate — 132 (13) —
Other 3 3 (4) —
Derivatives not designated as hedges
Foreign exchange 125 2 (133) (5)
Gross fair value of derivatives 406 328 (359) (168)
Counterparty netting (241) (199) 316 124
Cash collateral (received)/paid (77) (44) 7 —
Net derivative positions $ 88 $ 85 $ (36) $ (44)
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through its borrowing activities. The Company’s
objective is to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and on the market value of its
borrowings. In accordance with its policy, the Company targets its fixed-rate debt as a percentage of its net debt between a
minimum and maximum percentage. The Company typically uses pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps to facilitate its
interest rate management activities.
The Company designates pay-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate borrowings effectively
converting fixed-rate borrowings to variable rate borrowings indexed to LIBOR. As of September 30, 2017 and October 1,
2016, the total notional amount of the Company’s pay-floating interest rate swaps was $8.2 billion and $8.3 billion,
respectively. The following table summarizes adjustments related to fair value hedges included in “Interest expense, net” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
2017 2016 2015
Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps $ (211) $ 18 $ 60
Gain (loss) on hedged borrowings 211 (18) (60)
In addition, the Company realized net benefits of $35 million, $94 million and $97 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and
2015, respectively, in “Interest expense, net” related to pay-floating interest rate swaps.
The Company may designate pay-fixed interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest payments on floating-rate
borrowings. Pay-fixed swaps effectively convert floating rate borrowings to fixed-rate borrowings. The unrealized gains or
losses from these cash flow hedges are deferred in AOCI and recognized in interest expense as the interest payments occur. The
Company did not have pay-fixed interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest payments at
September 30, 2017 or at October 1, 2016, and gains and losses related to pay-fixed swaps recognized in earnings for fiscal
years 2017, 2016 and 2015 were not material.
To facilitate its interest rate risk management activities, the Company sold an option in November 2016 to enter into a
future pay-floating interest rate swap indexed to LIBOR for $0.5 billion in future borrowings. The fair value of this contract as
of September 30, 2017 was not material. In October 2017, the Company sold an additional option for $0.5 billion in future
borrowings with the same terms. The options are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting,
accordingly, changes in value are recorded in earnings.
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
The Company transacts business globally and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange
rates. The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow fluctuations associated with foreign currency exchange rate
changes, enabling management to focus on core business issues and challenges.
The Company enters into option and forward contracts that change in value as foreign currency exchange rates change to
protect the value of its existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, firm commitments and forecasted but not firmly committed
foreign currency transactions. In accordance with policy, the Company hedges its forecasted foreign currency transactions for
periods generally not to exceed four years within an established minimum and maximum range of annual exposure. The gains
and losses on these contracts offset changes in the U.S. dollar equivalent value of the related forecasted transaction, asset,
99
liability or firm commitment. The principal currencies hedged are the euro, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and British pound.
Cross-currency swaps are used to effectively convert foreign currency-denominated borrowings into U.S. dollar denominated
borrowings.
The Company designates foreign exchange forward and option contracts as cash flow hedges of firmly committed and
forecasted foreign currency transactions. As of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the notional amounts of the
Company’s net foreign exchange cash flow hedges were $6.3 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively. Mark-to-market gains and
losses on these contracts are deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting
changes in the value of the foreign currency transactions. Gains and losses recognized related to ineffectiveness for fiscal years
2017, 2016 and 2015 were not material. Net deferred losses recorded in AOCI that will be reclassified to earnings in the next
twelve months totaled $56 million.
Foreign exchange risk management contracts with respect to foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are not
designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. The notional amounts of these foreign exchange contracts at
September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 were $3.6 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively. The following table summarizes the
net foreign exchange gains or losses recognized on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities and the net foreign
exchange gains or losses on the foreign exchange contracts we entered into to mitigate our exposure with respect to foreign
currency denominated assets and liabilities for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 by corresponding line item in which they are
recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income:
Costs and Expenses Interest expense, net Income Tax Expense
2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Net gains (losses) on foreign
currency denominated assets
and liabilities $ 105 $ 2 $ (574) $ (13) $ (2) $ 42 $ 3 $ 49 $ 40
Net gains (losses) on foreign
exchange risk management
contracts not designated as
hedges (120) (65) 558 11 — (43) 24 (24) —
Net gains (losses) $ (15) $ (63) $ (16) $ (2) $ (2) $ (1) $ 27 $ 25 $ 40
Commodity Price Risk Management
The Company is subject to the volatility of commodities prices, and the Company designates certain commodity forward
contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted commodity purchases. Mark-to-market gains and losses on these contracts are
deferred in AOCI and are recognized in earnings when the hedged transactions occur, offsetting changes in the value of
commodity purchases. The notional amount and fair value of these commodity forward contracts at September 30, 2017 and
October 1, 2016 were not material. The related gains and losses recognized in earnings were not material for fiscal years 2017,
2016 and 2015.
Risk Management – Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
The Company enters into certain other risk management contracts that are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for
hedge accounting. These contracts, which include certain swap contracts, are intended to offset economic exposures of the
Company and are carried at market value with any changes in value recorded in earnings. The notional amount and fair value of
these contracts at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 were not material. The related gains and losses recognized in
earnings were not material for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Contingent Features and Cash Collateral
The Company has master netting arrangements by counterparty with respect to certain derivative financial instrument
contracts. The Company may be required to post collateral in the event that a net liability position with a counterparty exceeds
limits defined by contract and that vary with the Company’s credit rating. In addition, these contracts may require a
counterparty to post collateral to the Company in the event that a net receivable position with a counterparty exceeds limits
defined by contract and that vary with the counterparty’s credit rating. If the Company’s or counterparty’s credit ratings were to
fall below investment grade, such counterparties or the Company would also have the right to terminate our derivative
contracts, which could lead to a net payment to or from the Company for the aggregate net value by counterparty of our
derivative contracts. The aggregate fair values of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features in a net
liability position by counterparty were $217 million and $86 million at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.
100
17 Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $98 million, $156 million and $53 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2017 were due to severance costs and asset impairments. Charges in fiscal
2016 were due to asset impairments and severance and contract termination costs. Charges in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to
a contract termination and severance.
18 New Accounting Pronouncements
Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance to improve certain aspects of the
hedge accounting model including making more risk management strategies eligible for hedge accounting and simplifying the
assessment of hedge effectiveness. The Company is assessing the potential impact this guidance will have on its financial
statements. The new guidance is effective beginning with the Company’s 2020 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted in any
interim period) and requires prospective adoption with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning
of the fiscal year of adoption for existing hedging relationships.
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance that requires presentation of all components of net periodic pension and
postretirement benefit costs, other than service costs, in an income statement line item outside of a subtotal of income from
operations. The service cost component will continue to be presented in the same line items as other employee compensation
costs. In addition, the guidance allows only service costs to be eligible for capitalization, for example, as part of a self-
constructed fixed asset or a film production. The new guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of the Company’s
2019 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an annual period). The guidance is required to be adopted
retrospectively with respect to the income statement presentation requirement and prospectively for the capitalization
requirement. We do not expect the change in capitalization requirement to have a material impact on our financial statements.
See Note 10 for the amount of each component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs we have reported
historically. These amounts of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs are not necessarily indicative of future
amounts that may arise in years following implementation of the new accounting pronouncement.
Restricted Cash
In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires restricted cash to be presented with cash and cash equivalents
in the statement of cash flows. Restricted cash is recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. However, the
increases or decreases in restricted cash are no longer reported as a change in operating assets. The Company adopted the new
guidance in fiscal 2017, which required retrospective adoption. Upon adoption, operating activities in the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal 2016 were reduced by $0.3 billion and for fiscal 2015 were increased by $0.2 billion. A
reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows has been provided in Note 2.
Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
In October 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an
asset other than inventory to be recognized when the transfer occurs instead of when the asset is sold to an outside party. The
new guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of the Company’s 2019 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted as
of the beginning of an annual period). The guidance requires prospective adoption with a cumulative-effect adjustment to
retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is assessing the potential impact this guidance
will have on its financial statements.
Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting
In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance to amend certain aspects of accounting for employee share-based awards,
including accounting for income taxes related to those transactions. This guidance requires that excess tax benefits and
deficiencies (that result from an increase or decrease in the fair value of an award from grant date to the vesting date or exercise
date) on share-based compensation arrangements are recorded in the tax provision, instead of in equity as under the prior
guidance. These amounts will also be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows, instead of as a financing
activity. In addition, cash paid for shares withheld to satisfy employee taxes is to be classified as a financing activity, instead of
as an operating activity.
101
The Company adopted the new guidance in fiscal 2017, and the impact was as follows:
• During fiscal 2017, excess tax benefits of $0.1 billion, were recognized as a benefit in “Income taxes” in the
Consolidated Statement of Income and classified as a source in operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows. The guidance required prospective adoption for the statement of income and allowed for either
prospective or retrospective adoption for the statement of cash flows. The Company elected to prospectively adopt the
effect to the statement of cash flows and accordingly, did not restate the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
fiscal 2016 or 2015, which had excess tax benefits of approximately $0.2 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively.
• During fiscal 2017, cash paid for shares withheld to satisfy employee taxes of $0.2 billion was classified as a use in
financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The guidance required retrospective adoption;
accordingly, for fiscal 2016 and 2015, uses of $0.2 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively, were reclassified from
operating activities to financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard, which requires the present value of future operating
lease payments to be recorded as right-of-use lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. As of September 30, 2017
and October 1, 2016, the Company had an estimated $3.3 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, in undiscounted future
minimum lease commitments. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance on its financial statements.
The guidance is required to be adopted retrospectively, and is effective beginning in the first quarter of the Company’s 2020
fiscal year (with early adoption permitted).
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance that replaces the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition with a
single comprehensive five-step model, eliminating industry-specific accounting rules. The core principle is to recognize
revenue upon the transfer of control of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to
be received. Since its issuance, the FASB has amended several aspects of the new guidance, including provisions that address
revenue recognition associated with the licensing of intellectual property (IP). The new guidance, including the amendments, is
effective at the beginning of the Company’s 2019 fiscal year.
We have reviewed our significant revenue streams and identified the required changes to our revenue recognition policies.
Based on our existing customer contracts and relationships, we do not expect the implementation of the new guidance will have
a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. The Company’s evaluation of the impact could
change if we enter into new revenue arrangements in the future or interpretations of the new guidance further evolve.
While not expected to be material, the more significant changes to the Company’s revenue recognition policies are in the
following areas:
• For television and film content licensing agreements with multiple availability windows with the same licensee, the
Company will defer more revenues to future windows than is currently deferred.
• For licenses of character images, brands and trademarks subject to minimum guaranteed license fees, we currently
recognize the difference between the minimum guaranteed amount and actual royalties earned from licensee
merchandise sales (“shortfalls”) at the end of the contract period. Under the new guidance, projected guarantee
shortfalls will be recognized straight-line over the license period remaining once an expected shortfall is identified.
• For licenses that include multiple television and film titles subject to minimum guaranteed license fees, the Company
will recognize an allocation of the minimum guaranteed license fee as each title is made available to the customer.
Under current guidance, guarantee shortfalls for licenses of multiple titles are deferred to the end of the contract
period.
• For renewals or extensions of license agreements for television and film content, we will recognize revenue when the
licensed content becomes available under the renewal or extension, instead of when the agreement is renewed or
extended.
We are continuing our assessment of potential changes to our disclosures under the new guidance.
The guidance may be adopted either by restating all years presented in the Company’s financial statements for fiscal
2019, 2018 and 2017 (full retrospective method) or by recording the impact of adoption as an adjustment to retained earnings at
the beginning of fiscal 2019 (modified retrospective method). The Company currently expects to adopt the standard using the
modified retrospective method.
The Company’s equity method investees are considered private companies for purposes of applying the new guidance and
are not required to adopt the new standard until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not yet assessed the
impact of the new rules on our equity investees.
102
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(in millions, except per share data)
(unaudited) Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2017
Revenues $ 14,784 $ 13,336 $ 14,238 $ 12,779
Segment operating income (5) 3,956 3,996 4,011 2,812
Net income 2,488 2,539 2,474 1,865
Net income attributable to Disney 2,479 2,388 2,366 1,747
Earnings per share:
Diluted $ 1.55 $ 1.50 $ 1.51 (3) $ 1.13 (4)
Basic 1.56 1.51 1.51 1.14
2016
Revenues $ 15,244 $ 12,969 $ 14,277 $ 13,142
Segment operating income (5) 4,267 3,822 4,456 3,176
Net income 2,910 2,276 2,712 1,892
Net income attributable to Disney 2,880 2,143 2,597 1,771
Earnings per share:
Diluted $ 1.73 (1) $ 1.30 (2) $ 1.59 (3) $ 1.10 (4)
Basic 1.74 1.31 1.60 $ 1.10
(1) Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2016 included the Vice Gain, which had a favorable impact of $0.13 on earnings per
diluted share (see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), partially offset by restructuring and impairment
charges, which had an adverse impact of $0.03 on diluted earnings per share.
(2) Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 included the Infinity Charge, which had an adverse impact of $0.06 on diluted
earnings per share (See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
(3) Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 included a charge, net of committed insurance recoveries, incurred in connection
with the settlement of litigation, which had an adverse impact of $0.07 on diluted earnings per share. Results for the third
quarter of fiscal 2016 included restructuring and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of $0.03 on diluted
earnings per share.
(4) Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 included a non-cash net gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling
interest in BAMTech, which had a favorable impact of $0.10 per diluted earnings per share (see Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements), partially offset by restructuring and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of $0.04 per
diluted earnings per share. Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 included an adjustment to the Infinity Charge taken
in the second quarter, which had a favorable impact of $0.01 per diluted earnings per share, partially offset by restructuring
and impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of $0.01 per diluted earnings per share.
(5) Segment operating results reflect earnings before the Infinity Charge, corporate and unallocated shared expenses,
restructuring and impairment charges, other expense, interest income/(expense), income taxes and noncontrolling interests.
Segment operating income includes equity in the income of investees except for the Vice Gain.
9DEC201702453879
Comparison of five-year cumulative total return
The following graph compares the performance of the Company’s common stock with the performance of the S&P 500
and the Media Peers index assuming $100 was invested on September 28, 2012 (the last trading day of the 2012 fiscal
year) in the Company’s common stock, the S&P 500 and the Media Peers index.
The Walt Disney Company
S&P 500
Media Peers
$0
$50
$200
$100
$150
$250
September 28, 2012 September 27, 2013 September 26, 2014 October 2, 2015 September 29, 2017September 30, 2016
$100 $127 $174 $206 $188 $203
$100 $120 $144 $144 $164 $194
$100 $139 $166 $170 $175 $195
The Media Peers index is a custom index consisting of, in addition to The Walt Disney Company, media enterprises
Time Warner Inc., CBS Corporation (Class B), Viacom Inc. (Class B), Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (Class A), and
Comcast Corporation (Class A).
103
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SENIOR CORPORATE OFFICERS PRINCIPAL BUSINESSES
Susan E. Arnold Robert A. Iger Andy Bird
Operating Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chairman
The Carlyle Group Walt Disney International
Alan N. Braverman
Mary T. Barra Senior Executive Vice President, Bob Chapek
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer General Counsel and Secretary Chairman
General Motors Company Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Kevin A. Mayer
John S. Chen Senior Executive Vice President and Alan Horn
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chief Strategy Officer Chairman
BlackBerry, Ltd. The Walt Disney Studios
Christine M. McCarthy
Jack Dorsey Senior Executive Vice President and James A. Pitaro
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chairman
Twitter, Inc. and Disney Consumer Products and
Zenia B. MuchaChairman and Chief Executive Officer Interactive Media
Senior Executive Vice President andSquare, Inc.
Chief Communications Officer Ben Sherwood
Robert A. Iger Co-Chairman
Jayne ParkerChairman and Chief Executive Officer Disney Media Networks,
Senior Executive Vice President andThe Walt Disney Company President
Chief Human Resources Officer Disney/ABC Television Group
Maria Elena Lagomasino
Brent A. WoodfordChief Executive Officer and Managing Partner STOCK EXCHANGE
Executive Vice PresidentWE Family Offices Disney common stock is listed for trading on
Controllership, Financial Planning & Tax the New York Stock Exchange under the
Fred H. Langhammer ticker symbol DIS.
Chairman, Global Affairs
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
Aylwin B. Lewis Attention: Disney Shareholder Services
Former Chairman, Chief Executive Officer P.O. Box 1342
and President Brentwood, NY 11717
Potbelly Corporation Phone: 1-855-553-4763
Robert W. Matschullat E-Mail: disneyshareholder@broadridge.com
Former Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
The Seagram Company Ltd. Internet: www.disneyshareholder.com
Mark G. Parker A copy of the Company’s annual report filed
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer with the Securities and Exchange Commission
NIKE, Inc. (Form 10-K) will be furnished without charge
to any shareholder upon written request to the
Sheryl K. Sandberg address listed above.
Chief Operating Officer
Facebook, Inc. DIRECT REGISTRATION SERVICES
The Walt Disney Company common stock can
Orin C. Smith be issued in direct registration (book entry or
Former President and Chief Executive Officer uncertificated) form. The stock is Direct
Starbucks Corporation Registration System (DRS) eligible.
104
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23NOV201308451837 16JAN201510203148! Disney
6JAN201605190975
10DEC201511292957
Fiscal Year 2015 Annual Financial Report And Shareholder Letter
10DEC201400361461
Dear Shareholders,
The Force was definitely with us this year! Fiscal 2015 was another triumph across the board in terms of creativity
and innovation as well as financial performance. For the fifth year in a row, The Walt Disney Company delivered record
results with revenue, net income and earnings per share all reaching historic highs once again.
It’s an impressive winning streak that speaks to our continued leadership in the entertainment industry, the
incredible demand for our brands and franchises, and the special place our storytelling has in the hearts and lives of
millions of people around the world. All of which is even more remarkable when you remember that Disney first
started entertaining audiences almost a century ago.
The world certainly looks a lot different than it did when Walt Disney first opened shop in 1923, and so does the
company that bears his name. Our company continues to evolve with each generation, mixing beloved characters and
storytelling traditions with grand new experiences that are relevant to our growing global audience.
Even though we’ve been telling our timeless stories for generations, Disney maintains the bold, ambitious heart of
a company just getting started in a world full of promise. And it’s getting stronger through strategic acquisitions like
Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm that continue to bring new creative energy across the company as well as the constructive
disruptions of this dynamic digital age that unlock new opportunities for growth.
Our willingness to challenge the status quo and embrace change is one of our greatest strengths, especially in a
media market rapidly transforming with each new technology or consumer trend. We’re inspired and energized by the
opportunities in this dynamic era, especially given our unparalleled pipeline of creative content and collection of world-
class media brands — ABC, Disney, and ESPN — which allow us to navigate the changing landscape strategically and
effectively.
Nothing reflects our audacious ambition better than the phenomenal resurgence of Star Wars since we acquired
Lucasfilm three years ago. We were determined to write a future for the Star Wars franchise that would connect with
this new generation and all the ones that follow, while staying true to the soul of the storytelling that has enraptured
devoted fans for decades.
The results have been nothing short of spectacular. With the perfect blend of familiar faces and a brilliant cast of
new characters to carry the story forward, our first feature film in the franchise, Star Wars: The Force Awakens opened
to huge acclaim and even bigger audiences. As I write, this movie has already become the highest grossing movie in
U.S. history and global box office is more than $1.7 billion and growing. Not bad for a first try! And it’s only the
beginning of a new era of fantastic storytelling in this franchise. Our first stand-alone Star Wars movie, Rogue One, is
the most anticipated movie of 2016, a full 11 months before its release, and we’ve begun work on Episode VIII of the
Star Wars saga for release in 2017.
The impact of our Star Wars success is already evident across the company. Star Wars mobile games are drawing
unprecedented audiences, the release of EA’s Star Wars Battlefront was the biggest video game release in Star Wars
history, and the incredible demand for new merchandise based on The Force Awakens helped make the holidays a lot
happier for retailers. We’re just beginning to explore the opportunities for long-term growth of this franchise across
generations and lines of business, including adding new Star Wars themed lands in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 60 years since Walt proudly opened the gates of Disneyland. It was an ambitious
dream even for such a renowned visionary, one that has grown far beyond the gates of the original Magic Kingdom to
capture the imagination of the world, entertain billions of people, and earn affection and appreciation across continents
and cultures.
11JAN201619580193
This spring we’re bringing that dream to Mainland China with the grand opening of our spectacular new Shanghai
Disney Resort. This authentically Disney, distinctly Chinese destination is one of the most extraordinarily creative and
innovative projects in the history of our company, which makes it the perfect way to introduce the people of China to
everything Disney is today and build our future together.
This resort is personally very special to me, since I’ve been involved from the earliest days of planning. We’ve spent
the better part of 20 years working to bring this grand vision to life, to create a one-of-a-kind world-class experience to
inspire joy and wonder in the hearts of all who enter. Now that construction is almost complete and all the major
structures and landmarks are in place, the reality is even better than we could have ever imagined. We can’t wait to
show it to the world and share it with the people of China for generations to come.
I often talk about what an unbelievable privilege it is to lead this phenomenal company, not only because of the
unprecedented collection of brands and content, but because I get to work with so many extraordinary people. I
stepped into this role convinced that the best days of this company were still ahead of us. A decade later I’m even more
excited and optimistic about our future, and I hope you are too.
Sincerely,
Robert A. Iger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company
2
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended October 3, 2015 Commission File Number 1-11605
Incorporated in Delaware
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California 91521
(818) 560-1000
I.R.S. Employer Identification
No.
95-4545390
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any,
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a
smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company”
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of
the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange-Composite
Transactions) was $178.9 billion. All executive officers and directors of the registrant and all persons filing a Schedule 13D with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect to registrant’s common stock have been deemed, solely for the purpose of
the foregoing calculation, to be “affiliates” of the registrant.
There were 1,653,177,887 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 18, 2015.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the
2016 annual meeting of the Company’s shareholders.
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
ITEM 1. Business 1
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
ITEM 2. Properties
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Executive Officers of the Company
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9B. Other Information
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
SIGNATURES
Consolidated Financial Information — The Walt Disney Company
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25
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1
PART I
ITEM 1. Business
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with
operations in five business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, Consumer Products and
Interactive. In June 2015, the Company announced the combination of its Consumer Products and Interactive segments into a
single segment. The Company will begin reporting the financial results of the combined segment in fiscal 2016. For
convenience, the terms “Company” and “we” are used to refer collectively to the parent company and the subsidiaries through
which our various businesses are actually conducted.
Information on the Company’s revenues, segment operating income and identifiable assets appears in Note 1 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 hereof. The Company employed approximately 185,000 people as of
October 3, 2015.
MEDIA NETWORKS
The Media Networks segment includes cable and broadcast television networks, television production operations,
television distribution, domestic television stations and radio networks and stations.
The businesses in the Media Networks segment generate revenue from fees charged to cable, satellite and
telecommunications service providers (Multi-channel Video Programming Distributors or MVPDs) and television stations
affiliated with our domestic broadcast television network for the right to deliver our programs to their customers/subscribers
(“affiliate fees”), from the sale to advertisers of time in programs for commercial announcements (“ad sales”) and from other
sources such as the sale and distribution of television programming (“program sales”). Significant operating expenses include
programming and production costs, participations and residuals expense, technical support costs, operating labor and
distribution costs.
Cable Networks
Our cable networks include ESPN, the Disney Channels and ABC Family. We also operate the Hungama and UTV/
Bindass networks in India. The cable networks group produces its own programs or acquires rights from third parties to air
programs on our networks. The Company also has interests in joint ventures that operate cable and broadcast programming
services and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
Cable networks derive the majority of their revenues from affiliate fees and, for certain networks (primarily ESPN and
ABC Family), ad sales. Generally, the Company’s cable networks provide programming and other services under multi-year
agreements with MVPDs that include contractually determined fees. The amounts that we can charge to MVPDs for our cable
network services are largely dependent on the quality and quantity of programming that we can provide and the competitive
market. The ability to sell time for commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and
nature of the audience that the network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand. We also sell
programming developed by our cable networks in television markets worldwide, to subscription video-on-demand (SVOD)
services, such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, and in electronic and physical (DVD and Blu-ray) formats.
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The Company’s significant cable networks, along with the estimated number of subscribers as of October 3, 2015 are set
forth in the following table:
Estimated
Subscribers
(in millions) (1)
ESPN (80% owned)
ESPN 92
ESPN2 92
ESPNU 72
ESPNEWS 70
SEC Network 62
ESPN Classic 25
ESPN channels – International 127
Disney Channels (100% owned)
Disney Channel – Domestic 95
Disney Channels – International 195
Disney Junior – Domestic 74
Disney Junior – International 130
Disney XD – Domestic 78
Disney XD – International 123
ABC Family (100% owned) 93
A&E Television Networks (A&E) (50% owned)
A&E 94
HISTORY 95
Lifetime 94
Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) 82
H2 70
FYI 69
(1) Estimated domestic subscriber counts are according to Nielsen Media Research, except for the SEC Network, which is
not measured by Nielsen Media Research. For our international channels and the SEC Network, subscriber counts are
based on internal management reports.
ESPN
ESPN is a multimedia sports entertainment company that operates eight 24-hour domestic television sports networks:
ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU (a network devoted to college sports), ESPNEWS, SEC Network (a sports programming network
dedicated to Southeastern Conference college athletics), ESPN Classic, the regionally focused Longhorn Network (a network
dedicated to The University of Texas athletics) and ESPN Deportes (a Spanish language network), which are all simulcast in
high definition except ESPN Classic. ESPN programs the sports schedule on the ABC Television Network, which is branded
ESPN on ABC. ESPN owns 17 television networks outside of the United States (primarily in Latin America) that allow ESPN
to reach sports fans in over 60 countries and territories in four languages. In addition, ESPN holds a 30% equity interest in CTV
Specialty Television, Inc., which owns television networks in Canada, including The Sports Network, The Sports Network 2,
Le Réseau des Sports (RDS), RDS2, RDS Info, ESPN Classic Canada, the NHL Network and Discovery Canada.
ESPN holds rights for various professional and college sports programming including the National Football League
(NFL), college football (including bowl games and the College Football Playoff) and basketball, Major League Baseball
(MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Wimbledon Championships, US Open Tennis, soccer and the Masters
golf tournament.
ESPN also operates:
• ESPN.com – which delivers comprehensive sports news, information and video on computers and mobile and other
connected devices
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• WatchESPN – which delivers live streams of most of ESPN’s domestic networks on computers and mobile and other
connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to certain content on
select Watch platforms
• ESPN3 and SEC Network + – which are ESPN’s live multi-screen sports networks that deliver exclusive sports events.
ESPN3 and SEC Network + are accessible on WatchESPN
• ESPN Events – which owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events including bowl games, football pre-
game shows and basketball games
• ESPN Radio – which distributes talk and play by play programming and is one of the largest sports radio networks in
the U.S. ESPN Radio network programming is carried on more than 500 terrestrial stations including four ESPN
owned stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas and on satellite and internet radio
• ESPN The Magazine – which is a bi-weekly sports magazine
• ESPN Enterprises – which develops branded licensing opportunities
• espnW – which provides an online destination for female sports fans
Disney Channels
The Disney Channels includes over 100 channels available in 34 languages and 163 countries/territories. Branded
channels include Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Cinemagic, Disney Cinema and DLife. Disney Channels
also operates Radio Disney and provides content through subscription and video-on-demand services and online through our
websites: DisneyChannel.com, DisneyXD.com, DisneyJunior.com and RadioDisney.com. Programming for these networks
includes internally developed and acquired programming.
WatchDisneyChannel, WatchDisneyJunior and WatchDisneyXD deliver live or on-demand channel programming on
computers and mobile and other connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to
select content on the Watch platforms.
Disney Channel – Disney Channel is a cable network airing original series and movie programming targeted to kids ages
2 to 14. In the U.S., Disney Channel airs 24 hours a day. Disney Channel develops and produces shows for exhibition on its
network, including live-action comedy series, animated programming and preschool series as well as original movies. Disney
Channel also airs programming and content from Disney’s theatrical film and television programming library.
Disney Junior – Disney Junior is a cable network that airs programming targeted to kids ages 2 to 7 and their parents and
caregivers, featuring animated and live-action programming that blends Disney’s storytelling and characters with learning. In
the U.S., Disney Junior airs 24 hours a day. Programming focuses on early math and language skills, healthy eating and social
skills. Disney Junior also airs as a programming block on the Disney Channel.
Disney XD – Disney XD is a cable channel airing a mix of live-action and animated original programming targeted to
kids ages 6 to 14. In the U.S., Disney XD airs 24 hours a day.
Disney Cinemagic and Disney Cinema – Disney Cinemagic and Disney Cinema are premium subscription services
available in certain countries in Europe airing a selection of Disney movies, classic and newer Disney cartoons and shorts as
well as animated television series.
Radio Disney – Radio Disney is a 24-hour radio network targeted to kids, tweens and families reaching listeners through a
national broadcast on Sirius XM, RadioDisney.com, TuneIn, the Radio Disney iOS and Android apps, iTunes Radio Tuner, HD
Radio, Aha Radio and Slacker. Radio Disney operates from an owned terrestrial radio station in Los Angeles. Radio Disney is
also available throughout Latin America on two owned terrestrial stations and through agreements with third-party radio
stations.
Seven TV – The Company has a 49% interest in Seven TV, which operates an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney
Channel in Russia. In October 2014, regulations were adopted in Russia that prohibit more than 20% foreign ownership of
media companies. The regulations become effective in January 2016. The Company is in the process of restructuring its
investment in a way that we believe will comply with these regulations. We understand that the Russian government will
review the new structure for compliance during calendar year 2016 and, depending on the outcome, we could have an
impairment of some or all of our approximately $300 million investment related to the Disney Channel in Russia. The
Company’s share of the financial results of Seven TV is reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income.
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ABC Family
ABC Family, which will be renamed “Freeform” in January 2016, is a domestic cable network targeted to viewers in the
14 to 34 age demographic. ABC Family produces original live-action programming. ABC Family also acquires programming
from third parties, airs content from our owned theatrical film library and features branded holiday programming events such as
“13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas”.
WatchABCFamily delivers either live or on-demand channel programing on computers and mobile and other connected
devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to select ABC Family programming.
Hungama
Hungama is a kids general entertainment cable network in India, which features a mix of anime, Hindi-language series
and game shows.
UTV/Bindass Networks
UTV and Bindass are cable television networks in India. UTV Action and UTV Movies are movie channels that offer
Hollywood movies dubbed in Hindi, Bollywood movies and other local regional language movies dubbed in Hindi. Bindass is
a youth entertainment channel and Bindass Play is a music channel.
A&E
A&E Television Networks (A&E) is a joint venture owned 50% by the Company and 50% by the Hearst Corporation.
A&E operates a variety of cable networks including:
• A&E – which offers entertainment programming including original reality and scripted series
• HISTORY – which offers original non-fiction series and event-driven specials
• Lifetime – which is devoted to female-focused programming
• LMN – which is a 24-hour movie channel
• H2 – which focuses on the culture and history of countries throughout the world from a local perspective. In
November 2015, A&E acquired a 9% ownership interest in Vice Media (Vice) in exchange for a 49.9% interest in H2,
which will be rebranded with Vice content. Vice is a media company targeting a millennial audience through edgy
news, pop culture content and creative brand integration
• FYI – which offers contemporary lifestyle programming
• Lifetime Real Women – which is a 24-hour cable network with programming focusing on women
Internationally, A&E programming is available in over 150 countries. The Company’s share of A&E’s financial results is
reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Broadcasting
Our broadcasting business includes a domestic broadcast network, television production and distribution operations, and
eight owned domestic television stations. The Company also has a 33% interest in Hulu LLC (Hulu), a venture that acquires
and produces film and television content and distributes it on the internet, and a 50% effective interest in Fusion Media
Networks LLC (Fusion), a news, pop culture and lifestyle television and digital network targeted at millennials.
Domestic Broadcast Television Network
The Company operates the ABC Television Network (ABC), which as of October 3, 2015, had affiliation agreements
with 242 local television stations reaching almost 100% of all U.S. television households. ABC broadcasts programs in the
following “dayparts”: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports.
ABC produces its own programs and also acquires programming rights from third parties as well as entities that are
owned by or affiliated with the Company. ABC derives the majority of its revenues from ad sales. The ability to sell time for
commercial announcements and the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that the
network can deliver to the advertiser as well as overall advertiser demand for time on network broadcasts. ABC also receives
fees for its broadcast feed from affiliated television stations.
WatchABC delivers local ABC TV stations’ linear feed, as well as access to on-demand episodes of certain ABC
programming on computers and mobile and other connected devices to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have
a more limited access to on-demand episodes.
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ABC.com provides online extensions to ABC programming including episodes and clips. ABCNews.com provides in-
depth worldwide news coverage online and video-on-demand news reports from ABC News broadcasts. ABC News also has an
agreement to provide news content to Yahoo! News.
Television Production
The Company produces the majority of its original live-action television programming under the ABC Studios label.
Program development is carried out in collaboration with independent writers, producers and creative teams, with a focus on
one-hour dramas and half-hour comedies, primarily for primetime broadcasts. Primetime programming produced either for our
networks or for third parties for the 2015/2016 television season includes twelve returning and eight new one-hour dramas and
five new and two returning half-hour comedies. Additionally, ABC Studios and Marvel are producing three drama series for
Netflix. The Company also produces the late night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, a variety of primetime specials for network
television, as well as syndicated, news and daytime programming.
Television Distribution
We distribute the Company’s productions in television markets worldwide, to SVOD services, such as Netflix, Hulu and
Amazon, and in electronic and physical (DVD and Blu-ray) formats.
Domestic Television Stations
The Company owns eight television stations, six of which are located in the top-ten markets in the U.S. in terms of
television households. The television stations derive the majority of their revenues from ad sales. The stations also receive
affiliate fees. All of our television stations are affiliated with ABC and collectively reach 23% of the nation’s television
households. Each owned station broadcasts three digital channels: the first consists of local, ABC and syndicated programming;
the second is the Live Well Network; and the third is the LAFF Network.
Details for the stations we own are as follows:
TV Station Market
Television
Market
Ranking(1)
WABC New York, NY 1
KABC Los Angeles, CA 2
WLS Chicago, IL 3
WPVI Philadelphia, PA 4
KGO San Francisco, CA 6
KTRK Houston, TX 10
WTVD Raleigh-Durham, NC 25
KFSN Fresno, CA 54
(1) Based on Nielsen Media Research, U.S. Television Household Estimates, January 1, 2015
Hulu
Hulu is a joint venture owned one-third each by the Company, Fox Entertainment Group and NBCUniversal. Hulu
aggregates acquired television and film entertainment content and original content produced by Hulu for viewing on internet-
connected devices. Hulu offers a free service with commercials, a subscription-based service with limited commercials and a
subscription-based service with no commercials. The Company’s share of Hulu’s financial results is reported as “Equity in the
income of investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fusion
Fusion is a joint venture owned 50% by the Company and 50% by Univision. Fusion operates a television and digital
network featuring news, pop culture and lifestyle programming targeted at millennials. The Company’s share of Fusion’s
financial results is reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s Media Networks businesses compete for viewers primarily with other television and cable networks,
independent television stations and other media, such as online video services and video games. With respect to the sale of
advertising time, we compete with other television networks and radio stations, independent television stations, MVPDs and
other advertising media such as internet delivered content, newspapers, magazines and billboards. Our television and radio
stations primarily compete for audiences and advertisers in individual market areas.
6
The growth in the number of networks distributed by MVPDs has resulted in increased competitive pressures for
advertising revenues for our broadcast and cable networks. The Company’s cable networks also face competition from other
cable networks for carriage by MVPDs. The Company’s contractual agreements with MVPDs are renewed or renegotiated from
time to time in the ordinary course of business. Consolidation and other market conditions in the cable and satellite distribution
industry and other factors may adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain contractual terms for the
distribution of its various cable programming services that are as favorable as those currently in place.
The Company’s Media Networks businesses also compete for the acquisition of sports and other programming. The
market for programming is very competitive, particularly for live sports programming. The Company currently has sports rights
agreements with the NFL, college football (including bowl games and the College Football Playoff) and basketball, MLB,
NBA, the Wimbledon Championships, US Open Tennis, soccer and the Masters golf tournament.
The Company’s internet websites and digital products compete with other websites and entertainment products.
Advertising revenues at Media Networks are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership levels.
Revenues are typically somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer months. Affiliate fees are
collected ratably throughout the year.
Federal Regulation
Television and radio broadcasting are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
under federal laws and regulations, including the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Violation of FCC regulations can
result in substantial monetary forfeitures, limited renewals of licenses and, in egregious cases, denial of license renewal or
revocation of a license. FCC regulations that affect our Media Networks segment include the following:
• Licensing of television and radio stations. Each of the television and radio stations we own must be licensed by the
FCC. These licenses are granted for periods of up to eight years, and we must obtain renewal of licenses as they expire
in order to continue operating the stations. We (and the acquiring entity in the case of a divestiture) must also obtain
FCC approval whenever we seek to have a license transferred in connection with the acquisition or divestiture of a
station. The FCC may decline to renew or approve the transfer of a license in certain circumstances and may delay
renewals while permitting a licensee to continue operating. Although we have received such renewals and approvals in
the past or have been permitted to continue operations when renewal is delayed, there can be no assurance that this
will be the case in the future.
• Television and radio station ownership limits. The FCC imposes limitations on the number of television stations and
radio stations we can own in a specific market, on the combined number of television and radio stations we can own in
a single market and on the aggregate percentage of the national audience that can be reached by television stations we
own. Currently:
FCC regulations may restrict our ability to own more than one television station in a market, depending on the size
and nature of the market. We do not own more than one television station in any market.
Federal statutes permit our television stations in the aggregate to reach a maximum of 39% of the national
audience (for this purpose, FCC regulations attribute UHF television stations with 50% of the television
households in their market). For purposes of the FCC’s rules, our eight stations reach approximately 21% of the
national audience. Although the FCC has an open rulemaking on whether to repeal or revise the UHF discount, the
outcome of that rulemaking would not affect our operations because our eight stations would only be deemed to
reach approximately 23% of the national audience if the UHF discount did not apply.
FCC regulations in some cases impose restrictions on our ability to acquire additional radio or television stations
in the markets in which we own radio stations, but we do not believe any such limitations are material to our
current operating plans.
• Dual networks. FCC rules currently prohibit any of the four major broadcast television networks — ABC, CBS, Fox
and NBC — from being under common ownership or control.
• Regulation of programming. The FCC regulates broadcast programming by, among other things, banning “indecent”
programming, regulating political advertising and imposing commercial time limits during children’s programming.
Penalties for broadcasting indecent programming can range up to $350,000 per indecent utterance or image per
station.
Federal legislation and FCC rules also limit the amount of commercial matter that may be shown on broadcast or cable
channels during programming designed for children 12 years of age and younger. In addition, broadcast channels are
generally required to provide a minimum of three hours per week of programming that has as a “significant purpose”
meeting the educational and informational needs of children 16 years of age and younger. FCC rules also give
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television station owners the right to reject or refuse network programming in certain circumstances or to substitute
programming that the licensee reasonably believes to be of greater local or national importance.
• Cable and satellite carriage of broadcast television stations. With respect to cable systems operating within a
television station’s Designated Market Area, FCC rules require that every three years each television station elect
either “must carry” status, pursuant to which cable operators generally must carry a local television station in the
station’s market, or “retransmission consent” status, pursuant to which the cable operator must negotiate with the
television station to obtain the consent of the television station prior to carrying its signal. Under the Satellite Home
Viewer Improvement Act and its successors, including most recently the STELA Reauthorization Act (STELAR),
which also requires the “must carry” or “retransmission consent” election, satellite carriers are permitted to retransmit
a local television station’s signal into its local market with the consent of the local television station. Portions of these
satellite laws are set to expire on December 31, 2019.
• Cable and satellite carriage of programming. The Communications Act and FCC rules regulate some aspects of
negotiations regarding cable and satellite retransmission consent, and some cable and satellite companies have sought
regulation of additional aspects of the carriage of programming on cable and satellite systems. New legislation, court
action or regulation in this area could have an impact on the Company’s operations.
The foregoing is a brief summary of certain provisions of the Communications Act, other legislation and specific FCC
rules and policies. Reference should be made to the Communications Act, other legislation, FCC rules and public notices and
rulings of the FCC for further information concerning the nature and extent of the FCC’s regulatory authority.
FCC laws and regulations are subject to change, and the Company generally cannot predict whether new legislation,
court action or regulations, or a change in the extent of application or enforcement of current laws and regulations, would have
an adverse impact on our operations.
PARKS AND RESORTS
The Company owns and operates the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; the Disneyland Resort in California; Aulani, a
Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii; the Disney Vacation Club; the Disney Cruise Line; and Adventures by Disney. The Company
manages and has effective ownership interests of 81% in Disneyland Paris (see recapitalization discussion below), 47% in
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and 43% in Shanghai Disney Resort, each of which is consolidated in our financial statements.
The Company also licenses our intellectual property to a third party for the operations of the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.
The Company’s Walt Disney Imagineering unit designs and develops new theme park concepts and attractions as well as resort
properties.
The businesses in the Parks and Resorts segment generate revenues from the sale of admissions to theme parks, sales of
food, beverage and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise and other vacation packages and sales and
rentals of vacation club properties. Significant costs include labor, infrastructure costs, depreciation, costs of merchandise, food
and beverage sold, marketing and sales expense and cost of vacation club units. Infrastructure costs include repairs and
maintenance, information systems expense, utilities, property taxes, insurance and transportation.
Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney World Resort is located 22 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida, on approximately 25,000 acres of land.
The resort includes theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom);
hotels; vacation club properties; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; a sports complex; conference centers;
campgrounds; golf courses; water parks; and other recreational facilities designed to attract visitors for an extended stay.
The Walt Disney World Resort is marketed through a variety of international, national and local advertising and
promotional activities. A number of attractions and restaurants in each of the theme parks are sponsored by other corporations
through long-term agreements.
MyMagic+, a program available to all guests at Walt Disney World Resort, is a series of technology-based tools that
include: the My Disney Experience app and website, which help guests personalize their experience; MagicBand, which a guest
may use as their admission pass, hotel room key or method of payment; and FastPass+, which is a reservation system for
attractions and entertainment experiences.
Magic Kingdom — The Magic Kingdom consists of six themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Liberty Square, Main Street USA and Tomorrowland. Each land provides a unique guest experience featuring themed
attractions, live Disney character interactions, restaurants, refreshment areas and merchandise shops. Additionally, there are
daily parades and a nighttime fireworks extravaganza, Wishes.
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Epcot — Epcot consists of two major themed areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World dramatizes certain
historical developments and addresses the challenges facing the world today through pavilions devoted to showcasing science
and technology innovations, communication, energy, transportation, use of imagination, nature and food production, the ocean
environment and space. World Showcase presents a community of nations focusing on the culture, traditions and
accomplishments of people around the world. Countries represented with pavilions include Canada, China, France, Germany,
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Both areas feature themed attractions,
restaurants and merchandise shops. Epcot also features Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, a nighttime entertainment
spectacular.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney’s Hollywood Studios consists of eight themed areas: Animation Courtyard,
Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Place, Streets of America and Sunset Boulevard.
The eight areas provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action through various shows and attractions and offer
themed food service and merchandise facilities. The park also features Fantasmic!, a nighttime entertainment spectacular. In
August 2015, the Company announced two new themed lands coming to the park based on the Star Wars and Toy Story
franchises.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney’s Animal Kingdom consists of a 145-foot tall Tree of Life centerpiece surrounded
by six themed areas: Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., Discovery Island, Oasis and Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Each themed area
contains attractions, entertainment, restaurants and merchandise shops. The park features more than 300 species of mammals,
birds, reptiles and amphibians and 3,000 varieties of vegetation. The Company has a long-term agreement for the exclusive
global theme park rights to build AVATAR-themed lands and plans to open Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom in 2017.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — As of October 3, 2015, the Company owned and operated 18 resort hotels at the
Walt Disney World Resort, with a total of approximately 23,000 rooms and 3,000 vacation club units. Resort facilities include
468,000 square feet of conference meeting space and Disney’s Fort Wilderness camping and recreational area, which offers
approximately 800 campsites.
The Walt Disney World Resort also hosts a 127-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney Springs (formerly
Downtown Disney). Disney Springs is home to Cirque du Soleil, the House of Blues and the World of Disney retail store,
which features Disney-branded merchandise. A number of the Disney Springs facilities are operated by third parties that pay
rent to the Company. Disney Springs is undergoing an expansion that is expected to be completed in 2016.
Nine independently-operated hotels with approximately 6,000 rooms are situated on property leased from the Company.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is a 230-acre sports center that hosts professional caliber training and
competitions, festival and tournament events and interactive sports activities. The complex, which welcomes both amateur and
professional athletes, accommodates multiple sporting events, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, tennis
and track and field. Its stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 9,500, is the current spring training site for
MLB’s Atlanta Braves.
Other recreational amenities and activities available at the Walt Disney World Resort include three championship golf
courses, miniature golf courses, full-service spas, tennis, sailing, water skiing, swimming, horseback riding and a number of
other noncompetitive sports and leisure time activities. The resort also includes two water parks: Disney’s Blizzard Beach and
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Disneyland Resort
The Company owns 486 acres and has the rights under long-term lease for use of an additional 55 acres of land in
Anaheim, California. The Disneyland Resort includes two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three
hotels and Downtown Disney, a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
The Disneyland Resort is marketed as a destination through international, national and local advertising and promotional
activities. A number of the attractions and restaurants in the theme parks are sponsored by other corporations through long-term
agreements.
Disneyland — Disneyland consists of eight themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland,
Main Street USA, Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square and Tomorrowland. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disneyland offers daily parades, a nighttime fireworks
extravaganza and a nighttime entertainment spectacular, Fantasmic!. In August 2015, the Company announced it will be
constructing a new Star Wars-themed land at Disneyland.
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Disney California Adventure — Disney California Adventure is adjacent to Disneyland and includes seven themed
areas: Buena Vista Street, Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Pacific Wharf, Paradise Pier and “a bug’s land”. These
areas include attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disney California
Adventure offers a nighttime water spectacular, World of Color.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — Disneyland Resort includes three Company-owned and operated hotels with a
total of approximately 2,400 rooms, 50 vacation club units and 180,000 square feet of conference meeting space.
Downtown Disney, a themed 15-acre outdoor complex of entertainment, dining and shopping venues, is located adjacent
to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. A number of the Downtown Disney facilities are operated by third parties
that pay rent to the Company.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is a Company operated family resort on a 21-acre oceanfront property on Oahu, Hawaii
featuring 351 hotel rooms, an 18,000-square-foot spa and 12,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The resort also has
481 Disney Vacation Club units.
Disneyland Paris
The Company has an 81% effective ownership interest in Disneyland Paris (see recapitalization discussion below), a
5,510-acre development located in Marne-la-Vallée, approximately 20 miles east of Paris, France, which has been developed
pursuant to a master agreement with French governmental authorities. The Company manages and has a 77% equity interest in
Euro Disney S.C.A., a publicly-traded French entity that is the holding company for Euro Disney Associés S.C.A., the primary
operating company of Disneyland Paris. The Company also has a direct 18% ownership interest in Euro Disney Associés
S.C.A. Disneyland Paris includes two theme parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park); seven themed hotels; two
convention centers; a shopping, dining and entertainment complex (Disney Village); and a 27-hole golf facility. Of the 5,510
acres comprising the site, approximately half have been developed to date, including the Val d’Europe development discussed
below. An indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company is responsible for managing Disneyland Paris. Euro Disney
Associés S.C.A. is required to pay royalties and management fees to the Company based on the operating performance of the
resort.
Disneyland Park — Disneyland Park consists of five themed areas: Adventureland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland,
Frontierland and Main Street USA. These areas include themed attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and
refreshment stands. Disneyland Park also features a daily parade and a nighttime entertainment spectacular, Disney Dreams!.
Walt Disney Studios Park — Walt Disney Studios Park takes guests into the worlds of cinema, animation and television
and includes four themed areas: Backlot, Front Lot, Production Courtyard and Toon Studio. These areas each include themed
attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands.
Hotels and Other Facilities — Disneyland Paris operates seven resort hotels, with approximately 5,800 rooms and
210,000 square feet of conference meeting space. In addition, several on-site hotels that are owned and operated by third parties
provide approximately 2,300 rooms.
Disney Village is a 500,000-square-foot retail, dining and entertainment complex located between the theme parks and
the hotels. A number of the Disney Village facilities are operated by third parties that pay rent to a subsidiary of Euro Disney
S.C.A.
Val d’Europe is a planned community near Disneyland Paris that is being developed in phases. Val d’Europe currently
includes a regional train station, hotels and a town center consisting of a shopping center as well as office, commercial and
residential space. Third parties operate these developments on land leased or purchased from Euro Disney S.C.A. and its
subsidiaries.
Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. along with 50% joint venture partner, Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs, is developing
Villages Nature, a European eco-tourism destination adjacent to Disneyland Paris, which is targeted to open in 2017.
Disneyland Paris Recapitalization — In order to improve Disneyland Paris’ financial position, during calendar 2015,
Euro Disney S.C.A. completed a €1.0 billion recapitalization through a €0.4 billion equity rights offering and the conversion of
€0.6 billion of loans from the Company into equity. The recapitalization process was finalized in November 2015, and the
Company’s effective ownership interest increased from 51% to 81% (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
As of October 3, 2015, Euro Disney Associés S.C.A. had €1.0 billion in outstanding loans from the Company.
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Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The Company owns a 47% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort through Hongkong International Theme Parks
Limited, an entity in which the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) owns a 53% majority
interest. The resort is located on 310 acres on Lantau Island and is in close proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes one theme park and two themed hotels. A separate Hong Kong subsidiary of the
Company is responsible for managing Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The Company is entitled to receive royalties and
management fees based on the operating performance of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
Hong Kong Disneyland — Hong Kong Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Grizzly
Gulch, Main Street USA, Mystic Point, Tomorrowland and Toy Story Land. These areas feature themed attractions, shows,
restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, there are daily parades and a nighttime fireworks
extravaganza, Disney in the Stars. A new themed area based on Marvel’s Iron Man franchise is under construction and expected
to open in late 2016.
Hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes two themed hotels with a total of 1,000 rooms. A third hotel with 750
rooms is under construction and expected to open in 2017. (See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more
information on hotel financing.)
Shanghai Disney Resort
The Company and Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co., Ltd (Shendi) are constructing a Disney resort (Shanghai Disney Resort)
in the Pudong district of Shanghai, which will be located on approximately 1,000 acres and will initially include the Shanghai
Disneyland theme park; two themed hotels with a total of 1,220 rooms; a retail, dining and entertainment complex; and an
outdoor recreational area. Construction on the project began in April 2011, with the resort opening date planned for spring
2016. The total investment will be funded in accordance with each shareholder’s equity ownership percentage, with
approximately 67% from equity contributions and 33% from shareholder loans. Shanghai Disney Resort is owned through two
joint venture companies, in which Shendi owns 57% and the Company owns 43%. A management company, in which the
Company has a 70% interest and Shendi a 30% interest, is responsible for designing, constructing and operating Shanghai
Disney Resort. The management company will be entitled to receive management fees based on operating performance of the
resort. The Company is also entitled to royalties based on resort revenues.
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort is located on 494 acres of land, six miles east of downtown Tokyo, Japan. The resort includes two
theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea); three Disney-branded hotels; six independently operated hotels;
Ikspiari, a retail, dining and entertainment complex; and Bon Voyage, a Disney-themed merchandise location.
The Company earns royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is owned and operated by
Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), a Japanese corporation in which the Company has no equity interest.
Tokyo Disneyland — Tokyo Disneyland consists of seven themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland,
Tomorrowland, Toontown, Westernland and World Bazaar.
Tokyo DisneySea — Tokyo DisneySea, adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland, is divided into seven “ports of call,” including
American Waterfront, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mediterranean Harbor, Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island and Port
Discovery.
Hotels and Other Resort Facilities — The resort includes three Disney-branded hotels with a total of more than 1,700
rooms and a monorail, which links the theme parks and resort hotels with Ikspiari.
OLC has announced a 10-year investment plan for Tokyo Disney Resort. The plan includes the expansion of Fantasyland
at Tokyo Disneyland and the addition of a Scandinavian-themed area at Tokyo DisneySea that will feature Frozen. OLC also
announced the development of a fourth Disney-branded hotel, Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel.
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) offers ownership interests in 13 resort facilities located at the Walt Disney World Resort;
Disneyland Resort; Vero Beach, Florida; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Oahu, Hawaii. Available units at each facility
are offered for sale under a vacation ownership plan and are operated as hotel rooms when not occupied by vacation club
members. The Company’s vacation club units consist of a mix of units ranging from deluxe studios to three-bedroom grand
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villas. Unit counts in this document are presented in terms of two-bedroom equivalents. DVC had 3,807 vacation club units as
of October 3, 2015. In September 2015, the Company announced that its next planned vacation project will be at Disney’s
Wilderness Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is a four-ship vacation cruise line, which operates out of ports in North America and Europe.
The Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are 85,000-ton 877-stateroom ships, and the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy
are 130,000-ton 1,250-stateroom ships. DCL caters to families, children, teenagers and adults, with distinctly-themed areas and
activities for each group. Many cruise vacations include a visit to Disney’s Castaway Cay, a 1,000-acre private Bahamian
island.
Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney offers all-inclusive guided vacation tour packages predominantly at non-Disney sites around the
world. The Company offered 29 different tour packages during 2015.
Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering provides master planning, real estate development, attraction, entertainment and show design,
engineering support, production support, project management and other development services, including research and
development for the Company’s Parks and Resorts operations.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s theme parks and resorts as well as Disney Cruise Line and Disney Vacation Club compete with other
forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. The profitability of the leisure-time industry may be
influenced by various factors that are not directly controllable, such as economic conditions including business cycle and
exchange rate fluctuations, travel industry trends, amount of available leisure time, oil and transportation prices, weather
patterns and natural disasters.
All of the theme parks and the associated resort facilities are operated on a year-round basis. Typically, the theme parks
and resorts business experiences fluctuations in theme park attendance and resort occupancy resulting from the seasonal nature
of vacation travel and local entertainment excursions. Peak attendance and resort occupancy generally occur during the summer
months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday periods.
STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT
The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video
content, musical recordings and live stage plays.
The businesses in the Studio Entertainment segment generate revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical,
home entertainment and television markets, stage play ticket sales, the distribution of recorded music and licensing revenues
from live entertainment events. Significant operating expenses include film cost amortization, which consists of production cost
and participations and residuals expense amortization, distribution expenses and costs of sales.
The Company distributes films primarily under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Touchstone
banners. The Company produces and distributes Indian movies through its UTV banner.
In August 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with DreamWorks Studios (DreamWorks) to distribute live-
action motion pictures produced by DreamWorks for seven years under the Touchstone Pictures banner for which the Company
receives a distribution fee. As of October 3, 2015, the Company has distributed eleven DreamWorks films. As part of the
agreement, the Company provided loans to DreamWorks, which as of October 3, 2015 totaled $159 million. There is an
additional $90 million available to DreamWorks.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to produce and
distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Under the
licensing arrangements, the third-party studios incur the costs to produce and distribute the films and the Company retains the
merchandise licensing rights. Under the licensing arrangement for Spider-Man, the Company pays the third-party studio a
licensing fee based on each film’s box office receipts, subject to specified limits. Under the licensing arrangements for The
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Fantastic Four and X-Men, the third-party studio pays the Company a licensing fee, and the third-party studio receives a share
of the Company’s merchandise revenue on these properties. The Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the
exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by a third-party studio.
Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, Lucasfilm produced six Star Wars films (Episodes 1 through 6).
Lucasfilm retained the rights to consumer products related to all of those films and the rights related to television and electronic
distribution formats for all of those films, with the exception of the rights for Episode 4, which are owned by a third-party
studio. All of the films are distributed by a third-party studio in the theatrical and home entertainment markets. The theatrical
and home entertainment distribution rights for these films revert back to Lucasfilm in May 2020 with the exception of Episode
4, for which these distribution rights are retained in perpetuity by the third-party studio.
Lucasfilm also includes Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, which provide visual and audio effects and
other post-production services to the Company and third-party producers.
Theatrical Market
We produce and distribute both live-action films and full-length animated films. In the domestic theatrical market, we
generally distribute and market our filmed products directly. In most major international markets, we distribute our filmed
products directly while in other markets our films are distributed by independent distribution companies or joint ventures.
During fiscal 2016, we expect to distribute ten of our own produced feature films and three DreamWorks feature films
domestically. Cumulatively through October 3, 2015 the Company has released domestically approximately 1,000 full-length
live-action features and 100 full-length animated features.
The Company incurs significant marketing and advertising costs before and throughout the theatrical release of a film in
an effort to generate public awareness of the film, to increase the public’s intent to view the film and to help generate consumer
interest in the subsequent home entertainment and other ancillary markets. These costs are expensed as incurred. Therefore, we
typically incur losses on a film in the theatrical markets, including in periods prior to the theatrical release of the film.
Home Entertainment Market
In the domestic market, we distribute home entertainment releases directly under each of our motion picture banners. In
international markets, we distribute home entertainment releases under each of our motion picture banners both directly and
through independent distribution companies. In addition, we acquire and produce original content for direct-to-video release.
Domestic and international home entertainment distribution typically starts three to six months after the theatrical release
in each market. Home entertainment releases may be distributed in both physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and electronic formats.
Electronic formats may be released one to four weeks ahead of physical release. Titles are generally sold to retailers, such as
Wal-Mart and Best Buy and physical rental channels, such as Netflix. However, distribution in the rental channels may be
delayed up to 28 days after the start of home entertainment distribution.
As of October 3, 2015, we had approximately 1,400 active produced and acquired titles, including 1,000 live-action titles
and 400 animated titles, in the domestic home entertainment marketplace and approximately 2,500 active produced and
acquired titles, including 1,900 live-action titles and 600 animated titles, in the international marketplace.
Television Market
Pay-Per-View (PPV)/Video-on-Demand (VOD) — Concurrently with physical home entertainment distribution, we
license titles to PPV/VOD service providers for electronic delivery to consumers for a specified rental period.
Pay Television (Pay 1) — There are generally three pay television windows. The first window is generally eighteen
months in duration and follows the PPV/VOD window. The Company has licensed exclusive domestic pay television rights to
substantially all films released theatrically through calendar year 2015 under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar and Touchstone
Pictures banners, along with films released under the Marvel banner starting with Iron Man 3 to the Starz pay television
service. DreamWorks titles distributed by the Company are licensed to Showtime under a separate agreement.
Free Television (Free 1) — The Pay 1 window is followed by a television window that may last up to 84 months.
Motion pictures are usually sold in the Free 1 window to major broadcast networks, including ABC, and basic cable services.
Pay Television 2 (Pay 2) and Free Television 2 (Free 2) — In the U.S., Free 1 is generally followed by a twelve-month
Pay 2 window under our license arrangements with Starz and Showtime, and then by a Free 2 window that generally lasts up to
84 months. Packages of the Company’s feature films have been licensed for broadcast under multi-year agreements within the
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Free 2 window. The Free 2 window is a syndication window where films are licensed to basic cable networks, subscription
video on demand (SVOD) services and to third-party television station groups.
Pay Television 3 (Pay 3) and Free Television 3 (Free 3) — In the U.S., Free 2 is generally followed by a seven-month
Pay 3 window under our license arrangements with Starz and Showtime, and then by a Free 3 window. Packages of the
Company’s feature films have been licensed for broadcast under multi-year agreements within the Free 3 window. The Free 3
window is a syndication window where films are licensed to basic cable networks and SVOD services.
Following the conclusion of Starz’s exclusive domestic Pay 1, Pay 2 and Pay 3 television rights for films released
theatrically through the end of calendar year 2015, Netflix will have exclusive domestic pay television rights for the Pay 1 and
Pay 2 windows for films released theatrically through calendar year 2018.
International Television — The Company also licenses its films outside of the U.S. The typical windowing sequence is
consistent with the domestic cycle such that titles premiere on television in PPV/VOD and then air in pay TV before airing in
free TV. Windowing strategies are developed in response to local market practices and conditions, and the exact sequence and
length of each window can vary country by country.
Disney Music Group
The Disney Music Group (DMG) commissions new music for the Company’s motion pictures and television programs.
DMG also licenses the songs and recording copyrights to others for printed music, records, audio-visual devices, public
performances and digital distribution. DMG includes Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records, Disney Music Publishing and
Buena Vista Concerts.
Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records develop, produce, market and distribute recorded music in the U.S. and
license our music properties throughout the rest of the world. Walt Disney Records categories include infant, children’s read-
along, teen, all-family and soundtracks from film and television properties distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and Disney
Channel. Hollywood Records develops musical talent and produces and markets their recordings across a spectrum of music
genres.
Disney Music Publishing is responsible for the worldwide management, protection and licensing of the Disney song
catalog, which includes the copyrights of thousands of musical compositions derived from the Company’s motion picture,
television and theme park properties as well as musical compositions written by songwriters under exclusive contract.
Buena Vista Concerts produces live musical concerts with the Company’s intellectual property and artists signed to the
Disney Music Group record labels.
Disney Theatrical Group
Disney Theatrical Group develops, produces and licenses live entertainment events on Broadway and around the world,
including The Lion King, Aladdin, Newsies, Mary Poppins (a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Beauty and the
Beast, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida, TARZAN®, The Little Mermaid and more.
Disney Theatrical Group also licenses the Company’s intellectual property to Feld Entertainment, the producer of Disney
On Ice and Disney Live!.
Competition and Seasonality
The Studio Entertainment businesses compete with all forms of entertainment. A significant number of companies
produce and/or distribute theatrical and television films, exploit products in the home entertainment market, provide pay
television programming services, produce music and sponsor live theater. We also compete to obtain creative and performing
talents, story properties, advertiser support and broadcast rights that are essential to the success of our Studio Entertainment
businesses.
The success of Studio Entertainment operations is heavily dependent upon public taste and preferences. In addition,
Studio Entertainment operating results fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the theatrical, home
entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including competition and the timing of
vacation and holiday periods.
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CONSUMER PRODUCTS
The Consumer Products segment engages with licensees, publishers and retailers throughout the world to design,
develop, publish, promote and sell a wide variety of products based on the Company’s intellectual property through its
Merchandise Licensing, Publishing and Retail businesses. In addition to using the Company’s film and television properties,
Consumer Products also develops its own intellectual property, which can be used across the Company’s businesses.
The Consumer Products segment generates revenue from:
• licensing characters from our film, television and other properties to third parties for use on consumer merchandise
• publishing children’s books and magazines and comic books
• selling merchandise through our retail stores, internet shopping sites and wholesale business; and
• charging tuition at our English language learning centers in China
Significant costs include costs of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail occupancy costs.
In June 2015, the Company announced the combination of its Consumer Products and Interactive segments into a single
segment. The Company will begin reporting the financial results of the combined segment in fiscal 2016.
Merchandise Licensing
The Company’s merchandise licensing operations cover a diverse range of product categories, the most significant of
which are: toys, apparel, home décor and furnishings, accessories, stationery, health and beauty, food, footwear and consumer
electronics. The Company licenses characters from its film, television and other properties for use on third-party products in
these categories and earns royalties, which are usually based on a fixed percentage of the wholesale or retail selling price of the
products. Some of the major properties licensed by the Company include: Frozen; Mickey and Minnie; Marvel properties such
as The Avengers and Spider-Man; Star Wars; Disney Channel properties including Mickey Mouse Club House, Sofia the First
and Doc McStuffins; Disney Princess; Cars; Winnie the Pooh; and Disney Classics. The Company also provides input on the
design of individual products and creates exclusive themed and seasonal promotional campaigns for retailers based on the
Company’s characters, movies and TV shows.
Publishing
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) creates, distributes, licenses and publishes children’s books, magazine and learning
products in print and digital formats, and storytelling apps in multiple countries and languages based on the Company’s
branded franchises. DPW also operates Disney English, which develops and delivers an English language learning curriculum
for Chinese children using Disney content in 29 learning centers in nine cities across China.
Marvel Publishing creates and publishes comic books, and graphic novel collections of comic books, principally in North
America in print and digital formats. Marvel Publishing also licenses the right to publish translated versions of these comic
books, principally in Europe and Latin America.
Retail
The Company markets Disney-, Marvel- and Lucasfilm-themed products through retail stores operated under the Disney
Store name and through internet sites in North America (DisneyStore.com and MarvelStore.com), Western Europe and Japan.
The stores, which are generally located in leading shopping malls and other retail complexes, carry a wide variety of Disney
merchandise and promote other businesses of the Company. The Company currently owns and operates 220 stores in North
America, 74 stores in Europe, 47 stores in Japan and 1 in China. The Company also offers retailers merchandise that it designs
and develops under wholesale arrangements.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s merchandise licensing, publishing and retail businesses compete with other licensors, publishers and
retailers of character, brand and celebrity names. Operating results for the licensing and retail businesses are influenced by
seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, consumer preferences, levels of marketing and promotion and by the timing and
performance of theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts.
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INTERACTIVE
The Interactive segment creates and delivers branded entertainment and lifestyle content across interactive media
platforms. Interactive’s primary operations include the production and global distribution of multi-platform games, the
licensing of content for games and mobile devices, website management and design for other Company businesses and the
development of branded online services.
The Interactive segment also manages Maker Studios, Inc. (Maker), a leading network of online video content. Maker
results are allocated primarily to the Media Networks and Studio Entertainment segments.
The Interactive segment generates revenue from:
• selling of multi-platform games to retailers and distributors, the collection of fees through micro transactions in the
games, and subscriptions
• licensing content to third-party game publishers and for mobile devices; and
• online advertising and sponsorships
Significant costs include cost of goods sold, product development, marketing expenses and distribution expenses.
In June 2015, the Company announced the combination of its Consumer Products and Interactive segments into a single
segment. The Company will begin reporting the financial results of the combined segment in fiscal 2016.
Games
Interactive develops console, mobile and virtual world games, which are marketed and distributed on a worldwide basis.
Disney Infinity features a game world based on Company properties that combines physical toys and story-driven gameplay.
Mobile games are distributed on smartphones and tablets. Disney’s Club Penguin is an online virtual world game that contains a
range of games and activities. Certain properties are also licensed to third-party video game publishers.
Other Content
Interactive licenses Disney properties and content to mobile phone carriers in Japan. In addition, Interactive develops,
publishes and distributes interactive family content through a portfolio of platforms including Disney.com, Disney on YouTube
and Babble.com and develop and publish apps for moms and families.
Competition and Seasonality
The Company’s game business competes primarily with other publishers of game software and other types of home
entertainment. The Company’s online sites and products compete with a wide variety of other online sites and products.
Operating results for the game business fluctuate due to the performance and timing of game releases, which are determined by
several factors including theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts, competition and the timing of holiday periods.
Revenues from certain of the Company’s online and mobile operations are subject to similar seasonal trends.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
The Company’s businesses throughout the world are affected by its ability to exploit and protect against infringement of
its intellectual property, including trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Important intellectual
property includes rights in the content of motion pictures, television programs, electronic games, sound recordings, character
likenesses, theme park attractions, books and magazines. Risks related to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property
rights are set forth in Item 1A – Risk Factors.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports are available without charge on our website, www.disney.com/investors, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are
filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We are providing the address to our internet site
solely for the information of investors. We do not intend the address to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents
of the website into this report.
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ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
For an enterprise as large and complex as the Company, a wide range of factors could materially affect future
developments and performance. In addition to the factors affecting specific business operations identified in connection with
the description of these operations and the financial results of these operations elsewhere in this report, the most significant
factors affecting our operations include the following:
Changes in U.S., global, or regional economic conditions could have an adverse effect on the profitability of some or all
of our businesses.
A decline in economic activity in the U.S. and other regions of the world in which we do business can adversely affect
demand for any of our businesses, thus reducing our revenue and earnings. Past declines in economic conditions reduced
spending at our parks and resorts, purchase of and prices for advertising on our broadcast and cable networks and owned
stations, performance of our home entertainment releases, and purchases of Company-branded consumer products, and similar
impacts can be expected should such conditions recur. A decline in economic conditions could also reduce attendance at our
parks and resorts, prices that MVPDs pay for our cable programming or subscription levels for our cable programming. Recent
instability in non-U.S. economies has had similar impacts on some of our U.S. operations. Economic conditions can also impair
the ability of those with whom we do business to satisfy their obligations to us. In addition, an increase in price levels
generally, or in price levels in a particular sector such as the energy sector, could result in a shift in consumer demand away
from the entertainment and consumer products we offer, which could also adversely affect our revenues and, at the same time,
increase our costs. Changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies may reduce international demand for our products or
increase our labor or supply costs in non-U.S. markets, and recent changes have reduced the U.S. dollar value of revenue we
receive and expect to receive from other markets. Economic or political conditions in a country could also reduce our ability to
hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country.
Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences for entertainment and consumer products could reduce demand
for our entertainment offerings and products and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
Our businesses create entertainment, travel and consumer products whose success depends substantially on consumer
tastes and preferences that change in often unpredictable ways. The success of our businesses depends on our ability to
consistently create and distribute filmed entertainment, broadcast and cable programming, online material, electronic games,
theme park attractions, hotels and other resort facilities and travel experiences and consumer products that meet the changing
preferences of the broad consumer market and respond to competition from an expanding array of choices facilitated by
technological developments in the delivery of content. Many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our
offerings and products by consumers outside the U.S., and their success therefore depends on our ability to successfully predict
and adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences outside as well as inside the U.S. Moreover, we must often invest
substantial amounts in film production, broadcast and cable programming, electronic games, theme park attractions, cruise
ships or hotels and other resort facilities before we learn the extent to which these products will earn consumer acceptance. If
our entertainment offerings and products do not achieve sufficient consumer acceptance, our revenue from advertising sales
(which are based in part on ratings for the programs in which advertisements air) or subscription fees for broadcast and cable
programming and online services, from theatrical film receipts or home entertainment or electronic game sales, from theme
park admissions, hotel room charges and merchandise, food and beverage sales, from sales of licensed consumer products or
from sales of our other consumer products and services may decline or fail to grow to the extent we anticipate when making
investment decisions and thereby adversely affect the profitability of one or more of our businesses.
Changes in technology and in consumer consumption patterns may affect demand for our entertainment products, the
revenue we can generate from these products or the cost of producing or distributing products.
The media entertainment and internet businesses in which we participate increasingly depend on our ability to
successfully adapt to shifting patterns of content consumption through the adoption and exploitation of new technologies. New
technologies affect the demand for our products, the manner in which our products are distributed to consumers, the sources
and nature of competing content offerings, the time and manner in which consumers acquire and view some of our
entertainment products and the options available to advertisers for reaching their desired audiences. This trend has impacted the
business model for certain traditional forms of distribution, as evidenced by the industry-wide decline in ratings for broadcast
television, the reduction in demand for home entertainment sales of theatrical content, the development of alternative
distribution channels for broadcast and cable programming and declines in subscriber levels for certain of our networks. In
order to respond to these developments, we may be required to alter our business models and there can be no assurance that we
will successfully respond to these changes, that we will not experience disruption as we develop responses to the changes, or
that the business models we develop will be as profitable as our current business models. As a result, the income from our
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entertainment offerings may decline or increase at slower rates than our historical experience or our expectations when we
make investments in products.
The success of our businesses is highly dependent on the existence and maintenance of intellectual property rights in the
entertainment products and services we create.
The value to us of our intellectual property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of our rights as defined by
applicable laws in the U.S. and abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or
interpreted in ways that limit the extent or duration of our rights, or if existing laws are changed, our ability to generate revenue
from our intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may increase.
The unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights may increase the cost of protecting these rights or reduce our
revenues. New technologies such as the convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, the falling
prices of devices incorporating such technologies, increased broadband internet speed and penetration and increased
availability and speed of mobile data transmission have made the unauthorized digital copying and distribution of our films,
television productions and other creative works easier and faster and enforcement of intellectual property rights more
challenging. The unauthorized use of intellectual property in the entertainment industry generally continues to be a significant
challenge for intellectual property rights holders. Inadequate laws or weak enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual
property in one country can adversely affect the results of the Company’s operations worldwide, despite the Company’s efforts
to protect its intellectual property rights. These developments require us to devote substantial resources to protecting our
intellectual property against unlicensed use and present the risk of increased losses of revenue as a result of unlicensed
distribution of our content.
With respect to intellectual property developed by the Company and rights acquired by the Company from others, the
Company is subject to the risk of challenges to our copyright, trademark and patent rights by third parties. Successful
challenges to our rights in intellectual property may result in increased costs for obtaining rights or the loss of the opportunity
to earn revenue from the intellectual property that is the subject of challenged rights.
Protection of electronically stored data is costly and if our data is compromised in spite of this protection, we may incur
additional costs, lost opportunities and damage to our reputation.
We maintain information necessary to conduct our business, including confidential and proprietary information as well as
personal information regarding our customers and employees, in digital form. Data maintained in digital form is subject to the
risk of intrusion, tampering and theft. We develop and maintain systems in an effort to prevent intrusion, tampering and theft,
but the development and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies
change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. Accordingly, despite our efforts, the possibility
of intrusion, tampering and theft cannot be eliminated entirely, and risks associated with each of these remain. In addition, we
provide confidential, proprietary and personal information to third parties when it is necessary to pursue business objectives.
While we obtain assurances that these third parties will protect this information and, where we believe appropriate, monitor the
protections employed by these third parties, there is a risk the confidentiality of data held by third parties may be compromised.
If our data systems are compromised, our ability to conduct our business may be impaired, we may lose profitable opportunities
or the value of those opportunities may be diminished and, as described above, we may lose revenue as a result of unlicensed
use of our intellectual property. If personal information of our customers or employees is misappropriated, our reputation with
our customers and employees may be injured resulting in loss of business or morale, and we may incur costs to remediate
possible injury to our customers and employees or to pay fines or take other action with respect to judicial or regulatory actions
arising out of the incident.
A variety of uncontrollable events may reduce demand for our products and services, impair our ability to provide our
products and services or increase the cost of providing our products and services.
Demand for our products and services, particularly our theme parks and resorts, is highly dependent on the general
environment for travel and tourism. The environment for travel and tourism, as well as demand for other entertainment
products, can be significantly adversely affected in the U.S., globally or in specific regions as a result of a variety of factors
beyond our control, including: adverse weather conditions arising from short-term weather patterns or long-term change,
catastrophic events or natural disasters (such as excessive heat or rain, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes);
health concerns; international, political or military developments; and terrorist attacks. These events and others, such as
fluctuations in travel and energy costs and computer virus attacks, intrusions or other widespread computing or
telecommunications failures, may also damage our ability to provide our products and services or to obtain insurance coverage
with respect to these events. In addition, we derive royalties from the sales of our licensed goods and services by third parties
and the management of businesses operated under brands licensed from the Company, and we are therefore dependent on the
successes of those third parties for that portion of our revenue. A wide variety of factors could influence the success of those
18
third parties and if negative factors significantly impacted a sufficient number of our licensees, that could adversely affect the
profitability of one or more of our businesses. We obtain insurance against the risk of losses relating to some of these events,
generally including physical damage to our property and resulting business interruption, certain injuries occurring on our
property and some liabilities for alleged breach of legal responsibilities. When insurance is obtained it is subject to deductibles,
exclusions, terms, conditions and limits of liability. The types and levels of coverage we obtain vary from time to time
depending on our view of the likelihood of specific types and levels of loss in relation to the cost of obtaining coverage for such
types and levels of loss.
Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the
profitability of our businesses.
As changes in our business environment occur we may need to adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we
may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. In addition, external events
including acceptance of our theatrical offerings and changes in macroeconomic conditions may impair the value of our assets.
When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value
of assets. We also make investments in existing or new businesses, including investments in international expansion of our
business and in new business lines. In recent years, such investments have included expansion and renovation of certain of our
theme park attractions and investment in Shanghai Disney Resort. Some of these investments may have short-term returns that
are negative or low and the ultimate business prospects of the businesses may be uncertain. In any of these events, our costs
may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or returns on new investments may be
lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring.
Turmoil in the financial markets could increase our cost of borrowing and impede access to or increase the cost of
financing our operations and investments.
Past disruptions in the U.S. and global credit and equity markets made it difficult for many businesses to obtain financing
on acceptable terms. These conditions tended to increase the cost of borrowing and if they recur, our cost of borrowing could
increase and it may be more difficult to obtain financing for our operations or investments. In addition, our borrowing costs can
be affected by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies that are based, in part, on the
Company’s performance as measured by credit metrics such as interest coverage and leverage ratios. A decrease in these ratings
would likely increase our cost of borrowing and/or make it more difficult for us to obtain financing. Past disruptions in the
global financial markets also impacted some of the financial institutions with which we do business. A similar decline in the
financial stability of financial institutions could affect our ability to secure credit-worthy counterparties for our interest rate and
foreign currency hedging programs and could affect our ability to settle existing contracts.
Increased competitive pressures may reduce our revenues or increase our costs.
We face substantial competition in each of our businesses from alternative providers of the products and services we offer
and from other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreational activities. We also must compete to obtain human
resources, programming and other resources we require in operating our business. For example:
• Our broadcast and cable networks, stations and online offerings compete for viewers with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services as well as with home entertainment products, new sources of broadband delivered content and
internet usage.
• Our broadcast and cable networks and stations compete for the sale of advertising time with other broadcast, cable and
satellite services, and internet delivered content, as well as with newspapers, magazines, billboards and radio stations.
• Our cable networks compete for carriage of their programming with other programming providers.
• Our studio operations, broadcast and cable networks compete to obtain creative and performing talent, sports and other
programming, story properties, advertiser support and market share with other studio operations, broadcast and cable
networks and new sources of broadband delivered content.
• Our theme parks and resorts compete for guests with all other forms of entertainment, lodging, tourism and recreation
activities.
• Our studio operations compete for customers with all other forms of entertainment.
• Our consumer products segment competes with other licensors, publishers and retailers of character, brand and
celebrity names.
• Our interactive media operations compete with other publishers of console, online and mobile games and other types
of home entertainment.
19
Competition in each of these areas may increase as a result of technological developments and changes in market
structure, including consolidation of suppliers of resources and distribution channels. Increased competition may divert
consumers from our creative or other products, or to other products or other forms of entertainment, which could reduce our
revenue or increase our marketing costs. Such competition may also reduce, or limit growth in, prices for our products and
services, including advertising rates and subscription fees at our media networks, parks and resorts admissions and room rates,
and prices for consumer products from which we derive license revenues. Competition for the acquisition of resources can
increase the cost of producing our products and services.
Sustained increases in costs of pension and postretirement medical and other employee health and welfare benefits may
reduce our profitability.
With approximately 185,000 employees, our profitability is substantially affected by costs of pension benefits and current
and postretirement medical benefits. We may experience significant increases in these costs as a result of macro-economic
factors, which are beyond our control, including increases in the cost of health care. In addition, changes in investment returns
and discount rates used to calculate pension expense and related assets and liabilities can be volatile and may have an
unfavorable impact on our costs in some years. These macroeconomic factors as well as a decline in the fair value of pension
and postretirement medical plan assets may put upward pressure on the cost of providing pension and postretirement medical
benefits and may increase future funding requirements. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs,
there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce the
profitability of our businesses.
Our results may be adversely affected if long-term programming or carriage contracts are not renewed on sufficiently
favorable terms.
We enter into long-term contracts for both the acquisition and the distribution of media programming and products,
including contracts for the acquisition of programming rights for sporting events and other programs, and contracts for the
distribution of our programming to content distributors. As these contracts expire, we must renew or renegotiate the contracts,
and if we are unable to renew them on acceptable terms, we may lose programming rights or distribution rights. Even if these
contracts are renewed, the cost of obtaining programming rights may increase (or increase at faster rates than our historical
experience) or programming distributors, facing pressures resulting from increased subscription fees and alternative
distribution challenges, may demand terms (including pricing and the breadth of distribution) that reduce our revenue from
distribution of programs (or increase revenue at slower rates than our historical experience). With respect to the acquisition of
programming rights, particularly sports programming rights, the impact of these long-term contracts on our results over the
term of the contracts depends on a number of factors, including the strength of advertising markets, effectiveness of marketing
efforts and the size of viewer audiences. There can be no assurance that revenues from programming based on these rights will
exceed the cost of the rights plus the other costs of producing and distributing the programming.
Changes in regulations applicable to our businesses may impair the profitability of our businesses.
Our broadcast networks and television stations are highly regulated, and each of our other businesses is subject to a
variety of U.S. and overseas regulations. These regulations include:
• U.S. FCC regulation of our television and radio networks, our national programming networks, and our owned
television stations. See Item 1 — Business — Media Networks, Federal Regulation.
• Federal, state and foreign privacy and data protection laws and regulations.
• Regulation of the safety of consumer products and theme park operations.
• Environmental protection regulations.
• Imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions, restrictions on the manner in which content is currently licensed
and distributed, ownership restrictions, currency exchange controls or motion picture or television content
requirements or quotas.
• Domestic and international wage laws, tax laws or currency controls.
Changes in any of these regulations or regulatory activities in any of these areas may require us to spend additional
amounts to comply with the regulations, or may restrict our ability to offer products and services in ways that are profitable.
Our operations outside the United States may be adversely affected by the operation of laws in those jurisdictions.
Our operations in non-U.S. jurisdictions are in many cases subject to the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate
rather than U.S. law. Laws in some jurisdictions differ in significant respects from those in the U.S., and these differences can
affect our ability to react to changes in our business and our rights or ability to enforce rights may be different than would be
20
expected under U.S. law. Moreover, enforcement of laws in some overseas jurisdictions can be inconsistent and unpredictable,
which can affect both our ability to enforce our rights and to undertake activities that we believe are beneficial to our business.
In addition, the business and political climate in some jurisdictions may encourage corruption, which could reduce our ability
to compete successfully in those jurisdictions while remaining in compliance with local laws or United States anti-corruption
laws applicable to our businesses. As a result, our ability to generate revenue and our expenses in non-U.S. jurisdictions may
differ from what would be expected if U.S. law governed these operations.
Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.
A significant number of employees in various of our businesses are covered by collective bargaining agreements,
including employees of our theme parks and resorts as well as writers, directors, actors, production personnel and others
employed in our media networks and studio operations. In addition, the employees of licensees who manufacture and retailers
who sell our consumer products, and employees of providers of programming content (such as sports leagues) may be covered
by labor agreements with their employers. In general, a labor dispute involving our employees or the employees of our
licensees or retailers who sell our consumer products or providers of programming content may disrupt our operations and
reduce our revenues, and resolution of disputes may increase our costs.
The seasonality of certain of our businesses could exacerbate negative impacts on our operations.
Each of our businesses is normally subject to seasonal variations, as follows:
• Revenues in our Media Networks segment are subject to seasonal advertising patterns and changes in viewership
levels. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower during the summer
months. Affiliate fees are typically collected ratably throughout the year.
• Revenues in our Parks and Resorts segment fluctuate with changes in theme park attendance and resort occupancy
resulting from the seasonal nature of vacation travel and leisure activities. Peak attendance and resort occupancy
generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter and spring-holiday
periods.
• Revenues in our Studio Entertainment segment fluctuate due to the timing and performance of releases in the
theatrical, home entertainment and television markets. Release dates are determined by several factors, including
competition and the timing of vacation and holiday periods.
• Revenues in our Consumer Products and Interactive Media segments are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing
behavior, which generally results in higher revenues during the Company’s first fiscal quarter, and by the timing and
performance of theatrical releases and cable programming broadcasts.
Accordingly, if a short-term negative impact on our business occurs during a time of high seasonal demand (such as
hurricane damage to our parks during the summer travel season), the effect could have a disproportionate effect on the results
of that business for the year.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company has received no written comments regarding its periodic or current reports from the staff of the SEC that
were issued 180 days or more preceding the end of its 2015 fiscal year and that remain unresolved.
21
ITEM 2. Properties
The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and other properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are described
in Item 1 under the caption Parks and Resorts. Film library properties are described in Item 1 under the caption Studio
Entertainment. Television stations owned by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Media Networks. Retail
store locations leased by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Consumer Products.
The Company and its subsidiaries own and lease properties throughout the world. In addition to the properties noted
above, the table below provides a brief description of other significant properties and the related business segment.
Location
Property /
Approximate Size Use Business Segment(1)
Burbank, CA Land (52 acres) &
Buildings (1,982,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Warehouse
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Burbank, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Buildings (1,291,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
Interactive
Glendale, CA &
surrounding cities(2)
Land (149 acres) &
Buildings (2,756,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Warehouse
(includes 255,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Glendale, CA Buildings (210,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse Corp/Media/P&R
Los Angeles, CA Land (22 acres) &
Buildings (600,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Studio
Los Angeles, CA Buildings (471,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
(includes 10,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Media/Studio
New York, NY Land (5 acres) & Buildings
(1,418,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media/Corp
New York, NY Buildings (265,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Theater/Warehouse
(includes 23,000 ft2 sublet
to third-party tenants)
Corp/Studio/Media/
Interactive
Bristol, CT Land (117 acres) &
Buildings (1,174,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Media
Bristol, CT Buildings (512,000 ft2) Leased Office/Warehouse/
Technical
Media/Corp
Emeryville, CA Land (20 acres) &
Buildings (430,000 ft2)
Owned Office/Production/
Technical
Studio
Emeryville, CA Buildings (89,000 ft2) Leased Office/Storage
(includes 16,000 ft2 sublet
to third party tenants)
Studio
San Francisco, CA Buildings (542,000 ft2) Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
USA & Canada Land and Buildings
(Multiple sites and sizes)
Owned and Leased Office/
Production/Transmitter/
Theaters/Warehouse
Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Hammersmith, England Building (279,500 ft2) Leased Office Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
Europe, Asia, Australia &
Latin America
Buildings (Multiple sites
and sizes)
Leased Office/Warehouse Corp/Studio/Media/CP/
P&R/Interactive
(1) Corp – Corporate, CP – Consumer Products, P&R – Parks and Resorts
(2) Surrounding cities include North Hollywood, CA and Sun Valley, CA
22
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
As disclosed in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is engaged in certain legal matters, and
the disclosure set forth in Note 14 relating to certain legal matters is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant or codefendant in
various other legal actions involving copyright, breach of contract and various other claims incident to the conduct of its
businesses. Management does not expect the Company to suffer any material liability by reason of these actions.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Company
The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors,
which follows the annual meeting of the shareholders, and at other Board of Directors meetings, as appropriate. Each of the
executive officers has been employed by the Company in the position or positions indicated in the list and pertinent notes
below. Each of the executive officers has been employed by the Company for more than five years.
At October 3, 2015, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:
Name Age Title
Executive
Officer Since
Robert A. Iger 64 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(1) 2000
Thomas O. Staggs 55 Chief Operating Officer(2) 2015
Alan N. Braverman 67 Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 2003
Kevin A. Mayer 53 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer(3) 2005
Christine M. McCarthy 60 Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(4) 2005
Mary Jayne Parker 54 Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer 2009
(1) Mr. Iger was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer effective March 13, 2012. He was
President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2, 2005 through that date.
(2) Mr. Staggs was appointed Chief Operating Officer effective February 5, 2015. He was previously Chairman, Walt
Disney Parks and Resorts from 2010 to 2015 and Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company from 1998 to 2010.
(3) Mr. Mayer was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer effective June 30, 2015. He was
previously Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development of the Company from 2005 to
2015.
(4) Ms. McCarthy was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 30, 2015.
She was previously Executive Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, Alliances and Treasurer of the Company from
2000 to 2015.
23
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DIS”. The following
table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported in the Bloomberg
Financial markets services.
Sales Price
High Low
2015
4th Quarter $122.08 $90.00
3rd Quarter 115.28 104.25
2nd Quarter 108.94 90.06
1st Quarter 95.31 78.54
2014
4th Quarter 91.20 84.87
3rd Quarter 85.86 76.31
2nd Quarter 83.65 69.85
1st Quarter 74.78 63.10
On December 3, 2014, the Company declared a $1.15 per share dividend ($1.9 billion) related to fiscal 2014 for
shareholders of record on December 15, 2014, which was paid on January 8, 2015.
On June 24, 2015, the Company declared a $0.66 per share dividend ($1.1 billion) for the first half of fiscal 2015 for
shareholders of record on July 6, 2015, which was paid on July 29, 2015. The Board of Directors has not declared a dividend
related to the last half of fiscal 2015 as of the date of this report.
As of October 3, 2015, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 903,854.
The following table provides information about Company purchases of equity securities that are registered by the
Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended October 3, 2015:
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
Weighted
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs(2)
June 28, 2015 – July 31, 2015 3,220,177 $116.11 3,193,500 383 million
August 1, 2015 – August 31, 2015 18,638,362 106.43 18,439,000 365 million
September 1, 2015 – October 3, 2015 9,295,725 101.60 9,259,300 355 million
Total 31,154,264 105.99 30,891,800 355 million
(1) 262,463 shares were purchased on the open market to provide shares to participants in the Walt Disney Investment
Plan (WDIP). These purchases were not made pursuant to a publicly announced repurchase plan or program.
(2) Under a share repurchase program implemented effective June 10, 1998, the Company is authorized to repurchase
shares of its common stock. On January 30, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the repurchase
authorization to a total of 400 million shares as of that date. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
24
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share data)
2015 (1) 2014 (2) 2013 (3) 2012 (4) 2011 (5)
Statements of income
Revenues $ 52,465 $ 48,813 $ 45,041 $ 42,278 $ 40,893
Net income 8,852 8,004 6,636 6,173 5,258
Net income attributable to Disney 8,382 7,501 6,136 5,682 4,807
Per common share
Earnings attributable to Disney
Diluted $ 4.90 $ 4.26 $ 3.38 $ 3.13 $ 2.52
Basic 4.95 4.31 3.42 3.17 2.56
Dividends 1.81 0.86 0.75 0.60 0.40
Balance sheets
Total assets $ 88,182 $ 84,141 $ 81,197 $ 74,863 $ 72,097
Long-term obligations 19,142 18,573 17,293 17,841 17,690
Disney shareholders’ equity 44,525 44,958 45,429 39,759 37,385
Statements of cash flows
Cash provided (used) by:
Operating activities $ 10,909 $ 9,780 $ 9,452 $ 7,966 $ 6,994
Investing activities (4,245) (3,345) (4,676) (4,759) (3,286)
Financing activities (5,514) (6,710) (4,214) (2,985) (3,233)
(1) The fiscal 2015 results include the write-off of a deferred tax asset as a result of the Disneyland Paris recapitalization ($0.23
per diluted share) (see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and restructuring and impairment charges ($0.02
per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.25 per diluted share.
(2) The fiscal 2014 results include a loss resulting from the foreign currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in
Venezuelan currency ($0.05 per diluted share) (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), restructuring and
impairment charges ($0.05 per diluted share), a gain on the sale of property ($0.03 per diluted share) and a portion of a
settlement of an affiliate contract dispute ($0.01 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact
of $0.06 per diluted share.
(3) During fiscal 2013, the Company completed a cash and stock acquisition for the outstanding capital stock of Lucasfilm for
$4.1 billion (see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion). In addition, results for the year
include a charge related to the Celador litigation ($0.11 per diluted share), restructuring and impairment charges ($0.07 per
diluted share), a charge related to an equity redemption by Hulu (Hulu Equity Redemption) ($0.02 per diluted share) (see
Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), favorable tax adjustments related to an increase in the amount of prior-
year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and favorable tax adjustments
related to pre-tax earnings of prior years ($0.12 per diluted share) and gains in connection with the sale of our equity interest
in ESPN STAR Sports and certain businesses ($0.08 per diluted share) (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements). These items collectively resulted in a net adverse impact of $0.01 per diluted share.
(4) The fiscal 2012 results include a non-cash gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in UTV ($0.06
per diluted share), a recovery of a previously written-off receivable from Lehman Brothers ($0.03 per diluted share),
restructuring and impairment charges ($0.03 per diluted share) and costs related to the Disneyland Paris debt refinancing
(rounded to $0.00 per diluted share). These items collectively resulted in a net positive benefit of $0.06 per diluted share.
(5) The fiscal 2011 results include restructuring and impairment charges that rounded to $0.00 per diluted share and a net after
tax loss on the sales of businesses including Miramax ($0.02 per diluted share), which collectively resulted in a net adverse
impact of $0.02 per diluted share.
25
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
(in millions, except per share data)
% Change
Better/(Worse)
2015 2014 2013
2015
vs.
2014
2014
vs.
2013
Revenues:
Services $ 43,894 $ 40,246 $ 37,280 9 % 8 %
Products 8,571 8,567 7,761 — % 10 %
Total revenues 52,465 48,813 45,041 7 % 8 %
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization) (23,191) (21,356) (20,090) (9)% (6)%
Cost of products (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization) (5,173) (5,064) (4,944) (2)% (2)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (8,523) (8,565) (8,365) — % (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (2,354) (2,288) (2,192) (3)% (4)%
Total costs and expenses (39,241) (37,273) (35,591) (5)% (5)%
Restructuring and impairment charges (53) (140) (214) 62 % 35 %
Other expense, net — (31) (69) 100 % 55 %
Interest income/(expense), net (117) 23 (235) nm nm
Equity in the income of investees 814 854 688 (5)% 24 %
Income before income taxes 13,868 12,246 9,620 13 % 27 %
Income taxes (5,016) (4,242) (2,984) (18)% (42)%
Net income 8,852 8,004 6,636 11 % 21 %
Less: Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests (470) (503) (500) 7 % (1)%
Net income attributable to The Walt Disney
Company (Disney) $ 8,382 $ 7,501 $ 6,136 12 % 22 %
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:
Diluted $ 4.90 $ 4.26 $ 3.38 15 % 26 %
Basic $ 4.95 $ 4.31 $ 3.42 15 % 26 %
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding:
Diluted 1,709 1,759 1,813
Basic 1,694 1,740 1,792
26
Organization of Information
Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative on the Company’s financial performance and condition that
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements. It includes the following sections:
• Consolidated Results and Non-Segment Items
• Business Segment Results — 2015 vs. 2014
• Business Segment Results — 2014 vs. 2013
• Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses
• Pension and Postretirement Medical Benefit Costs
• Significant Developments
• Liquidity and Capital Resources
• Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
• Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
• Forward-Looking Statements
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS AND NON-SEGMENT ITEMS
2015 vs. 2014
Revenues for fiscal 2015 increased 7%, or $3.7 billion, to $52.5 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 12%,
or $881 million, to $8.4 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) for the year increased 15%, or
$0.64 to $4.90. The EPS increase in fiscal 2015 reflected improved operating performance and a decrease in the weighted
average shares outstanding as a result of our share repurchase program, partially offset by the write-off of a deferred tax asset
(discussed below) and lower investment gains. The current year results also include the benefit from a fifty-third week of
operations due to the timing of our fiscal period end. Fiscal 2016 will include fifty-two weeks of operations. The impact of the
additional week of operations was the most significant at our cable networks, domestic parks and consumer products
businesses.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2015 increased 9%, or $3.7 billion, to $43.9 billion primarily due to higher MVPD fees
(Affiliate Fees), volume growth and higher average guest spending at our domestic parks and resorts, higher SVOD sales of our
television and film properties, an increase in merchandise licensing and advertising revenue growth. These increases were
partially offset by an adverse impact from foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major
currencies.
Product revenues for fiscal 2015 were comparable to the prior year as higher food, beverage and merchandise volumes
and average guest spending at our domestic parks and resorts and increased revenues at our retail business were offset by lower
worldwide home entertainment and console game volumes and an adverse impact from foreign currency translation due to the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2015 increased 9%, or $1.8 billion, to $23.2 billion primarily due to higher sports
programming costs, inflation and operations support costs at our domestic parks and resorts, partially offset by a favorable
impact from foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies.
Cost of products for fiscal 2015 increased 2%, or $109 million, to $5.2 billion driven by volume growth at domestic parks
and resorts and our retail business and inflation at our domestic parks and resorts. These increases were partially offset by lower
home entertainment and console game unit sales and the impact from foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of
the U.S. dollar against major currencies.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs were comparable to the prior year as higher labor costs driven by the ABC
Television Network, ESPN and Corporate and higher information technology costs at domestic parks and resorts were offset by
lower marketing costs and the impact from foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against
major currencies. The decrease in marketing costs was due to lower spending for theatrical and home entertainment marketing,
partially offset by increases at ABC, ESPN and our merchandise licensing business.
27
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 3%, or $66 million, to $2.4 billion driven by new theme park attractions
and, to a lesser extent, new broadcast facilities and equipment, partially offset by the impact from foreign currency translation
due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $53 million and $140 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal years 2015 and
2014, respectively. Charges in fiscal 2015 were primarily due to a contract termination and severance. Charges in 2014 were
primarily due to severance costs across various of our segments and radio FCC license impairments, which were determined in
connection with a plan to sell Radio Disney stations.
Other Expense, net
Other expense, net is as follows (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements):
(in millions) 2015 2014
Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss $ — $ (143)
Gain on sale of property and other — 112
Other expense, net $ — $ (31)
Interest Income/(Expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net is as follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Interest expense $ (265) $ (294) 10 %
Interest and investment income 148 317 (53)%
Interest income/(expense), net $ (117) $ 23 nm
The decrease in interest expense was due to higher capitalized interest driven by the continued development of the
Shanghai Disney Resort and lower average debt balances, partially offset by the impact of an additional week and higher
effective interest rates.
The decrease in interest and investment income was due to lower gains on sales of investments and income on late
payments recognized in the prior year in connection with the settlement of an affiliate contract dispute.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees decreased 5%, or $40 million, to $0.8 billion primarily due to a decrease at Hulu,
partially offset by an increase at A&E.
Effective Income Tax Rate
2015 2014
Change
Better/(Worse)
Effective income tax rate 36.2% 34.6% (1.6) ppt
The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to a write-off of a $399 million deferred income tax asset
as a result of the increase in the Company’s ownership of Euro Disney S.C.A. in connection with the Disneyland Paris
recapitalization. This increase was partially offset by a benefit from an increase in earnings from foreign operations indefinitely
reinvested outside the United States, which are subject to tax rates lower than the federal statutory income tax rate.
28
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year decreased $33 million to $470 million due to lower
operating results at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and higher pre-opening expenses at Shanghai Disney Resort, partially offset
by an increase at Disneyland Paris. The increase at Disneyland Paris was driven by higher net income, partially offset by the
impact of the Company’s change in ownership interest.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees,
financing costs and income taxes.
2014 vs. 2013
Revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 8%, or $3.8 billion, to $48.8 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 22%,
or $1.4 billion, to $7.5 billion; and diluted earnings per share attributable to Disney (EPS) for the year increased 26% or $0.88
to $4.26. The EPS increase in fiscal 2014 reflected improved operating performance, a decrease in the weighted average shares
outstanding as a result of our share repurchase program and higher investment gains.
Revenues
Service revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 8%, or $3.0 billion, to $40.2 billion driven by the strong worldwide theatrical
performance of Frozen, higher Affiliate Fees at ESPN, Broadcasting and the domestic Disney Channels, increased average
guest spending for admissions and occupancy at our domestic parks and resorts operations, higher advertising revenues at
ESPN and an increase in merchandise licensing revenue driven by Frozen and Disney Channel properties.
Product revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 10%, or $0.8 billion, to $8.6 billion reflecting higher worldwide home
entertainment revenues driven by Frozen, increased guest spending on food, beverage and merchandise and higher volumes at
our domestic parks and resorts operations and growth at our console games business driven by the success of Disney Infinity.
Costs and expenses
Cost of services for fiscal 2014 increased 6%, or $1.3 billion, to $21.4 billion driven by higher programming costs at
ESPN and the ABC Television Network and an increase at our domestic parks and resorts due to MyMagic+, higher volumes
and labor cost inflation.
Cost of products for fiscal 2014 increased 2%, or $120 million, to $5.1 billion driven by higher home entertainment unit
sales, higher costs at our console games business driven by Disney Infinity and labor and other cost inflation and higher
volumes at our domestic parks and resorts operations, partially offset by lower average home entertainment per unit costs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased 2%, or $200 million, to $8.6 billion primarily due to higher
theatrical marketing expenses driven by more titles in wide release.
Depreciation and amortization costs increased 4%, or $96 million, to $2.3 billion driven by MyMagic+ at our domestic
parks and resorts operations.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded $214 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal 2013 for severance, contract and
lease terminations and intangible and other asset impairments.
Other Expense, net
Other expense, net is as follows (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements):
(in millions) 2014 2013
Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss $ (143) $ —
Celador litigation charge — (321)
Gain on sale of equity interest in ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) — 219
Gain on sale of property and other 112 33
Other expense, net $ (31) $ (69)
29
Interest Income/(Expense), net
Interest income/(expense), net is as follows:
(in millions) 2014 2013
% Change
Better/(Worse)
Interest expense $ (294) $ (349) 16%
Interest and investment income 317 114 >100 %
Interest income/(expense), net $ 23 $ (235) nm
The decrease in interest expense was due to lower effective interest rates, partially offset by higher average debt balances.
The increase in interest and investment income was primarily due to gains on sales of investments. Interest income also
benefited from income on late payments recognized in connection with the settlement of an affiliate contract dispute.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Equity in the income of investees increased 24%, or $166 million, to $0.9 billion driven by the absence of a charge in the
prior year for our share of expense related to an equity redemption at Hulu LLC (Hulu Equity Redemption).
Effective Income Tax Rate
2014 2013
Change
Better/(Worse)
Effective income tax rate 34.6% 31.0% (3.6) ppt
The increase in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to tax benefits recognized in fiscal 2013, which included
an increase in prior-year earnings from foreign operations indefinitely reinvested outside the United States, which are subject to
tax rates lower than the federal statutory income tax rate.
Noncontrolling Interests
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the year increased $3 million to $503 million driven by improved
operating results at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, partially offset by a lower impact related to ESPN driven by after-tax gains
recognized in fiscal 2013 on the sales of ESS and the ESPN UK business.
Certain Items Impacting Comparability
Results for fiscal 2015 were impacted by the following:
• A non-cash charge in connection with the write-off of a deferred tax asset as a result of the increase in the Company’s
ownership of Euro Disney S.C.A. in connection with the Disneyland Paris recapitalization ($399 million). See Note 6
to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $53 million
Results for fiscal 2014 were impacted by the following:
• A Venezuelan foreign currency translation loss of $143 million
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $140 million
• A $77 million gain on the sale of a property
• Income of $29 million representing a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute
Results for fiscal 2013 were impacted by the following:
• A $321 million charge related to the Celador litigation
• Restructuring and impairment charges totaling $214 million
• A $55 million charge for our share of expense related to the Hulu Equity Redemption. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further discussion
• A $219 million gain on the sale of our 50% interest in ESS and gains of $33 million on the sale of certain businesses
30
• A tax benefit related to an increase in the amount of prior-year foreign earnings considered to be indefinitely
reinvested outside of the United States and favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings in prior years, which
together totaled $207 million
A summary of the impact of these items on EPS is as follows:
(in millions, except per share data)
Pre-Tax
Income/(Loss)
Tax Benefit/
(Expense)
After-Tax
Income/(Loss)
EPS
Favorable/
(Adverse) (1)
Year Ended October 3, 2015:
Write-off of deferred tax asset(2) $ — $ (399) $ (399) $ (0.23)
Restructuring and impairment charges (53) 20 (33) (0.02)
Total $ (53) $ (379) $ (432) $ (0.25)
Year Ended September 27, 2014:
Venezuela foreign currency translation loss(3) $ (143) $ 53 $ (90) $ (0.05)
Restructuring and impairment charges (140) 48 (92) (0.05)
Gain on sale of property(3) 77 (28) 49 0.03
Settlement income(3) 29 (11) 18 0.01
Other(3) 6 (2) 4 —
Total $ (171) $ 60 $ (111) $ (0.06)
Year Ended September 28, 2013:
Celador litigation charge(3) $ (321) $ 119 $ (202) $ (0.11)
Restructuring and impairment charges (214) 78 (136) (0.07)
Hulu Equity Redemption charge(4) (55) 20 (35) (0.02)
Gain on sale of businesses and equity interest in ESS(3) 252 (48) 204 0.08
Favorable tax adjustments — 207 207 0.12
Total $ (338) $ 376 $ 38 $ (0.01)
(1) EPS is net of noncontrolling interest share, where applicable. Total may not equal the sum of the column due to
rounding.
(2) See Notes 6 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion.
(3) Recorded in “Other expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(4) See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the Hulu Equity Redemption Charge.
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS — 2015 vs. 2014
Below is a discussion of the major revenue and expense categories for our business segments. Costs and expenses for
each segment consist of operating expenses, selling, general, administrative and other costs and depreciation and amortization.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs include third-party and internal marketing expenses.
Our Media Networks segment generates revenue from affiliate fees, ad sales and other revenues, which include the sale
and distribution of television programming. Significant operating expenses include amortization of programming, production,
participations and residuals costs, technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs.
Our Parks and Resorts segment generates revenue from the sale of admissions to theme parks, the sale of food, beverage
and merchandise, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise vacation packages and sales and rentals of vacation club
properties. Significant operating expenses include operating labor, infrastructure costs, costs of sales and other operating
expenses. Infrastructure costs include repairs and maintenance, information systems expense, utilities, property taxes, insurance
and transportation and other operating expenses include costs for such items as supplies, commissions and entertainment
offerings.
Our Studio Entertainment segment generates revenue from the distribution of films in the theatrical, home entertainment
and television and SVOD markets (TV/SVOD), ticket sales for live stage plays, music distribution and licensing of live
31
entertainment events. Significant operating expenses include amortization of production, participations and residuals costs,
distribution expenses and costs of sales.
Our Consumer Products segment generates revenue from licensing characters from our film, television and other
properties to third parties for use on consumer merchandise, publishing children’s books and magazines and comic books,
operating retail stores and internet shopping sites, the sale of merchandise to retailers and operating English language learning
centers. Significant operating expenses include cost of goods sold and distribution expenses, operating labor and retail
occupancy costs.
Our Interactive segment generates revenue from the development and sale of multi-platform games, micro transactions
for and subscriptions to online and mobile games, licensing content for Disney-branded mobile phones in Japan, and online
advertising and sponsorships. We also license our properties to third-party game publishers. Significant operating expenses
include cost of goods sold, product development and distribution expense.
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
2015
vs.
2014
2014
vs.
2013
Revenues:
Media Networks $ 23,264 $ 21,152 $ 20,356 10 % 4%
Parks and Resorts 16,162 15,099 14,087 7 % 7%
Studio Entertainment 7,366 7,278 5,979 1 % 22%
Consumer Products 4,499 3,985 3,555 13 % 12%
Interactive 1,174 1,299 1,064 (10)% 22%
$ 52,465 $ 48,813 $ 45,041 7 % 8%
Segment operating income (loss):
Media Networks $ 7,793 $ 7,321 $ 6,818 6 % 7%
Parks and Resorts 3,031 2,663 2,220 14 % 20%
Studio Entertainment 1,973 1,549 661 27 % >100 %
Consumer Products 1,752 1,356 1,112 29 % 22%
Interactive 132 116 (87) 14 % nm
$ 14,681 $ 13,005 $ 10,724 13 % 21%
The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management
uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the overall performance of the operating businesses. The Company
believes that information about aggregate segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in
the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from factors other than business operations that affect
net income. The following table reconciles segment operating income to income before income taxes.
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
2015
vs.
2014
2014
vs.
2013
Segment operating income $ 14,681 $ 13,005 $ 10,724 13 % 21 %
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (643) (611) (531) (5)% (15)%
Restructuring and impairment charges (53) (140) (214) 62 % 35 %
Other expense, net — (31) (69) 100 % 55 %
Interest income/(expense), net (117) 23 (235) nm nm
Hulu Equity Redemption charge — — (55) nm 100 %
Income before income taxes $ 13,868 $ 12,246 $ 9,620 13 % 27 %
32
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Affiliate Fees $ 12,029 $ 10,632 13 %
Advertising 8,361 8,031 4 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,874 2,489 15 %
Total revenues 23,264 21,152 10 %
Operating expenses (13,150) (11,794) (11)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,869) (2,643) (9)%
Depreciation and amortization (266) (250) (6)%
Equity in the income of investees 814 856 (5)%
Operating Income $ 7,793 $ 7,321 6 %
Revenues
The 13% increase in Affiliate Fee revenue was due to an increase of 8% from higher contractual rates, 3% from an
increase in subscribers, 2% from the benefit of an additional week of operations, and 1% from new contractual provisions.
These increases were partially offset by a decrease of 2% due to an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation as a
result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies. The increase in subscribers was due to the launch of the
SEC Network in the fourth quarter of the prior year, partially offset by a decline in subscribers at certain of our cable networks.
The 4% increase in advertising revenues was due to an increase of $206 million at Cable Networks, from $4,128 million
to $4,334 million, and an increase of $124 million at Broadcasting, from $3,903 million to $4,027 million. The increase at
Cable Networks was due to a 6% increase from units sold, a 3% increase from rates and 1% from the benefit of an additional
week of operation, partially offset by a 6% decrease from ratings. The increase at Broadcasting was due to a 2% increase from
network rates and a 2% increase from an additional week of operations.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $385 million from $2,489 million to $2,874 million due to higher
SVOD sales in the current year.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $1,149 million from $10,229 million to
$11,378 million. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $868 million due to higher rights costs for
NFL programming (including a wild card playoff game) and college football, and the addition of the SEC Network, partially
offset by the end of the NASCAR contract in the first quarter of the current year. At Broadcasting, programming and production
costs increased $281 million primarily due to higher program sales and programming costs for an additional week of
operations.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $226 million from $2,643 million to $2,869 million driven by
higher labor and marketing costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees decreased $42 million from $856 million to $814 million primarily due to a decrease at
Hulu driven by higher programming and marketing costs, partially offset by an increase at A&E. The increase at A&E was due
to lower programming and marketing costs, partially offset by a decrease in advertising revenue.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 6%, or $472 million, to $7,793 million due to increases at the Disney Channels,
ESPN, the owned television stations and the ABC Television Network.
33
The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Cable Networks $ 16,581 $ 15,110 10%
Broadcasting 6,683 6,042 11%
$ 23,264 $ 21,152 10%
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 6,787 $ 6,467 5%
Broadcasting 1,006 854 18%
$ 7,793 $ 7,321 6%
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other expense, net
The Company recorded charges of $62 million, $78 million and $85 million related to Media Networks for fiscal years
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated
Statements of Income. The charges in fiscal 2015 were due to a contract termination and severance. The charges in fiscal 2014
were due to radio FCC license and investment impairments and severance. The charges in fiscal 2013 were primarily for
severance and contract settlement costs.
The Company recorded a $100 million loss related to Cable Networks in fiscal 2014 resulting from the foreign currency
translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in “Other expense, net” in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Domestic $ 13,611 $ 12,329 10 %
International 2,551 2,770 (8)%
Total revenues 16,162 15,099 7 %
Operating expenses (9,730) (9,106) (7)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,884) (1,856) (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (1,517) (1,472) (3)%
Equity in the loss of investees — (2) 100 %
Operating Income $ 3,031 $ 2,663 14 %
Revenues
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 7%, or $1.1 billion, to $16.2 billion due to an increase of $1.3 billion at our
domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease of $219 million at our international operations.
Revenue growth of 10% at our domestic operations reflected increases of 5% from higher volumes and 5% from higher
average guest spending. Higher volumes were due to attendance growth and higher occupied room nights. Increased guest
spending was primarily due to higher average ticket prices for admissions at our theme parks and for sailings at our cruise line,
increased food, beverage and merchandise spending and higher average hotel room rates. Revenues also benefited from an
additional week of operations in the current year.
Revenues at our international operations reflected an 11% decrease from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a
4% increase from higher average guest spending. Guest spending growth was due to higher food, beverage and merchandise
spending, an increase in average ticket prices and higher average hotel room rates. Volumes at our international operations were
essentially flat, as higher attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris were offset by lower attendance and
occupied room nights at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
34
The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending and hotel statistics:
Domestic International (2) Total
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2015
Fiscal Year
2014
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance 7% 3% —% (3)% 5% 1%
Per Capita Guest Spending 4% 7% 5% 7 % 4% 7%
Hotels (1)
Occupancy 87% 83% 79% 78 % 86% 82%
Available Room Nights
(in thousands) 10,644 10,470 2,473 2,466 13,117 12,936
Per Room Guest Spending $295 $280 $335 $328 $302 $289
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the
fiscal 2014 average foreign exchange rate. The euro to U.S. dollar weighted average foreign currency exchange rate
was $1.15, $1.36 and $1.31 for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $347 million from $4,233 million to $4,580 million, cost of
sales, which increased $80 million from $1,425 million to $1,505 million, and infrastructure costs, which increased $27 million
from $1,854 million to $1,881 million. The increase in operating labor was due to inflation, higher employee benefit costs and
increased labor hours. The increase in employee benefit costs included higher pension and postretirement medical costs. The
increase in labor hours was driven by higher volumes and new guest offerings, such as the 60th Anniversary Celebration at
Disneyland Resort. Higher cost of sales was due to volume growth and inflation. Infrastructure cost increases were driven by
higher information technology expense and operations support costs, partially offset by costs incurred in the prior year in
connection with the launch of MyMagic+. Other operating expenses, which include costs for such items as supplies,
commissions and entertainment offerings, increased primarily due to inflation, higher operations support costs and pre-opening
costs for Shanghai Disney Resort. Operating expenses included a 2% decrease from foreign currency translation due to the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro, partially offset by a 2% increase as a result of an additional week of
operations, both of which had similar impacts on operating labor, cost of sales and infrastructure costs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $28 million from $1,856 million to $1,884 million primarily
due to information technology initiatives, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation due to the strengthening
of the U.S. dollar against the euro.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was driven by new attractions, partially offset by the impact of foreign
currency translation due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the euro.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 14%, or $368 million, to $3.0 billion due to growth at our domestic operations,
partially offset by a decrease at our international operations.
35
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Theatrical distribution $ 2,321 $ 2,431 (5)%
Home entertainment 1,799 2,094 (14)%
TV/SVOD distribution and other 3,246 2,753 18 %
Total revenues 7,366 7,278 1 %
Operating expenses (3,050) (3,137) 3 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,204) (2,456) 10 %
Depreciation and amortization (139) (136) (2)%
Operating Income $ 1,973 $ 1,549 27 %
Revenues
The 5% decrease in theatrical distribution revenue was due to unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts driven by
the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies and the impact of having no DreamWorks titles in the current year
compared to four in the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by the performance of Inside Out and Big Hero 6 in the
current year compared to Frozen and Planes: Fire and Rescue in the prior year, as well as one additional Disney live-action
release in the current year. Significant Disney live-action releases in the current year included Cinderella and Into the Woods,
whereas the prior year included Maleficent. The performance of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and Marvel’s Ant-Man in the
current year was comparable to the prior-year performance of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel’s Captain America:
The Winter Soldier and Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World.
The 14% decrease in home entertainment revenue was due to decreases of 9% from lower unit sales and 4% from lower
average net effective pricing, both of which reflected the strong performance of Frozen in the prior year. Net effective pricing is
the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and returns.
The 18% increase in TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was due to increases of 9% from higher revenue share with
the Consumer Products segment due to the success of merchandise based on Frozen and 7% from TV/SVOD distribution. TV/
SVOD distribution revenue growth was primarily due to worldwide pay television, which included the benefit of more titles
available domestically and sales of Star Wars titles internationally, and international SVOD sales.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include a decrease of $12 million in film cost amortization, from $1,802 million to $1,790 million,
primarily due to decreased film cost impairments, partially offset by the impact of higher revenues and a higher average film
cost amortization rate for theatrical releases in the current year due to the success of Frozen in the prior year. Operating
expenses also include cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which decreased $75 million, from $1,335 million to $1,260
million due to lower home entertainment per unit costs and unit sales.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $252 million from $2,456 million to $2,204 million due to
lower theatrical and home entertainment marketing expense. Lower theatrical marketing expense was primarily due to four
DreamWorks titles in release in the prior year compared to none in the current year and the impact of foreign currency
translation. The decrease in home entertainment marketing expense was driven by spending on Monsters University in the prior
year compared to no Pixar title in the current year.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased $424 million to $2.0 billion due to higher revenue share with the Consumer
Products segment, increases in TV/SVOD and theatrical distribution and lower film cost impairments, partially offset by a
decrease in home entertainment.
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other expense, net
The Company recorded charges of $0, $7 million and $18 million related to Studio Entertainment for fiscal years 2015,
2014 and 2013, respectively, that were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of
Income. The charges in fiscal 2013 were primarily for severance costs.
36
The Company recorded a $31 million loss related to Studio Entertainment in fiscal 2014 resulting from the foreign
currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in “Other expense, net” in
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Consumer Products
Operating results for the Consumer Products segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Licensing and publishing $ 2,882 $ 2,538 14 %
Retail and other 1,617 1,447 12 %
Total revenues 4,499 3,985 13 %
Operating expenses (1,753) (1,683) (4)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (835) (778) (7)%
Depreciation and amortization (159) (168) 5 %
Operating Income $ 1,752 $ 1,356 29 %
Revenues
The 14% increase in licensing and publishing revenues was driven by a 13% increase from our merchandise licensing
business due to the performance of merchandise based on Frozen, Avengers and Star Wars classic, partially offset by
unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies.
The 12% increase in retail and other revenue was driven by a 10% increase from our retail business, due to comparable
store and online sales growth in our key markets, growth in our wholesale distribution business and the benefit of an additional
week of operations, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include an increase of $93 million in cost of goods sold, from $680 million to $773 million due to
higher sales at our retail business, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation. Operating expenses also include
labor, distribution and occupancy costs, which decreased $17 million from $870 million to $853 million. The decrease was due
to lower third-party royalty expense at our merchandise licensing business and the impact of foreign currency translation,
partially offset by higher labor and distribution costs at our retail business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $57 million from $778 million to $835 million primarily due to
higher marketing costs.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 29% to $1.8 billion due to an increase at our merchandise licensing business and, to
a lesser extent, at our retail business.
Restructuring and impairment charges and Other expense, net
The Company recorded charges of $0, $0 and $49 million related to Consumer Products for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and
2013, respectively, that were reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The charges in fiscal 2013 were primarily due to severance costs.
The Company recorded a $16 million loss related to Consumer Products in fiscal 2014 resulting from the foreign
currency translation of net monetary assets denominated in Venezuelan currency, which was reported in “Other expense, net” in
the Consolidated Statements of Income.
37
Interactive
Operating results for the Interactive segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
October 3,
2015
September 27,
2014
Revenues
Games $ 968 $ 1,056 (8)%
Other content 206 243 (15)%
Total revenues 1,174 1,299 (10)%
Operating expenses (681) (700) 3 %
Selling, general, administrative and other (337) (460) 27 %
Depreciation and amortization (24) (23) (4)%
Operating Income $ 132 $ 116 14 %
Revenues
Games revenues decreased $88 million from $1,056 million to $968 million due to decreases of 7% from sales of console
games and 2% from lower Club Penguin subscribers, partially offset by an increase of 2% from mobile games. The decrease in
sales of console games was due to lower unit sales of catalog titles and Disney Infinity and lower licensing revenues reflecting
the performance of Lego Marvel Super Heroes in the prior year. The increase at our mobile games business was driven by the
success of Tsum Tsum, Star Wars Commander, Marvel Universe titles and Knights of the Old Republic, partially offset by lower
performance of catalog titles and Avengers Alliance.
Revenue from other content decreased $37 million from $243 million to $206 million due to unfavorable foreign currency
translation impacts due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen, a decrease at our mobile phone
business in Japan driven by lower subscriptions, and lower online advertising revenues.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include a $4 million increase in cost of sales from $418 million to $422 million and a $23 million
decrease in product development from $282 million to $259 million. The increase in cost of sales was primarily due to higher
per unit costs for Disney Infinity, which included the impact of inventory obsolescence charges, and a higher cost mix of
Disney Infinity products sold, partially offset by lower unit sales of console games catalog titles. Lower product development
costs were due to fewer titles in development and the benefit of previous restructuring activities.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $123 million from $460 million to $337 million driven by lower
marketing and selling costs. The decrease was primarily due to our mobile phone business in Japan and our mobile games
business due to fewer titles in release.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating results improved from $116 million to $132 million primarily due to growth at our mobile games
business partially offset by a decrease at our console games business.
Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The Company recorded credits of $4 million and charges of $44 million and $11 million related to Interactive for fiscal
years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Charges in fiscal year 2014 were primarily due to severance costs. These charges were
reported in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
38
BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2014 vs. 2013
Media Networks
Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
Revenues
Affiliate Fees $ 10,632 $ 10,018 6 %
Advertising 8,031 7,923 1 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,489 2,415 3 %
Total revenues 21,152 20,356 4 %
Operating expenses (11,794) (11,261) (5)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,643) (2,768) 5 %
Depreciation and amortization (250) (251) — %
Equity in the income of investees 856 742 15 %
Operating Income $ 7,321 $ 6,818 7 %
Revenues
The 6% increase in Affiliate Fee revenue was due to an increase of 8% from higher contractual rates and an increase of
1% from an increase in subscribers, partially offset by a decrease of 2% due to the sale of our ESPN UK business in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2013 and a decrease of 1% due to unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts. The increase in subscribers
was driven by international subscriber growth and the launch of the SEC Network, partially offset by a decline in domestic
subscribers.
The 1% increase in advertising revenues was due to an increase of $165 million at Cable Networks, from $3,963 million
to $4,128 million, partially offset by a decrease of $57 million at Broadcasting, from $3,960 million to $3,903 million. The
increase at Cable Networks was driven by a 6% increase from higher rates and a 3% increase from more units delivered,
partially offset by a 4% decrease from lower ratings. The decrease in advertising revenues at Broadcasting was due to a 2%
decrease from lower units delivered, a 1% decrease due to lower owned television stations revenue and a 1% decrease from
lower network ratings, partially offset by a 2% increase due to higher network rates.
TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $74 million from $2,415 million to $2,489 million driven by the
inclusion of revenues from Maker Studios, Lucasfilm SVOD sales and higher international program syndication fees at ESPN.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $526 million from $9,703 million to
$10,229 million. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $378 million due to contractual rate
increases for sports programming rights and the airing of FIFA World Cup soccer, partially offset by a decrease as a result of
the sale of our ESPN UK business and lower production costs for international X Games events that have been discontinued. At
Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $148 million due to a contractual rate increase for Modern Family
and higher program write-offs.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $125 million from $2,768 million to $2,643 driven by lower
marketing and labor costs. Marketing costs declined at the domestic Disney Channels and ESPN, partially offset by an increase
at the international Disney Channels driven by a new channel in Germany that was launched in January 2014 and higher
affiliate support in Latin America. Lower marketing costs at the domestic Disney Channels reflected decreased affiliate
marketing support including the absence of fiscal 2013 costs to launch the Watch Disney Channel apps. The decrease at ESPN
was due to the sale of the ESPN UK business. The reduction in labor costs was driven by lower pension costs.
Equity in the Income of Investees
Income from equity investees increased $114 million from $742 million to $856 million primarily due to an increase at
A&E driven by higher advertising and affiliate revenues.
39
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 7%, or $503 million, to $7,321 million due to increases at ESPN, the domestic
Disney Channels, A&E, ABC Family, the owned television stations and the ABC Television Network, partially offset by a
decrease at the international Disney Channels.
The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
Revenues
Cable Networks $ 15,110 $ 14,453 5%
Broadcasting 6,042 5,903 2%
$ 21,152 $ 20,356 4%
Segment operating income
Cable Networks $ 6,467 $ 6,047 7%
Broadcasting 854 771 11%
$ 7,321 $ 6,818 7%
Parks and Resorts
Operating results for the Parks and Resorts segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
Revenues
Domestic $ 12,329 $ 11,394 8 %
International 2,770 2,693 3 %
Total revenues 15,099 14,087 7 %
Operating expenses (9,106) (8,537) (7)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (1,856) (1,960) 5 %
Depreciation and amortization (1,472) (1,370) (7)%
Equity in the loss of investees (2) — nm
Operating Income $ 2,663 $ 2,220 20 %
Revenues
Parks and Resorts revenues increased 7%, or $1.0 billion, to $15.1 billion due to an increase of $935 million at our
domestic operations and an increase of $77 million at our international operations.
Revenue growth of 8% at our domestic operations reflected increases of 5% from higher average guest spending and 2%
from higher volumes. Increased guest spending was primarily due to higher average ticket prices for admissions at our theme
parks and for sailings at our cruise line and increased food, beverage and merchandise spending. Higher volumes were due to
attendance growth and higher occupied room nights.
Revenue growth of 3% at our international operations reflected a 4% increase from higher average guest spending and a
1% increase from foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 3% decrease from lower volumes. Guest spending growth
was due to higher average ticket prices and higher merchandise, food and beverage spending. Lower volumes were due to
decreases in attendance and occupied room nights at Disneyland Paris.
40
The following table presents supplemental attendance, per capita theme park guest spending and hotel statistics:
Domestic International (2) Total
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2013
Fiscal Year
2014
Fiscal Year
2013
Parks
Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance 3% 4% (3)% (2)% 1% 2%
Per Capita Guest Spending 7% 8% 7 % 4 % 7% 7%
Hotels (1)
Occupancy 83% 79% 78 % 81 % 82% 80%
Available Room Nights
(in thousands) 10,470 10,558 2,466 2,466 12,936 13,024
Per Room Guest Spending $280 $267 $319 $312 $287 $276
(1) Per room guest spending consists of the average daily hotel room rate as well as guest spending on food, beverage and
merchandise at the hotels. Hotel statistics include rentals of Disney Vacation Club units.
(2) Per capita guest spending growth rate is stated on a constant currency basis. Per room guest spending is stated at the
fiscal 2013 average foreign currency exchange rate. The euro to U.S. dollar weighted average foreign currency
exchange rate was $1.36, $1.31 and $1.30 for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $139 million from $4,094 million to $4,233 million, cost of
sales, which increased $77 million from $1,348 million to $1,425 million, and infrastructure costs, which increased $99 million
from $1,755 million to $1,854 million. The increase in operating labor was primarily due to inflation, new guest offerings,
including MyMagic+, and higher volumes, partially offset by lower pension and postretirement medical costs. The increase in
cost of sales was due to higher volumes and inflation. The increase in infrastructure costs was due to the roll out of MyMagic+.
In addition, other operating expenses increased driven by higher volumes.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs decreased $104 million from $1,960 million to $1,856 million due to the
absence of development costs for MyMagic+, partially offset by higher marketing and sales costs and higher pre-opening costs
at Shanghai Disney Resort. In fiscal 2014, costs for MyMagic+ were included in operating expenses as MyMagic+ has been
made available to guests. Higher marketing and sales costs were driven by marketing for new guest offerings.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to MyMagic+.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 20%, or $443 million, to $2,663 million due to growth at our domestic operations,
partially offset by a decrease at Disneyland Paris.
Studio Entertainment
Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
Revenues
Theatrical distribution $ 2,431 $ 1,870 30 %
Home entertainment 2,094 1,750 20 %
TV/SVOD distribution and other 2,753 2,359 17 %
Total revenues 7,278 5,979 22 %
Operating expenses (3,137) (3,012) (4)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (2,456) (2,145) (14)%
Depreciation and amortization (136) (161) 16 %
Operating Income $ 1,549 $ 661 >100 %
41
Revenues
The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was due to the performance of Frozen in fiscal 2014. The benefit of three
Marvel titles and Maleficent in fiscal 2014 was essentially offset by one Marvel title, the animated titles Monsters University
and Wreck-It Ralph, and Oz The Great And Powerful in fiscal 2013.
Growth in home entertainment revenue reflected a 13% increase from higher unit sales and a 9% increase from higher
average net effective pricing. Growth in unit sales was due to sales of new releases reflecting the performance of Frozen.
Higher pricing was primarily due to an increase in the fiscal 2014 sales mix of new releases, which have a higher relative sales
price compared to catalog titles. Net effective pricing is the wholesale selling price adjusted for discounts, sales incentives and
returns. Other significant titles in release included Monsters University, Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, Planes and Marvel’s
Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier in fiscal 2014 compared to Brave, Wreck-It Ralph, Marvel’s Iron Man 3, Oz The Great
And Powerful and Marvel’s The Avengers in fiscal 2013.
Higher TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue reflected an increase of 16% from other revenues due to an increase at
Lucasfilm’s special effects business driven by higher volume and inclusion of a full year of results (Lucasfilm was acquired in
December 2012), higher stage play revenues due to more productions in fiscal 2014 and higher music distribution revenues
reflecting the success of the Frozen soundtrack.
Cost and Expenses
Operating expenses include a decrease of $4 million in film cost amortization, from $1,806 million to $1,802 million,
driven by a lower average amortization rate due to the success of Frozen compared to titles in fiscal 2013, which was
essentially offset by the impact of higher revenues. Operating expenses also include distribution costs and cost of goods sold,
which increased $129 million, from $1,206 million to $1,335 million. The increase was driven by higher revenues from
Lucasfilm’s special effects business, more stage play productions and increased music sales, partially offset by a decrease at
home entertainment. Lower home entertainment distribution costs and cost of goods sold were primarily due to lower average
per unit costs, which included the benefit of cost saving initiatives, partially offset by an increase in units sold.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $311 million from $2,145 million to $2,456 million primarily
due to higher theatrical marketing expenses driven by more titles in wide release.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization was due to lower amortization of intangible assets.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased $888 million to $1,549 million due to increases in home entertainment and
theatrical distribution.
Consumer Products
Operating results for the Consumer Products segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
Revenues
Licensing and publishing $ 2,538 $ 2,254 13 %
Retail and other 1,447 1,301 11 %
Total revenues 3,985 3,555 12 %
Operating expenses (1,683) (1,566) (7)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (778) (731) (6)%
Depreciation and amortization (168) (146) (15)%
Operating Income $ 1,356 $ 1,112 22 %
Revenues
The 13% increase in licensing and publishing revenues was due to a 12% increase from our merchandise licensing
business driven by performance of merchandise based on Frozen, Disney Channel, Mickey and Minnie, Planes and Spider-
Man, partially offset by lower earned revenue from Cars and Monsters merchandise.
42
The 11% increase in retail and other revenue was due to comparable store retail sales growth in our key markets, higher
online sales in North America and Europe and a new wholesale distribution business in North America, which launched in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. These increases were partially offset by a decrease from store closures in Europe.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include an increase of $39 million in cost of goods sold, from $641 million to $680 million, due to
higher sales at our retail business including the wholesale distribution business in North America. Operating expenses also
include labor, distribution and occupancy costs, which increased $60 million from $810 million to $870 million. The increase
was primarily due to higher third-party royalty expense at our merchandise licensing business and higher labor and distribution
costs at our retail business.
Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $47 million from $731 million to $778 million driven by higher
labor costs and higher technology development costs.
The increase in depreciation and amortization was driven by a full period of intangible asset amortization related to
Lucasfilm.
Segment Operating Income
Segment operating income increased 22% to $1,356 million due to increases at our merchandise licensing and retail
businesses.
Interactive
Operating results for the Interactive segment are as follows:
Year Ended % Change
Better /
(Worse)(in millions)
September 27,
2014
September 28,
2013
Revenues
Games $ 1,056 $ 812 30 %
Other content 243 252 (4)%
Total revenues 1,299 1,064 22 %
Operating expenses (700) (658) (6)%
Selling, general, administrative and other (460) (449) (2)%
Depreciation and amortization (23) (44) 48 %
Operating Income/(Loss) $ 116 $ (87) nm
Revenues
Games revenues grew $244 million from $812 million to $1,056 million due to increases of 24% from sales of console
games and 10% from mobile games. The increase in sales of console games was due to the success of the Disney Infinity
franchise, partially offset by the performance of Epic Mickey 2 in fiscal 2013. Fiscal 2014 benefited from the launch of Disney
Infinity 2.0 on September 23, 2014 and higher sales of Disney Infinity 1.0, which was launched on August 18, 2013. The
increase in mobile games revenue was driven by performance of Tsum Tsum and Frozen Free Fall, partially offset by a decrease
as a result of discontinued games.
Revenue from other content decreased $9 million from $252 million to $243 million primarily due to the expiration of a
distribution contract in fiscal 2014 and lower online advertising revenues, partially offset by an increase in revenue at our
mobile phone business in Japan. The increase in revenue at our mobile phone business in Japan was due to higher handset
sales.
Costs and Expenses
Operating expenses include an $86 million increase in cost of sales from $332 million to $418 million, partially offset by
a $44 million decrease in product development from $326 million to $282 million. The increase in cost of sales was due to
higher Disney Infinity sales volume, partially offset by fewer units sold of other titles. Lower product development costs
reflected fewer titles in development and the benefit of restructuring activities.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization was driven by lower amortization of intangible assets.
43
Segment Operating Income/(Loss)
Segment operating results improved from a loss of $87 million to income of $116 million due to growth at our games
business and higher licensing fees from our mobile phone business in Japan.
CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED SHARED EXPENSES
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses are as follows:
% Change
Better/(Worse)
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
2015
vs.
2014
2014
vs.
2013
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses $ (643) $ (611) $ (531) (5)% (15)%
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses in fiscal 2015 increased $32 million from fiscal 2014 due to higher labor
costs.
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses in fiscal 2014 increased $80 million from fiscal 2013 due to higher incentive
compensation costs and charitable contributions.
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL BENEFIT COSTS
Pension and postretirement medical benefit plan costs affect results in all of our segments, with approximately 40% of
these costs being borne by the Parks and Resorts segment. The Company recognized pension and postretirement medical
benefit plan expenses of $457 million, $309 million and $698 million for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The
increase in fiscal 2015 was driven by a decrease in the assumed discount rate used to measure the present value of plan
obligations. The assumed discount rate reflects market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available and was
determined by considering the average of yield curves constructed from a large population of high-quality corporate bonds. The
resulting discount rate reflects the matching of the plans’ liability cash flows to the yield curves.
In fiscal 2016, we expect pension and postretirement medical costs to decrease by $137 million to approximately $320
million. The decrease is primarily due to a change in our approach to measuring service and interest costs. For fiscal 2015, we
measured service and interest costs utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to
measure the plan obligations. For fiscal 2016, we elected to measure service and interest costs by applying the specific spot
rates along that yield curve to the plans’ liability cash flows. We believe the new approach provides a more precise
measurement of service and interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans’ liability cash flows to the corresponding spot
rates on the yield curve. This change does not affect the measurement of our plan obligations nor the funded status of our plans.
In fiscal 2015, the underfunded status of our plans increased from $3.5 billion to $4.0 billion and the unrecognized
pension and postretirement medical expense increased to $3.9 billion ($2.5 billion after tax) from $3.5 billion ($2.2 billion after
tax) as the actual return on plan assets was below our assumed long-term rate of return. If our future investment returns do not
exceed our long-term expected returns and/or discount rates do not increase, a significant portion of the unrecognized expense
will be recognized as a net actuarial loss in our income statement over approximately the next 9 years. See Note 10 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the impacts of our pension and postretirement medical plans on our
financial statements.
During fiscal 2015, the Company contributed $385 million to its pension and postretirement medical plans. The
Company currently expects pension and postretirement medical plan contributions in fiscal 2016 to total approximately $900
million to $950 million. Final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2016 will be determined based on our January 1, 2016
funding actuarial valuation, which will be available in late fiscal 2016. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors” for the impact of factors
affecting pension and postretirement medical costs.
44
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPEMENTS
Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
The Company has a foreign exchange risk management program that is intended to reduce earnings fluctuations
associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes. As part of this program, we enter into foreign currency derivative
contracts designed to hedge projected foreign currency denominated operating income exposures for periods that generally do
not exceed four years and to hedge foreign currency denominated net monetary assets to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent
value of these assets from foreign currency fluctuations. The economic or political conditions in a country could reduce our
ability to hedge exposure to currency fluctuations in the country or our ability to repatriate revenue from the country. Based on
our hedge portfolio and our projections of foreign currency exposure, we project an adverse impact to growth in segment
operating results from fiscal 2015 to fiscal 2016 of approximately $500 million due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar
against major foreign currencies in which we transact.
Segment Information
On June 29, 2015, the Company announced the combination of its Consumer Products and Interactive segments into one
segment, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. The Company will begin reporting the combined segment at the
beginning of fiscal 2016.
Seven TV Investment
The Company has a 49% ownership interest in Seven TV, which operates an advertising-supported, free-to-air Disney
Channel in Russia. In October 2014, regulations were adopted in Russia that prohibit more than 20% foreign ownership of
media companies. The regulations become effective in January 2016. The Company is in the process of restructuring its
investment in a way that we believe will comply with these regulations. We understand that the Russian government will
review the new structure for compliance during calendar year 2016 and, depending on the outcome, we could have an
impairment of some or all of our approximately $300 million investment related to the Disney Channel in Russia. The
Company’s share of the financial results of Seven TV is reported as “Equity in the income of investees” in the Company’s
Consolidated Statements of Income.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The change in cash and cash equivalents is as follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
Cash provided by operations $ 10,909 $ 9,780 $ 9,452
Cash used in investing activities (4,245) (3,345) (4,676)
Cash used in financing activities (5,514) (6,710) (4,214)
Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (302) (235) (18)
Change in cash and cash equivalents $ 848 $ (510) $ 544
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2015 increased 12% or $1.1 billion to $10.9 billion compared to fiscal
2014 driven by higher operating cash flow at our Media Networks and Studio Entertainment segments, partially offset by an
increase in income taxes paid. Higher operating cash flow at Media Networks was due to increased operating receipts driven by
affiliate fee growth, partially offset by higher disbursements for operating expenses and sports programming costs. The increase
in payments for sports programming costs was primarily due to college football, partially offset by the impact of a change in
payment terms for certain sports rights in fiscal 2014. Studio Entertainment cash flow benefited from lower operating cash
disbursements driven by lower theatrical and home entertainment marketing expense.
Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2014 increased 3% or $0.3 billion to $9.8 billion compared to fiscal 2013.
The increase reflected higher operating cash receipts from increased revenues across all of our segments, partially offset by
higher income tax payments, higher cash payments due to new contractual payment terms for sports rights, higher
programming and production spending at Media Networks and Studio Entertainment and higher payments at Parks and Resorts.
The increase in cash payments at Parks and Resorts was due to labor cost inflation and increased spending on new guest
offerings. Operating cash flows also benefited from the absence of the Celador litigation payment made in fiscal 2013 and
lower pension contributions.
45
Depreciation expense is as follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 150 $ 145 $ 139
Broadcasting 95 93 99
Total Media Networks 245 238 238
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,169 1,117 1,041
International 345 353 327
Total Parks and Resorts 1,514 1,470 1,368
Studio Entertainment 55 48 54
Consumer Products 57 59 57
Interactive 12 10 20
Corporate 249 239 220
Total depreciation expense $ 2,132 $ 2,064 $ 1,957
Amortization of intangible assets is as follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
Media Networks $ 21 $ 12 $ 13
Parks and Resorts 3 2 2
Studio Entertainment 84 88 107
Consumer Products 102 109 89
Interactive 12 13 24
Corporate — — —
Total amortization of intangible assets $ 222 $ 224 $ 235
Film and Television Costs
The Company’s Studio Entertainment and Media Networks segments incur costs to acquire and produce television and
feature film programming. Film and television production costs include all internally produced content such as live-action and
animated feature films, animated direct-to-video programming, television series, television specials, theatrical stage plays or
other similar product. Programming costs include film or television product licensed for a specific period from third parties for
airing on the Company’s broadcast, cable networks and television stations. Programming assets are generally recorded when
the programming becomes available to us with a corresponding increase in programming liabilities. Accordingly, we analyze
our programming assets net of the related liability.
46
The Company’s film and television production and programming activity for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as
follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
Beginning balances:
Production and programming assets $ 6,386 $ 5,417 $ 5,217
Programming liabilities (875) (928) (812)
5,511 4,489 4,405
Spending:
Television program licenses and rights 6,335 6,241 5,093
Film and television production 4,701 4,221 3,835
11,036 10,462 8,928
Amortization:
Television program licenses and rights (6,482) (5,678) (5,233)
Film and television production (3,632) (3,820) (3,646)
(10,114) (9,498) (8,879)
Change in film and television production and
programming costs 922 964 49
Other non-cash activity (69) 58 35
Ending balances:
Production and programming assets 7,353 6,386 5,417
Programming liabilities (989) (875) (928)
$ 6,364 $ 5,511 $ 4,489
Investing Activities
Investing activities consist principally of investments in parks, resorts and other property and acquisition and divestiture
activity. The Company’s investments in parks, resorts and other property for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
(in millions) 2015 2014 2013
Media Networks
Cable Networks $ 127 $ 172 $ 176
Broadcasting 71 88 87
Parks and Resorts
Domestic 1,457 1,184 1,140
International 2,147 1,504 970
Studio Entertainment 107 63 78
Consumer Products 76 43 45
Interactive 11 5 13
Corporate 269 252 287
$ 4,265 $ 3,311 $ 2,796
Capital expenditures for the Parks and Resorts segment are principally for theme park and resort expansion, new
attractions, cruise ships, capital improvements and systems infrastructure. The increase in capital expenditures at our
international parks and resorts in both fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 was due to
higher construction spending for the Shanghai Disney Resort. The increase at our domestic parks and resorts in fiscal 2015
compared to fiscal 2014 was driven by spending on new attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
Capital expenditures at Media Networks primarily reflect investments in facilities and equipment for expanding and
upgrading broadcast centers, production facilities and television station facilities.
Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in corporate facilities, information technology
infrastructure and equipment.
47
The Company currently expects its fiscal 2016 capital expenditures will be approximately $0.8 billion higher than fiscal
2015 capital expenditures of $4.3 billion due to increased investment at our domestic parks and resorts.
Other Investing Activities
During fiscal 2015, contributions to joint ventures totaled $151 million and proceeds from the sale of investments and
dispositions totaled $166 million.
During fiscal 2014, acquisitions totaled $402 million due to the acquisition of Maker Studios and proceeds from the sales
of investments and dispositions totaled $395 million.
During fiscal 2013, acquisitions totaled $2.4 billion driven by the acquisition of Lucasfilm. Proceeds from dispositions
totaled $479 million primarily due to the sale of our 50% equity interest in ESS.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $5.5 billion in fiscal 2015 compared to $6.7 billion in fiscal 2014. The net use of
cash in the current year was due to $6.1 billion of common stock repurchases and $3.1 billion in dividends, partially offset by
cash inflows associated with net borrowings of $2.7 billion and contributions from noncontrolling interest holders of $1.0
billion. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities of $1.2 billion versus the prior fiscal year was due to higher net
borrowings and contributions from noncontrolling interest holders, partially offset by increased dividends.
Cash used in financing activities was $6.7 billion in fiscal 2014 compared to $4.2 billion in fiscal 2013. The net use of
cash in fiscal 2014 was due to repurchases of common stock of $6.5 billion and dividends of $1.5 billion, partially offset by
cash inflows associated with equity compensation awards of $0.7 billion, net borrowings of $0.6 billion and contributions from
noncontrolling interest holders of $0.6 billion. The increase in net cash used in financing activities of $2.5 billion versus fiscal
2013 was primarily due to higher repurchases of common stock.
During the year ended October 3, 2015, the Company’s borrowing activity was as follows:
(in millions)
September 27,
2014 Additions Payments
Other
Activity
October 3,
2015
Commercial paper with original
maturities less than three
months, net (1) $ 50 $ 2,277 $ — $ 3 $ 2,330
Commercial paper with original
maturities greater than three
months — 3,019 (2,920) 1 100
U.S. medium-term notes 13,668 1,989 (1,800) 16 13,873
Foreign currency denominated
debt and other obligations (2) 1,077 561 (443) (162) 1,033
Total $ 14,795 $ 7,846 $ (5,163) $ (142) $ 17,336
(1) Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.
(2) The other activity in foreign currency denominated debt includes the conversion of $107 million of debt into Hong
Kong Disneyland Resort equity. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
The Company’s bank facilities as of October 3, 2015 were as follows:
(in millions)
Committed
Capacity
Capacity
Used
Unused
Capacity
Facility expiring March 2016 $ 1,500 $ — $ 1,500
Facility expiring June 2017 2,250 — 2,250
Facility expiring March 2019 2,250 — 2,250
Total $ 6,000 $ — $ 6,000
All of the above bank facilities allow for borrowings at LIBOR-based rates plus a spread depending on the credit default
swap spread applicable to the Company’s debt, subject to a cap and floor that vary with the Company’s debt rating assigned by
Moody’s Investors Service and Standard and Poor’s. The spread above LIBOR can range from 0.23% to 1.63%. The Company
also has the ability to issue up to $800 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring in March 2019, which if utilized,
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reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of October 3, 2015, $187 million of letters of credit were outstanding of
which none were issued under this facility.
The Company may use commercial paper borrowings up to the amount of its unused bank facilities, in conjunction with
term debt issuance and operating cash flow, to retire or refinance other borrowings before or as they come due.
The Company paid the following dividends in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Per Share Total Paid Payment Timing Related to Fiscal Period
$0.66 $1.1 billion Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015 First Half 2015
$1.15 $1.9 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2015 2014
$0.86 $1.5 billion Second Quarter of Fiscal 2014 2013
$0.75 $1.3 billion First Quarter of Fiscal 2013 2012
During fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 60 million shares of its common stock for $6.1 billion. During fiscal 2014,
the Company repurchased 84 million shares of its common stock for $6.5 billion. During fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased
71 million shares of its common stock for $4.1 billion. As of October 3, 2015, the Company had remaining authorization in
place to repurchase 355 million additional shares.
We believe that the Company’s financial condition is strong and that its cash balances, other liquid assets, operating cash
flows, access to debt and equity capital markets and borrowing capacity, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund
ongoing operating requirements and future capital expenditures related to the expansion of existing businesses and
development of new projects. However, the Company’s operating cash flow and access to the capital markets can be impacted
by macroeconomic factors outside of its control. See “Item 1A – Risk Factors”. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the
Company’s borrowing costs can be impacted by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies,
which are based, in significant part, on the Company’s performance as measured by certain credit metrics such as interest
coverage and leverage ratios. As of October 3, 2015, Moody’s Investors Service’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A2 and P-1, respectively, with stable outlook; Standard & Poor’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the
Company were A and A-1, respectively, with stable outlook; and Fitch’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company
were A and F-1, respectively, with stable outlook. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial covenant, relating
to interest coverage, which the Company met on October 3, 2015, by a significant margin. The Company’s bank facilities also
specifically exclude certain entities, including the International Theme Parks, from any representations, covenants or events of
default.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company has various contractual obligations, which are recorded as liabilities in our consolidated financial
statements. Other items, such as certain purchase commitments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in
our consolidated financial statements but are required to be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements. For example,
the Company is contractually committed to acquire broadcast programming and make certain minimum lease payments for the
use of property under operating lease agreements.
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The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commitments on an undiscounted basis at
October 3, 2015 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash. In addition, the table
reflects the timing of principal and interest payments on outstanding borrowings based on their contractual maturities.
Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as referenced
in the table:
Payments Due by Period
(in millions) Total
Less than
1 Year
1-3
Years
4-5
Years
More than
5 Years
Borrowings (Note 8) (1) $ 22,474 $ 4,976 $ 4,642 $ 2,961 $ 9,895
Operating lease commitments (Note 14) 3,324 463 715 520 1,626
Capital lease obligations (Note 14) 643 42 64 31 506
Sports programming commitments (Note 14) 53,404 5,030 11,385 11,965 25,024
Broadcast programming commitments (Note 14) 1,722 420 627 432 243
Total sports and other broadcast programming
commitments 55,126 5,450 12,012 12,397 25,267
Other(2) 4,635 1,729 1,513 360 1,033
Total contractual obligations (3) $ 86,202 $ 12,660 $ 18,946 $ 16,269 $ 38,327
(1) Amounts exclude market value adjustments totaling $131 million, which are recorded in the balance sheet. Amounts
include interest payments based on contractual terms for fixed rate debt and on current interest rates for variable rate
debt. In 2023, the Company has the ability to call a debt instrument prior to its scheduled maturity, which if exercised
by the Company would reduce future interest payments by $1.1 billion.
(2) Other commitments primarily comprise contractual commitments for creative talent and employment agreements and
unrecognized tax benefits. Creative talent and employment agreements include obligations to actors, producers, sports,
television and radio personalities and executives.
(3) Contractual commitments include the following:
Liabilities recorded on the balance sheet $ 18,045
Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet 68,157
$ 86,202
The Company also has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. See Note 10 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contingent Commitments and Contractual Guarantees
At October 3, 2015, the Company has a $96 million liability for the fair value of contingent consideration related to the
acquisition of Maker Studios, Inc. See Notes 3, 6 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the
Company’s contingent commitments and contractual guarantees.
Legal and Tax Matters
As disclosed in Notes 9 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain tax and
legal matters.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We believe that the application of the following accounting policies, which are important to our financial position and
results of operations require significant judgments and estimates on the part of management. For a summary of our significant
accounting policies, including the accounting policies discussed below, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Film and Television Revenues and Costs
We expense film and television production, participation and residual costs over the applicable product life cycle based
upon the ratio of the current period’s revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues (Ultimate Revenues) for each
production. If our estimate of Ultimate Revenues decreases, amortization of film and television costs may be accelerated.
Conversely, if our estimate of Ultimate Revenues increases, film and television cost amortization may be slowed. For film
productions, Ultimate Revenues include revenues from all sources that will be earned within ten years from the date of the
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initial theatrical release. For television series, Ultimate Revenues include revenues that will be earned within ten years from
delivery of the first episode, or if still in production, five years from delivery of the most recent episode, if later.
With respect to films intended for theatrical release, the most sensitive factor affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues
(and therefore affecting future film cost amortization and/or impairment) is theatrical performance. Revenues derived from
other markets subsequent to the theatrical release (e.g., the home entertainment or television markets) have historically been
highly correlated with the theatrical performance. Theatrical performance varies primarily based upon the public interest and
demand for a particular film, the popularity of competing films at the time of release and the level of marketing effort. Upon a
film’s release and determination of the theatrical performance, the Company’s estimates of revenues from succeeding windows
and markets are revised based on historical relationships and an analysis of current market trends. The most sensitive factor
affecting our estimate of Ultimate Revenues for released films is the level of expected home entertainment sales. Home
entertainment sales vary based on the number and quality of competing home entertainment products, as well as the manner in
which retailers market and price our products.
With respect to television series or other television productions intended for broadcast, the most sensitive factor affecting
estimates of Ultimate Revenues is the program’s rating and the strength of the advertising market. Program ratings, which are
an indication of market acceptance, directly affect the Company’s ability to generate advertising revenues during the airing of
the program. In addition, television series with greater market acceptance are more likely to generate incremental revenues
through the eventual sale of the program rights in the syndication, international and home entertainment markets. Alternatively,
poor ratings may result in a television series cancellation, which would require an immediate write-down of any unamortized
production costs. A significant decline in the advertising market would also negatively impact our estimates.
We expense the cost of television broadcast rights for acquired series, movies and other programs based on the number of
times the program is expected to be aired or on a straight-line basis over the useful life, as appropriate. Amortization of those
television programming assets being amortized on a number of airings basis may be accelerated if we reduce the estimated
future airings and slowed if we increase the estimated future airings. The number of future airings of a particular program is
impacted primarily by the program’s ratings in previous airings, expected advertising rates and availability and quality of
alternative programming. Accordingly, planned usage is reviewed periodically and revised if necessary. We amortize rights
costs for multi-year sports programming arrangements during the applicable seasons based on the estimated relative value of
each year in the arrangement. The estimated value of each year is based on our projections of revenues over the contract period,
which include advertising revenue and an allocation of affiliate revenue. If the annual contractual payments related to each
season approximate each season’s estimated relative value, we expense the related contractual payments during the applicable
season. If planned usage patterns or estimated relative values by year were to change significantly, amortization of our sports
rights costs may be accelerated or slowed.
Costs of film and television productions are subject to regular recoverability assessments, which compare the estimated
fair values with the unamortized costs. The net realizable values of television broadcast program licenses and rights are
reviewed using a daypart methodology. A daypart is defined as an aggregation of programs broadcast during a particular time of
day or programs of a similar type. The Company’s dayparts are: primetime, daytime, late night, news and sports (includes
broadcast and cable networks). The net realizable values of other cable programming assets are reviewed on an aggregated
basis for each cable network. Individual programs are written off when there are no plans to air or sublicense the program.
Estimated values are based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market
conditions are less favorable than our projections, film, television and programming cost write-downs may be required.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has revenue recognition policies for its various operating segments that are appropriate to the
circumstances of each business. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of these revenue
recognition policies.
We reduce home entertainment and game revenues for estimated future returns of merchandise and for customer
programs and sales incentives. These estimates are based upon historical return experience, current economic trends and
projections of customer demand for and acceptance of our products. If we underestimate the level of returns and concessions in
a particular period, we may record less revenue in later periods when returns or concessions exceed the estimated amount.
Conversely, if we overestimate the level of returns and concessions for a period, we may have additional revenue in later
periods when returns and concessions are less than estimated.
We recognize revenues from advance theme park ticket sales when the tickets are used. We recognize revenues from
expiring multi-use tickets ratably over the estimated usage period. For non-expiring, multi-day tickets, we recognize revenue
over a five-year time period based on estimated usage. The estimated usage periods are derived from historical usage patterns.
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If actual usage is different than our estimated usage, revenues may not be recognized in the periods the related services are
rendered. In addition, a change in usage patterns would impact the timing of revenue recognition.
Pension and Postretirement Medical Plan Actuarial Assumptions
The Company’s pension and postretirement medical benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using a number of
actuarial assumptions. Two critical assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important
elements of expense and/or liability measurement, which we evaluate annually. Other assumptions include the healthcare cost
trend rate and employee demographic factors such as retirement patterns, mortality, turnover and rate of compensation increase.
The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement
date. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The guideline for
setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. We increased our discount rate to 4.47% at the end of fiscal
2015 from 4.40% at the end of fiscal 2014 to reflect market interest rate conditions at our fiscal 2015 year end measurement
date. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering yield curves constructed of a large population of high-
quality corporate bonds and reflects the matching of plans’ liability cash flows to the yield curves. A one percentage point
decrease in the assumed discount rate would increase total benefit expense for fiscal 2016 by approximately $230 million and
would increase the projected benefit obligation at October 3, 2015 by approximately $2.5 billion. A one percentage point
increase in the assumed discount rate would decrease total benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation by
approximately $223 million and $2.1 billion, respectively.
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset
allocation as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class. Our expected return on plan assets is 7.50%. A
lower expected rate of return on pension plan assets will increase pension expense. A one percentage point change in the long-
term asset return assumption would impact fiscal 2016 annual benefit expense by approximately $105 million.
At the end of fiscal 2015, we changed the approach we will use in fiscal 2016 to determine the service and interest cost
components of pension and other postretirement benefit expense. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
more information on our pension and postretirement medical plans.
Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Investments
The Company is required to test goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis
and if current events or circumstances require, on an interim basis. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are
generally an operating segment or one level below the operating segment. The Company compares the fair value of each
reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If the fair value of a reporting unit
is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the
reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the goodwill.
To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flow)
corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate
valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. The d