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Walt Disney Co.

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FY2019 Annual Report · Walt Disney Co.
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6JAN201605190975

Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Financial Report

13DEC201905470521

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 28, 2019
or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number 001-38842 

Delaware
State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization

83-0940635
I.R.S. Employer Identification

500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, California 91521
Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code

(818) 560-1000 
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value

Trading Symbol(s)
DIS

Name of each exchange on which registered
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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).   Yes 

 No 

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.

Large accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

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 $199.5 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 1,802,398,289 shares of common stock outstanding as of November 13, 2019.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Certain information required for Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to the proxy statement for the 2020 annual meeting of 

the Company’s shareholders.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM 1.

Business

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 I

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

ITEM 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

ITEM 11.

Executive Compensation

PART III

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

ITEM 16.

Form 10-K Summary

SIGNATURES

Consolidated Financial Information — The Walt Disney Company

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ITEM 1. Business

PART I

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a diversified worldwide entertainment company with 
operations in four business segments: Media Networks; Parks, Experiences and Products; Studio Entertainment; and Direct-to-
Consumer & International (DTCI).

For convenience, the terms “Company”, “we” and “our” are used to refer collectively to the parent company and the 

subsidiaries through which businesses are conducted.

The Company employed approximately 223,000 people as of September 28, 2019.

On March 20, 2019, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., which was 

subsequently renamed TFCF Corporation, a diversified global media and entertainment company. Prior to the acquisition, 
TFCF and a newly-formed subsidiary of TFCF (New Fox) entered into a separation agreement, pursuant to which TFCF 
transferred to New Fox a portfolio of TFCF’s news, sports and broadcast businesses and certain other assets. TFCF retained all 
of the assets and liabilities not transferred to New Fox, the most significant of which were the Twentieth Century Fox film and 
television studios, certain cable networks (primarily FX and National Geographic), TFCF’s international television businesses 
(including Star) and TFCF’s 30% interest in Hulu LLC (Hulu). Under the terms of the agreement governing the acquisition, the 
Company will generally phase-out Fox brands by 2024, but has perpetual rights to certain Fox brands, including the Twentieth 
Century Fox and Fox Searchlight brands.

As a result of the acquisition, the Company’s ownership interest in Hulu increased to 60%, and the Company started 
consolidating the results of Hulu as of the acquisition date. In May 2019, the Company increased its ownership interest in Hulu 
to 67%, with NBC Universal (NBCU) owning the remaining 33%. Also in May 2019, the Company entered into a put/call 
agreement with NBCU that provided the Company with full operational control of Hulu. In order to obtain regulatory approval 
for the acquisition of TFCF, the Company agreed to sell TFCF’s regional sports networks (RSN) and sports media operations in 
Brazil and Mexico. The sale of the RSNs was completed in August 2019. 

See Notes 4, 12 and 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the TFCF, Hulu and RSNs 

transactions.

In November 2019, the Company launched Disney+, a subscription based direct-to-consumer video streaming service 

with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic branded programming. The service was launched in the U.S. 
and four other countries, with further launches in other countries planned throughout 2020 and 2021.

MEDIA NETWORKS

Significant operations:

• Disney, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic branded domestic cable networks

• ABC branded broadcast television network and eight owned domestic television stations

• Television production and distribution

• National Geographic magazines

• A 50% equity investment in A+E Television Networks (A+E)

Significant revenues:

• Affiliate fees - Fees charged to multi-channel video programming distributors (i.e. cable, satellite, telecommunications

and digital over-the-top (OTT) (e.g. Hulu, YouTube TV) service providers (MVPDs) and to television stations
affiliated with the ABC Network for the right to deliver our programming to their customers

• Advertising - Sales of advertising time/space on our domestic networks and related platforms (“ratings-based ad

sales”, which excludes advertising on digital platforms that is not ratings-based), and the sale of advertising time on
our domestic television stations. Ratings-based ad sales are generally determined using viewership measured with
Nielsen ratings. Non-ratings-based advertising on digital platforms is reported by DTCI.

• TV/SVOD distribution - Licensing fees and other revenues from the right to use our television programs and

productions and revenue from content transactions with other Company segments (“program sales”)

Significant expenses:

• Operating expenses consisting primarily of programming and production costs, participations and residuals expense,

technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs

• Selling, general and administrative costs

• Depreciation and amortization

1

Domestic Cable Networks

Our domestic cable networks produce their own programs and also acquire programming rights from our television and 

theatrical production operations and third parties. The majority of the domestic cable networks’ revenue is derived from 
affiliate fees and advertising sales. Generally, the Company’s cable networks provide programming under multi-year licensing 
agreements with MVPDs that include contractually specified rates on a per subscriber basis. The amounts that we can charge to 
MVPDs for our cable network programming is largely dependent on the quality and quantity of programming that we can 
provide and the competitive market for programming services. The ability to sell advertising time 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 programs 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). In fiscal 2020, we expect a significant portion of our programs to be 
licensed to DTCI. 

The Company’s significant domestic cable channels and the number of subscribers (in millions) as estimated by Nielsen 

Media Research as of September 2019 (1) (except where noted) are as follows:

Disney

Disney Channel

Disney Junior

Disney XD

ESPN

ESPN

ESPN2

ESPNU

ESPNEWS
SEC Network (2)
Freeform
FX

FX

FXM

FXX

National Geographic

National Geographic

National Geographic Wild

Estimated
Subscribers

86

66

68

83

83

61

58
59
85

87

56

84

86

59

(1)  Estimates include traditional MVPD and the majority of digital OTT subscriber counts.
(2)  Because Nielsen Media Research does not measure this channel, estimated subscribers are according to SNL Kagan as

of December 2018.

Disney

Branded television channels include Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. Programming for these channels 
includes internally developed and acquired programming. The Disney branded channels also provide programming for video-
on-demand services and through the DisneyNOW App and website, both of which are operated by DTCI. 

Disney Channel - the domestic Disney Channel airs original series and movie programming 24 hours a day targeted to 
kids ages 2 to 14. 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 - the domestic Disney Junior channel airs programming 24 hours a day targeted to kids ages 2 to 7 and 

their parents and caregivers. The channel features animated and live-action programming that blends Disney’s storytelling and 
characters with learning. Disney Junior also airs as a programming block on the Disney Channel. 

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Disney XD - the domestic Disney XD channel airs programming 24 hours a day to kids ages 6 to 11. The channel features 

a mix of live-action and animated programming.

ESPN

ESPN is a multimedia sports entertainment company owned 80% by the Company and 20% by Hearst Corporation 

(Hearst). ESPN operates nine 24-hour domestic television sports channels: ESPN and ESPN2 (both of which are sports 
channels dedicated to professional and college sports as well as sports news and original programming), ESPNU (which is 
devoted to college sports), ESPNEWS (which simulcasts weekday ESPN Radio programming, re-airs select ESPN studio 
shows and airs a variety of other programming), SEC Network (which is dedicated to Southeastern Conference college 
athletics), ESPN Classic (which airs rebroadcasts of famous sporting events, sports documentaries and sports-themed movies), 
Longhorn Network (which is dedicated to The University of Texas athletics), ESPN Deportes (which airs professional and 
college sports, as well as studio shows in Spanish), and ACC Network (which is dedicated to Atlantic Coast Conference college 
athletics). ESPN programs the sports schedule on the ABC Television Network, which is branded ESPN on ABC.

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, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Championship, 
various soccer rights, the Wimbledon Championships and the Masters golf tournament. 

ESPN provides programming for the following, which are operated by DTCI: 
• ESPN.com - which delivers sports news, information and video on internet-connected devices, with approximately 20
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 fourteen 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 to authenticated MVPD subscribers. Non-subscribers have limited access to certain content. The
ESPN App is available for download on various internet-connected devices.

• ESPN+ - which is a multi-sports subscription offering available through ESPN.com and the ESPN App

ESPN also operates the following:

• ESPN Radio – which distributes talk and play-by-play programming 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 owns and operates the following events: ESPYs (annual awards show); X Games (winter and summer action
sports competitions); and a portfolio of collegiate sporting events including: bowl games, basketball games, softball
games and post-season award shows.

Freeform

Freeform is a channel targeted to viewers ages 18 to 34. Freeform produces original live-action programming, acquires 

programming rights from our television and theatrical production businesses and from third parties, and features branded 
holiday programming events such as “25 Days of Christmas”. Freeform content is also available through video-on-demand 
services and through the Freeform App and website, both of which are operated by DTCI. 

FX

Branded television channels include FX, FXM and FXX. Programming for these channels includes internally developed 
and acquired programming. Internally produced programming for the 2019/2020 season includes two returning and three new 
one-hour dramas, five returning and three new half-hour comedies, and one returning non-scripted series. 

FX - is a general entertainment channel that airs original series, acquired television series and motion picture 

programming including content from the Company’s film and television libraries.

FXM - is a television channel that primarily airs motion pictures from the Company's library or motion pictures acquired 

from third parties.

FXX - is a general entertainment channel targeted to young adults that airs acquired television series and motion picture 

programming as well as content from the Company’s film and television libraries. The channel also airs original television 
series.

3

National Geographic

National Geographic operates branded television channels (National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo 
(collectively the National Geographic Channels)) and publishes the National Geographic magazines. The National Geographic 
Channels air scripted and documentary programming on such topics as natural history, adventure, science, exploration and 
culture. National Geographic is owned 73% by the Company and 27% by the National Geographic Society. 

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 28, 2019, had affiliation agreements 

with approximately 240 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 advertising sales and affiliate fees. 
The ability to sell advertising time 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 broadcast networks. 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. 

ABC provides online access to in-depth worldwide news and certain other programming through various Company 

operated and third party distribution platforms.

Television Production and Distribution

ABC Studios, Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV) and Fox 21 Television Studios (Fox21) produce the majority 

of the Company’s general entertainment television programs. Program development is carried out in collaboration with 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-party television networks for the 2019/2020 

television season includes:

• ABC Studios - nine returning and five new one-hour dramas, four returning and two new half-hour comedies, and

three returning and two new non-scripted series

• TCFTV and Fox21 - thirteen returning and ten new one-hour dramas, ten returning and ten new half-hour comedies,

and one new non-scripted series

The Company also produces Jimmy Kimmel Live for late night and a variety of primetime specials, as well as syndicated, 

news and daytime programming. 

We distribute the Company’s productions worldwide to television broadcasters and SVOD services and on home 
entertainment formats. The Company has a significant library of television programming spanning approximately 70 years of 
production history. Series with over four seasons include approximately 65 one-hour dramas and 40 half-hour comedies.

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 advertising sales. The stations also receive affiliate fees 
from MVPDs. All of our television stations are affiliated with ABC and collectively reach approximately 20% of the nation’s 
television households. Generally, 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.

4

The stations we own are as follows: 

TV Station
WABC

KABC

WLS

WPVI

KTRK

KGO

WTVD

KFSN

Market
New York, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

Philadelphia, PA

Houston, TX

San Francisco, CA

Raleigh-Durham, NC

Fresno, CA

Television Market
Ranking(1)
1

2

3

4

7

8

25

54

(1)  Based on Nielsen Media Research, U.S. Television Household Estimates, January 1, 2019

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 investments is reported as “Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net” in the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s significant equity investments reported in the Media Networks 
segment are as follows:

A+E

A+E is owned 50% by the Company and 50% by Hearst. A +E operates a variety of cable channels:

• A&E – which offers entertainment programming including original reality and scripted series

• HISTORY – which offers original series and event-driven specials

• Lifetime and Lifetime Real Women – which offer female-focused programming

• Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) – which offers female-focused movies

• FYI – which offers contemporary lifestyle programming

A+E also has a 50% ownership interest in Viceland, a channel offering lifestyle-oriented documentaries and reality series 

aimed at millennial audiences.

A+E programming is available in approximately 200 countries and territories. A+E’s networks are distributed 

internationally under multi-year licensing agreements with MVPDs. A+E programming is also sold to international television 
broadcasters and SVOD services. 

The number of domestic subscribers (in millions) for A+E channels as estimated by Nielsen Media Research as of 

September 2019(1) is as follows: 

A&E

HISTORY

Lifetime

LMN

FYI

Viceland
(1)  Estimates include traditional MVPD and the majority of digital OTT subscriber counts.

Estimated
Subscribers

85

86

85

63

51

64

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.

5

Competition and Seasonality

The Company’s Media Networks businesses compete for viewers primarily with other broadcast 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 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, 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 programming services that are as favorable as those currently in place.

The Company’s Media Networks businesses also compete with other media and entertainment companies, independent 

production companies, SVOD providers and direct-to-consumer services for the acquisition of sports rights, talent, show 
concepts, scripted and other programming, and exhibition outlets.

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 fines, 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 20% 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. 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 be over $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

6

generally required to provide an average 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, EXPERIENCES AND PRODUCTS

Significant operations:

• Parks & Experiences:

Theme parks and resorts, which include: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California; 
Disneyland Paris; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (47% ownership interest); and Shanghai Disney Resort (43% 
ownership interest), all of which are consolidated in our results. Additionally, the Company licenses our intellectual 
property to a third party to operate Tokyo Disney Resort.

Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, National Geographic Expeditions (73% ownership interest), 
Adventures by Disney and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

• Consumer Products:

Licensing of our trade names, characters, visual, literary and other intellectual properties to various manufacturers, 
game developers, publishers and retailers throughout the world

Sale of branded merchandise through retail, online and wholesale businesses, and development and publishing of 
books, comic books and magazines (except National Geographic, which is reported in Media Networks).

Significant revenues:

• Theme park admissions - Sales of tickets for admission to our theme parks

• Parks & Experiences merchandise, food and beverage - Sales of merchandise, food and beverages at our theme parks

and resorts and cruise ships

• Resorts and vacations - Sales of room nights at hotels, sales of cruise and other vacations and sales and rentals of

vacation club properties

• Merchandise licensing and retail:

Merchandise licensing - Royalties from intellectual property licensing 

Retail - Sales of merchandise at The Disney Stores and through branded internet shopping sites, as well as, to 
wholesalers

• Parks licensing and other - Revenues from sponsorships and co-branding opportunities and real estate rent and sales.

In addition, we earn royalties on Tokyo Disney Resort revenues.

7

Significant expenses:

• Operating expenses consisting primarily of operating labor, costs of goods sold, infrastructure costs, supplies,

commissions and entertainment offerings. Infrastructure costs include information systems expense, repairs and
maintenance, utilities and fuel, property taxes, retail occupancy costs, insurance and transportation

• Selling, general and administrative costs

• Depreciation and amortization

Significant capital investments:

•

In recent years, over 75% of the Company’s capital spend has been at our parks and experiences business, which is
principally for theme park and resort expansion, new attractions, cruise ships, capital improvements and systems
infrastructure. The various investment plans discussed in the “Parks & Experiences” section are based on
management’s current expectations. Actual investment may differ.

Parks & Experiences

Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort is located approximately 20 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 under 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 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. Epcot is undergoing a multi-year 
transformation, which is scheduled to open in phases beginning in 2020.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Disney’s Hollywood Studios consists of eight themed areas: Animation Courtyard, 

Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue, Hollywood Boulevard, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened in August 
2019, Sunset Boulevard and Toy Story Land. 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. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom — Disney’s Animal Kingdom consists of a 145-foot tall Tree of Life centerpiece surrounded 

by five themed areas: Africa, Asia, DinoLand USA, Discovery Island and Pandora - The World of Avatar. Each themed area 
contains attractions, entertainment, restaurants and merchandise shops. The park features more than 300 species of live 
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 28, 2019, the Company owned and 

operated 18 resort hotels and vacation club facilities at the Walt Disney World Resort, with approximately 24,000 rooms and 
3,200 vacation club units. Resort facilities include 500,000 square feet of conference meeting space and Disney’s Fort 
Wilderness camping and recreational area, which offers approximately 800 campsites. The Company is constructing 
Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge, which is a nature-inspired resort with more than 900 rooms and vacation club units 
opening in 2022. The Company also announced plans to build the new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney 
World Resort.

8

Disney Springs is an approximately 120-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 64,000-
square-foot World of Disney retail store and NBA Experience. 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 stadium, as well as, two venues, which are designed for cheerleading, dance competitions and other 
indoor sports.

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 rights under a 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 under 
multi-year agreements.

Disneyland — Disneyland consists of nine themed areas: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, 

Main Street USA, Mickey’s Toontown, New Orleans Square, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened in May 2019, and 
Tomorrowland. These areas feature themed attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. 
Additionally, there are daily parades and nighttime fireworks and entertainment events.

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 Gardens Park and Pixar Pier. These 
areas include attractions, shows, restaurants, merchandise shops and refreshment stands. Additionally, Disney California 
Adventure offers a nighttime entertainment event. The Company is constructing a new themed area, Avengers Campus, that is 
scheduled to open in 2020.

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.

Downtown Disney is a themed 15-acre retail, entertainment and dining 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.

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 approximately 350 hotel rooms, an 18,000-square-foot spa and 12,000 square feet of conference meeting space. The 
resort also has approximately 480 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 (Val d’Europe) and an eco-tourism 
destination (Villages Nature). 

9

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 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. The Company has announced plans for a multi-year expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park that will roll 
out in phases beginning in 2021 and add three new themed areas based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars.

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, eight on-site hotels that are owned and operated by third parties 
provide approximately 2,575 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 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.

Villages Nature is a European eco-tourism resort that consists of recreational facilities, restaurants and 900 vacation units. 

The resort is a 50% joint venture between Disneyland Paris and Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs, who manages the venture. 

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

The Company owns a 47% interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the Government of the Hong Kong Special 

Administrative Region (HKSAR) owns a 53% interest. The resort is located on 310 acres on Lantau Island and is in close 
proximity to the Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. 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 entertainment 
event. The park is in the midst of a multi-year expansion project that will add a number of new guest offerings and transform 
the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Hotels — Hong Kong Disneyland Resort includes three themed hotels with a total of 1,750 rooms and approximately 

16,000 square feet of conference meeting space. 

Shanghai Disney Resort

The Company owns a 43% interest in Shanghai Disney Resort, and 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 seven themed areas: Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Gardens of 

Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land 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 January 2019, the Company announced plans to build an eighth themed area based on the animated film Zootopia.

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 Company earns 
royalties on revenues generated by the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is owned and operated by Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), a 

10

third-party Japanese corporation. The resort includes two theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which are 
both undergoing expansion); four Disney-branded hotels; six other hotels (operated by third parties other than OLC); a retail, 
dining and entertainment complex (Ikspiari); and Bon Voyage, a Disney-themed merchandise location. 

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 is currently constructing a 475-
room Disney-branded hotel at Tokyo DisneySea, and a 600-room Toy Story themed hotel opening in 2021.

Disney Vacation Club

DVC offers ownership interests in 15 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 vacation club units as of September 28, 2019 and is scheduled to open an 
additional 300 units at Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in December 2019. The Company has also 
announced plans to build Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge, which will include vacation club units.

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. The first ship, the Disney Wish, is scheduled for 
delivery in late 2021 and is expected to set sail beginning in January 2022. The other two ships are scheduled to be delivered in 
calendar 2022 and 2023. Each new ship can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will be approximately 140,000 tons with 
1,250 staterooms.

In fiscal 2019, the Company finalized an agreement with the Government of The Bahamas to create and manage a 

destination at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera, which is scheduled to open in late 2022 or 2023.

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney offers guided tour packages predominantly at non-Disney sites around the world. Adventures by 

Disney offered approximately 40 different tour packages during 2019.

National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions offers guided tour packages around the world that explore cultures, landscapes and 
history. National Geographic offered approximately 2,500 different tour packages during 2019 (including the period prior to the 
Company's acquisition of TFCF).

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, 
Experiences and Products operations.

Consumer Products

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, health and beauty, food, stationery, footwear and consumer 

11

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, Avengers, Frozen, 
Disney Princess, Toy Story, Spider-Man, Disney Channel characters, Cars, Winnie the Pooh and Disney Classics.

Retail

The Company sells Disney-, Marvel-, Pixar- and Lucasfilm-branded products through retail stores operated under The 
Disney Store name and through internet sites in North America, Western Europe, Japan and China. The stores are generally 
located in leading shopping malls and other retail complexes. The Company owns and operates approximately 200 stores in 
North America, approximately 60 permanent stores and 20 pop-up stores in Europe, approximately 50 stores in Japan and two 
stores in China. Internet sites are branded shopDisney and shopMarvel in the United States, shopDisney in Europe and 
store.Disney in Japan.

The Company creates, distributes 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, digital comics and ebooks, learning 
products and storytelling apps.

The Company also operates Disney English, which develops and delivers an English language learning curriculum for 

Chinese children using Disney content in approximately 25 learning centers in six cities across China.

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. The licensing and retail business 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.

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. The licensing, specialty 
retail, and wholesale businesses are influenced by seasonal consumer purchasing behavior, which generally results in higher 
revenues during the Company’s first and fourth fiscal quarter, and by the timing and performance of theatrical and game 
releases, and cable programming broadcasts.

STUDIO ENTERTAINMENT

Significant operations:
• Motion picture production and distribution under the Walt Disney Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Marvel,

Lucasfilm, Pixar, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios banners

• Development, production and licensing of live entertainment events on Broadway and around the world (stage plays)
• Music production and distribution
• Post-production services, which include visual and audio effects through Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker

Sound

Significant revenues:
• Theatrical distribution - Rentals from licensing our motion pictures to theaters
• Home entertainment - Sale of our motion pictures to retailers and distributors in physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and

electronic formats

• TV/SVOD distribution and other - Licensing fees and other revenue from the right to use our motion picture

productions, revenue from content transactions with other Company segments, ticket sales from stage plays, fees from
licensing our intellectual properties for use in live entertainment productions, revenue from licensing our music, and
revenue from post-production services

Significant expenses:
• Operating expenses consisting primarily of amortization of production, participations and residuals costs, distribution

costs and costs of sales

• Selling, general and administrative costs

12

• Depreciation and amortization

Prior to the Company’s acquisition of Marvel in fiscal 2010, Marvel had licensed Spider-Man rights to Sony Pictures 

Entertainment (Sony). Sony incurs the costs to produce and distribute Spider-Man films, and the Company licenses the 
merchandise rights to third parties. The Company pays Sony a licensing fee based on each film’s box office receipts, subject to 
specified limits. The Company distributes all other Marvel-produced films with the exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is 
distributed by Universal Pictures.

Theatrical Market

We produce and distribute full-length live-action films and 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 
2020, we expect to release approximately 25 of our own produced feature films. Cumulatively through September 28, 2019 the 
Company has released 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, which may 
result in 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.

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 
Walmart and Target and electronic formats are sold through e-tailers, such as Apple and Amazon.

As of September 28, 2019, we have approximately 2,400 active produced and acquired film titles, including 2,200 live-

action titles and 200 animated titles, in the domestic home entertainment marketplace and approximately 2,300 active produced 
and acquired titles, including 2,000 live-action titles and 300 animated titles, in the international marketplace.

Concurrently with physical home entertainment distribution, we license titles to video-on-demand service providers for 

electronic delivery to consumers for a specified rental period.

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. The television 
market is comprised of multiple pay TV and free TV windows, which can have license periods of various lengths following the 
home entertainment window. In fiscal 2020, our Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Pixar branded films will 
generally be licensed to DTCI for use on Disney+ after the theatrical and home entertainment windows.

With the acquisition of TFCF, the Company’s library of film titles available for distribution increased by approximately 

2,000.

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 the Company’s 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, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mary 
Poppins (a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd), Newsies and TARZAN®.

13

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 and advertiser support 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.

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER & INTERNATIONAL

Significant operations:

• Branded international television networks and channels, which include Disney, ESPN, Fox, National Geographic and

Star (International Channels)

• Direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services, which include Disney +, ESPN+, Hotstar and Hulu

• Other digital content distribution platforms and services
• Equity investments:

A 50% ownership interest in Endemol Shine Group
A 20% ownership interest (49% economic interest) in Seven TV
A 30% effective ownership interest in Tata Sky
A 21% effective ownership interest in Vice Group Holdings, Inc. (Vice). Vice operates Viceland, which is owned 
50% by Vice and 50% by A+E.

Significant revenues:
• Advertising - Sales of advertising time/space on our International Channels and sales of non-ratings based advertising
time/space on digital media platforms (“addressable ad sales”) across the Company. In general, addressable ad sales
are delivered using technology that allows for dynamic insertion of advertisements into video content, which can be
targeted to specific viewer groups

• Affiliate fees - Fees charged to MVPDs for the right to deliver our International Channels to their customers
• Subscription fees - Fees charged to customers/subscribers for our streaming and technology services

Significant expenses:
• Operating expenses consisting primarily of programming and production costs (including amortization of digital
content obtained from other Company segments), technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs

• Selling, general and administrative costs
• Depreciation and amortization

International Channels

Our International Channels produce local programs or acquire rights from our domestic studios and from third parties. 
Our International Channels derive the majority of their revenues from advertising sales and affiliate fees. Generally, channels 
provide programming 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 channels are largely dependent on the quality and quantity of 
programming that we can provide and the competitive market for programming services. The ability to sell advertising time and 
the rates received are primarily dependent on the size and nature of the audience that a channel can deliver to the advertiser as 
well as overall advertiser demand.

14

The Company’s significant International Channels and the number of subscribers (in millions) based on internal 

management reports as of September 2019 is as follows: 

Disney

Disney Channel

Disney Junior

Disney XD
ESPN (1)
Fox (1)
National Geographic (1)
Star (1)

Estimated
Subscribers

227

162

131

65

220

316

221

(1) Reflects each unique subscriber that has access to one or more of these branded channels. If a subscriber to each ESPN
branded channel was counted, the total estimated subscribers is 142 million as of September 2019. Subscribers for
ESPN at September 2018 were counted on this basis.

Disney

DTCI operates approximately 100 Disney branded television channels outside of the U.S., which are broadcast in 
approximately 35 languages and 165 countries/territories. Branded channels include Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney 
XD, Disney Cinemagic, Disney Cinema and Disney International HD. Disney content is also available on third-party video-on-
demand services and online on our apps and websites. Programming for these channels includes Disney branded programming 
acquired from our domestic studios, programming acquired from third parties and internally developed local programming.

ESPN

DTCI operates approximately 15 ESPN branded television channels outside of the U.S. (primarily in Latin America and 

Australia), which are broadcast in three languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese) and approximately 55 countries/
territories. ESPN holds international rights for various professional sports programming including English Premier League, La 
Liga, multiple UEFA leagues, various other soccer rights, various tennis rights and the NFL.

Fox

The DTCI segment operates approximately 190 Fox branded channels outside of the U.S., which are broadcast in 
approximately 40 languages and in 95 countries/territories. Branded channels include Fox Channel, Fox Life, Fox Crime, Fox 
Traveler, FX and Fox Sports. Content is also available on third-party video-on-demand services and online on our apps and 
websites. Programming for these channels includes internally developed local programming and programming acquired from 
our domestic studios and from third parties.

Fox Sports generally distributes Spanish-language sports programming services in Latin America that feature local and 

international soccer events, motorsports programming, combat sports and U.S. sports leagues (such as NFL and MLB). Fox 
Sports Premium, a pay television service in Argentina, airs the matches of the professional football league in Argentina. In 
order to obtain regulatory approval for the acquisition of TFCF, the Company agreed to sell TFCF's sports media operations in 
Brazil and Mexico.

The Company has a 51% direct ownership interest in Eredivisie Media & Marketing CV (EMM), a media company that 

holds the media and sponsorship rights of the Dutch Premier League for soccer. 

National Geographic

The DTCI segment operates approximately 80 National Geographic branded channels outside of the U.S., which are 
broadcast in approximately 45 languages and 90 countries/territories. Branded channels include National Geographic Channel, 
Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Kids. These channels air scripted and documentary programming on such topics as natural history, 
adventure, science, exploration and culture. Content is also available on third-party video-on-demand services and online on 
our apps and websites. Programming for these channels includes programming acquired from our domestic studios, internally 
developed local programming and programming acquired from third parties.

15

Star

Star develops, produces and broadcasts approximately 80 channels in ten languages in India and throughout Asia, the 
United Kingdom, Continental Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Programming for these channels includes internally 
developed local programming and acquired programming, as well as content from Star's extensive library of film and television 
programs. Star holds rights for various sports programming including cricket, for which Star has the global distribution rights to 
certain events, soccer, tennis and field hockey.

Other India Channels

DTCI operates UTV, Bindass and Hungama branded channels in India. UTV Action and UTV Movies offer Bollywood 
movies as well as Hollywood, Asian and Indian regional movies dubbed in Hindi. Bindass is a youth entertainment channel. 
Hungama is targeted to kids and features a mix of animated series and movies.

Direct-to-Consumer Services (DTC)

Our DTC businesses consist of streaming based subscription services across general entertainment, family and sports 
programming. The majority of DTC revenue is derived from subscription fees and advertising sales. The services are offered to 
customers through mobile and connected devices and third-party distributors and the customers are generally billed a monthly 
or annual subscription fee. 

Disney+

Disney+ is a subscription based direct-to-consumer video streaming service with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and 

National Geographic branded programming. It offers approximately 7,500 series and 500 movies from the Company’s library 
of television and film programming. In the first year, there will be over 30 exclusive original series and over 15 exclusive 
original movies and specials produced by the Company’s film and television studios. Some of the originals available at launch 
include The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars series; Lady and the Tramp, a live-action retelling of the classic 
animated feature; High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, a new series related to the Disney Channel franchise; and The 
World According to Jeff Goldblum, an unscripted series from National Geographic.

Disney+ launched in November 2019 in the U.S. and four other countries and further launches are planned in Western 
Europe in spring 2020, Latin America in fall 2021, Eastern Europe starting in late 2020 and continuing in 2021, and various 
Asia-Pacific territories throughout 2020 and 2021.

ESPN+

ESPN+ is a multi-sports subscription service available through ESPN.com and the ESPN app. ESPN+ offers thousands 

of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s other networks. Live events available 
through the service include mixed martial arts, soccer, hockey, boxing, baseball, college sports, esports and cricket. ESPN+ is 
currently the exclusive distributor for UFC pay-per-view events in the U.S. Based on internal management reports, the 
estimated number of paid ESPN+ subscribers as of September 2019 was approximately three million.

Hotstar

Hotstar is operated by Star and streams local and international television shows, movies, sports, news and original series 

in nine languages and incorporates gaming and social features. Hotstar has exclusive streaming rights to Home Box Office, Inc. 
original programming in India and also carries content from Disney, Fox and Showtime Networks. Hotstar is also available in 
the U.S., UK and Canada. 

Hulu

Hulu aggregates acquired and original television and film entertainment content for distribution to internet-connected 
devices. Hulu offers a subscription-based service with limited commercial announcements and a subscription-based service 
with no commercial announcements. In addition, Hulu operates a digital OTT MVPD service, which offers linear streams of 
broadcast and cable channels, including the major broadcast networks. Based on internal management reports, the estimated 
number of paid Hulu subscribers as of September 2019 was approximately 29 million.

Prior to the TFCF acquisition, the Company owned 30% of Hulu and reported Hulu as an equity investment. As a result of 
the acquisition, the Company’s ownership interest in Hulu increased to 60%, and the Company started consolidating the results 
of Hulu. In May 2019, the Company increased its ownership interest in Hulu to 67%, with NBCU owning the remaining 33%. 
Also in May 2019, the Company entered into a put/call agreement with NBCU that provided the Company with full operational 
control of Hulu (see Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

Other Digital Content Distribution Platforms and Services

DTCI operates branded apps and websites, the Disney Movie Club and Disney Digital Network and provides streaming 

technology support services.

16

Branded Apps and Websites

DTCI operates apps and websites, which include ESPN, ABC, Disney, Freeform, FX and Nat Geo branded apps and 
websites. DTCI sells advertising on these apps and websites, which are programmed with content licensed from the Media 
Networks.

Disney Movie Club

The Disney Movie Club sells DVD/Blu-ray discs directly to consumers in the United States and Canada.

 Disney Digital Network (DDN)

DDN develops online video content, primarily for distribution on YouTube, and provides online marketing services. 

Streaming Technology Services

BAMTech LLC (BAMTech) provides streaming technology services to third parties. BAMTech is owned 75% by the 

Company, 15% by MLB and 10% by the National Hockey League (NHL), both of which have the right to sell their shares to 
the Company in the future.

BAMTech also operates the Company’s DTC sports business, which includes ESPN+ as well as DTC services for NHL, 

PGA and Major League Soccer programming. Hearst has a 20% interest in the Company’s DTC sports business.

Equity Investments

The significant equity investments reported in the Direct-to-Consumer & International segment are as follows:

Endemol Shine Group

Endemol Shine Group produces both scripted and non-scripted content for distribution across multiple platforms. On 
October 25, 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Banijay Group to sell its 50% interest in Endemol 
Shine Group. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the European 
Commission. We expect the sale to close in fiscal 2021. 

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.

Tata Sky

The Company has a 30% effective interest in Tata Sky Limited, which is a digital MVPD in India.

Vice 

The Company has an approximate 20% effective ownership in Vice Group Holdings, Inc. (Vice), which is a media 

company that targets millennial audiences. Vice operates Viceland, which is owned 50% by A+E and 50% by Vice.

Competition and Seasonality

The Company’s DTC and International Channel businesses compete for viewers primarily with other television and cable 

networks, 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, television stations, MVPDs and other advertising media such as 
digital content, newspapers, magazines and billboards.

The Company’s International Channels face competition from other 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, satellite and telecommunication distribution industry and other factors 
may adversely affect the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain contractual terms for distribution that are as favorable as 
those currently in place.

The Company’s DTC and International Channels also compete with other media and entertainment companies, SVOD 
providers and DTC services for the acquisition of sports rights, talent, show concepts, and scripted and other programming. 

Internet websites and digital products operated by the segment compete with other websites and entertainment products. 

Revenues fluctuate based on the timing of releases and performance of our digital media content, viewership levels on 

our cable channels and digital platforms, changes in subscriber levels and the demand for sports and other content. 

17

INTERCOMPANY ELIMINATIONS

Intersegment content transactions are presented “gross” (i.e. the segment producing the content reports revenue and profit 
from intersegment transactions in a manner similar to the reporting of third-party transactions, and the required eliminations are 
reported on a separate “Eliminations” line when presenting a summary of our segment results). Generally, timing of revenue 
recognition is similar to the reporting of third-party transactions, except that intersegment sales of library content are generally 
recognized over time. 

Significant intersegment content transactions include the following:

• Hulu licenses content from the Company’s television studios through various arrangements including fixed and

variable licensing fees and a percentage of addressable ad sales. Hulu also licenses the linear stream of our broadcast
and cable channels.

• Disney+ and our International Channels license content from the Company’s film and television studios.

• Our broadcast and cable channels license content from the Company’s film studios.

The Company defers profits on intersegment sales of content until the acquiring business expenses the content.

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 U.S. 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:

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, purchases 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 or 
direct-to-consumer products. 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. A decline in economic conditions could 
impact implementation of our expansion plans. 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, or reduce 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.

18

Misalignment with public and consumer tastes and preferences for entertainment and consumer products could 
negatively impact 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 filmed entertainment and television programming, which may be distributed among other ways through 
broadcast, cable, internet or cellular technology, 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. The success of our theme parks 
and experiences, as well as our theatrical releases, depends on demand for public or out-of-home entertainment experiences. 
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, television 
programming, other content production, acquisition of sports rights, theme park attractions, cruise ships or hotels and other 
resort facilities before we know 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), affiliate fees, subscription fees, theatrical film receipts, the 
license of rights to other distributors, theme park admissions, hotel room charges and merchandise, food and beverage sales, 
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, ways we 
charge for and receive revenue for our entertainment products and the stability of those revenue streams, 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 traditional cable channels, 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, most recently by developing DTC products for certain sports programming on ESPN+ (launched in 2018) and 
for filmed entertainment and other programming on Disney+ (launched in November 2019) and increasing our stake in Hulu 
(assumed full operational control in May 2019). There can be no assurance that our DTC offerings and other efforts will 
successfully respond to these changes, and we expect to forgo revenue from traditional sources. There can be no assurance that 
the DTC model and other business models we may develop will ultimately be as profitable as our existing business models.

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. The convergence of computing, communication, and entertainment devices, 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 distribution and access to entertainment content generally continues to be a significant challenge 
for intellectual property rights holders. Inadequate laws or weak enforcement mechanisms to protect entertainment industry 
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.

19

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 unauthorized access, modification and exfiltration. We develop and maintain information security systems in an effort to 
prevent this, 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, 
unauthorized access, modification and exfiltration of data cannot be eliminated entirely, and the risks associated with a 
potentially material incident 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 information security systems or data are compromised 
in a material way, 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 damaged resulting in loss of business or morale, and we may incur costs to remediate 
possible harm to our customers and employees and/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. 

For example, events in Hong Kong have impacted profitability of our Hong Kong operations and may continue to do so 

there and elsewhere, and past hurricanes have impacted profitability of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and future 
hurricanes may also do so.

In addition, we derive affiliate fees and royalties from the distribution of our programming, 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 those third 
parties, 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 and we may 
experience material losses not covered by our insurance.

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 

20

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 parks, expansion of our fleet of cruise ships and investments related to direct-to-
consumer offerings. Some of these investments may have short-term returns that are negative or low and the ultimate business 
prospects of the businesses related to these investments 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.

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. This includes, among other types, 
competition for human resources, programming and other resources we require in operating our business. For example: 

• Our studio operations and media businesses compete to obtain creative, performing and business talent, sports and

other programming, story properties, advertiser support and market share with other studio operations, broadcast and
cable networks, SVOD providers and other new sources of broadband delivered content.

• Our broadcast and cable networks and stations and direct-to-consumer offerings 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 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 interactive media operations compete with other licensors and publishers of console, online and mobile games and

other types of home entertainment.

• Our direct-to-consumer businesses compete for customers with competitors’ direct-to-consumer offerings, all other
forms of media and all other forms of entertainment, as well as for technology, creative, performing and business
talent and for content. 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. Competition for the acquisition of
resources can increase the cost of producing our products and services or deprive us of talent necessary to produce
high quality creative material. 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.

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.

21

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 and supply chain 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, investment obligations or quotas.

• Domestic and international labor 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. 
For example, in January 2019 India implemented regulation and tariffs impacting certain bundling of channels.

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.

Damage to our reputation or brands may negatively impact our business across segments and regions.

Our reputation and globally recognizable brands are integral to the success of our businesses. Because our brands engage 

consumers across our segments, damage to our reputation or brands in one business may have an impact on our other 
businesses. Because some of our brands are globally recognized, brand damage may not be locally contained. Maintenance of 
the reputation of our Company and brands depends on many factors including the quality of our offerings, maintenance of trust 
with our customers and our ability to successfully innovate. Significant negative claims or publicity regarding the Company or 
its operations, products, management, employees, practices, business partners and culture may damage our brands or 
reputation, even if such claims are untrue. Damage to our reputation or brands may impact our sales, business opportunities and 
profitability.

Risks that impact our business as a whole may also impact the success of our direct-to-consumer (DTC) business. 

We may not successfully execute on our direct-to-consumer strategy. Consumers may not be willing to pay for an 
expanding set of DTC services, potentially exacerbated by an economic downturn. We face competition for creative talent and 
may not be successful in recruiting and retaining talent. Government regulation, including revised foreign content and 
ownership regulations, may impact the implementation of our DTC business plans. Poor quality broadband infrastructure in 
certain markets may impact our customers’ access to our DTC products and may diminish our customers’ experience with our 
DTC products. These and other risks may impact the profitability and success of our DTC businesses.

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.

22

Labor disputes may disrupt our operations and adversely affect the profitability of any of our businesses.

A significant number of employees in various parts 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 and timing of certain of our product offerings could exacerbate negative 
impacts on our operations.

Each of our businesses is normally subject to seasonal variations and variations in connection with the timing of our 

product offerings, including as follows: 

• Revenues in our Media Networks segment are subject to seasonal advertising patterns, changes in viewership levels

and timing of program sales. In general, advertising revenues are somewhat higher during the fall and somewhat lower
during the summer months. Affiliate fees are typically recognized ratably throughout the year. Effective at the
beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted ASC 606, which changed the timing of affiliate revenue recognition
for certain contracts, which may result in higher revenue in our first fiscal quarter.

• 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 and seasonal consumer purchasing behavior,
which generally results in increased revenues during the Company’s first and fourth fiscal quarters. Peak attendance
and resort occupancy generally occur during the summer months when school vacations occur and during early-winter
and spring-holiday periods. In addition, licensing revenues fluctuate with the timing and performance of our theatrical
releases and cable programming broadcasts.

• 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.

• Direct-to-Consumer & International revenues fluctuate based on: changes in subscriber levels; the timing and

performance of releases of our digital media content; viewership levels on our cable channels and digital platforms;
and the demand for sports and our content. Each of these may depend on the availability of content, which varies from
time to time throughout the year based on, among other things, sports seasons and content production schedules.

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.

Sustained increases in costs of pension and postretirement medical and other employee health and welfare benefits may 
reduce our profitability.

With approximately 223,000 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.

The Alteration or Discontinuation of LIBOR may adversely affect our borrowing costs.  

Certain of our interest rate derivatives and a portion of our indebtedness bear interest at variable interest rates, primarily 
based on LIBOR, which may be subject to regulatory guidance and/or reform that could cause interest rates under our current 
or future debt agreements to perform differently than in the past or cause other unanticipated consequences. In July 2017, the 
Chief Executive of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that the FCA will 
no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. Such announcement indicates that 
the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. At this time, it is not possible to 
predict the effect any discontinuance, modification or other reforms to LIBOR or any other reference rate, or the establishment 
of alternative reference rates will have on the Company. However, if LIBOR ceases to exist or if the methods of calculating 
LIBOR change from their current form, the Company’s borrowing costs may be adversely affected.

23

Risk Factors Related to the TFCF Acquisition 

The TFCF acquisition may not be accretive, and may be dilutive, to our earnings per share, which may negatively affect 
the market price of our common stock.

The TFCF acquisition is not currently accretive to our earnings per share. Our expectations regarding the timeframe in 
which the TFCF acquisition may become accretive to our earnings per share, excluding the impact of purchase accounting, may 
not be realized. In addition, we could fail to realize all of the benefits anticipated in the TFCF acquisition or experience delays 
or inefficiencies in realizing such benefits. Such factors could, combined with the issuance of shares of our common stock in 
connection with the TFCF acquisition, result in the TFCF acquisition continuing to be dilutive to our earnings per share, which 
could negatively affect the market price of our common stock.

Although we expect that the TFCF acquisition will result in synergies and other benefits to us, we may not realize those 
benefits because of challenges inherently associated with integration, performance and the achievement of synergies.

The Company and TFCF were operated independently until completion of the TFCF acquisition, and there can be no 
assurances that our businesses can be combined in a manner that allows for the achievement of substantial benefits. For a 
discussion of TFCF’s contribution to the Company in fiscal 2019, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis. If we are 
delayed or not able to successfully integrate TFCF’s businesses with ours, pursue our direct-to-consumer strategy successfully, 
or realize the strategic value of the TFCF assets, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the TFCF acquisition may not be 
realized fully or may take longer than expected to be realized. Further, it is possible that there could be loss of key employees, 
loss of customers, disruption of ongoing businesses or unexpected issues, higher than expected costs and an overall post-
acquisition process that takes longer than originally anticipated. Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be 
addressed in the integration of TFCF businesses in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the TFCF acquisition so the 
combined company performs as we hope:

•
•

combining the companies’ corporate functions;
combining the businesses of the Company and TFCF in a manner that permits us to achieve the synergies anticipated
to result from the TFCF acquisition, the failure of which would result in the anticipated benefits of the TFCF
acquisition not being realized in the time frame currently anticipated or at all;

• maintaining existing agreements with customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors and avoiding delays in

entering into new agreements with prospective customers, distributors, providers, talent and vendors;
determining whether and how to address possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies;
integrating the companies’ administrative and information technology infrastructure; and
developing products and technology that allow value to be unlocked in the future.

•
•
•

The TFCF acquisition was announced in December 2017 and closed March 2019, with integration activities currently

ongoing. The pursuit of the TFCF acquisition, preparation for the integration of TFCF and integration of TFCF have placed a 
significant burden on our management and internal resources and the integration of TFCF may continue to do so. This may 
disrupt our ongoing business and the business of the combined company.

Consummation of the TFCF acquisition has increased our exposure to the risks of operating internationally. 

We are a diversified entertainment company that offers entertainment, travel and consumer products worldwide. Although 

many of our businesses increasingly depend on acceptance of our offerings and products by consumers outside of the U.S., the 
combination with TFCF has increased the importance of international operations to our future operations, growth and 
prospects. The risks of operating internationally that we face have increased following the completion of the TFCF acquisition.

The TFCF acquisition and integration may result in additional costs and expenses.

We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other 
transaction costs in connection with the TFCF acquisition and integration. We may also incur accounting and other costs in the 
integration of the businesses of TFCF that were not anticipated at the time of the acquisition, including costs for which we have 
established reserves or which may lead to reserves in the future. Such costs could negatively impact the Company’s free cash 
flow.

Our consolidated indebtedness has increased substantially following completion of the TFCF acquisition. This increased 
level of indebtedness could adversely affect us, including by decreasing our business flexibility.

Our consolidated indebtedness as of September 29, 2018 was approximately $20.9 billion. With the completion of the 
TFCF acquisition, our consolidated indebtedness as of September 28, 2019 was approximately $47.0 billion. The increased 
indebtedness could have the effect of, among other things, reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and 
economic conditions. The increased levels of indebtedness could also reduce funds available for capital expenditures, share 

24

repurchases and dividends, and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages for us relative to other companies 
with lower debt levels. Our financial flexibility may be further constrained by the issuance of shares of common stock in the 
TFCF acquisition, because of dividend payments.

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 fiscal 2019 and that remain unresolved.

ITEM 2.  Properties

The Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, retail store locations leased by the Company and other properties of 

the Company and its subsidiaries are described in Item 1 under the caption Parks, Experiences and Products. Film and 
television library properties are described in Item 1 under the caption Media Networks and Studio Entertainment. Television 
stations owned by the Company are described in Item 1 under the caption Media Networks.

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
Burbank, CA & surrounding 

cities(2)

Burbank, CA & surrounding 

cities(2)

Los Angeles, CA

Property /
Approximate Size
Land (201 acres) & Buildings 
(4,695,000 ft2)

Use

Owned Office/Production/
Warehouse (includes 236,000 ft2 
sublet to third-party tenants)

Buildings (1,459,000 ft2)

Leased Office/Warehouse

Business Segment(1)

Corp/Studio/Media/
PEP/DTCI

Corp/Studio/Media/
PEP/DTCI

Land (22 acres) & Buildings 
(600,000 ft2)

Owned Office/Production/Technical Media/Studio/DTCI

Los Angeles, CA

Buildings (2,679,000 ft2)

Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater (includes 
188,000 ft2 sublet to third-party 
tenants)

Media/Studio

Owned Office/Production/Technical Media/Corp

Leased Office/Production/Theater/
Warehouse (includes 676,000 ft2 
sublet to third-party tenants)

Corp/Studio/Media/PEP/
DTCI

New York, NY

New York, NY

Bristol, CT

Bristol, CT

Emeryville, CA

Emeryville, CA

San Francisco, CA

Buildings (529,000 ft2)

Buildings (2,731,000 ft2)

Land (20 acres) & Buildings 
(430,000 ft2)

Buildings (80,000 ft2)

Buildings (691,000 ft2)

Land (117 acres) & Buildings 
(1,175,000 ft2)

Owned Office/Production/Technical Media/Studio

Buildings (512,000 ft2)

Leased Office/Warehouse/Technical Media/Studio

Owned Office/Production/Technical

Studio

USA & Canada

Land and Buildings (Multiple
sites and sizes)

Hammersmith, England

Building (284,000 ft2)

Leased Office

Leased Office/Storage

Leased Office/Production/
Technical/Theater (includes 57,000 
ft2 sublet to third-party tenants)

Owned and Leased Office/
Production/Transmitter/Theaters/
Warehouse

Studio/Media

Studio/Media/
PEP/DTCI

Corp/Studio/Media/
PEP/DTCI

Corp/Studio/Media/
PEP/DTCI

Europe, Asia, Australia &

Latin America

Buildings (Multiple sites and
sizes)

Leased Office/Warehouse/Retail/
Residential

Studio/Media/
PEP/DTCI

(1) Corp – Corporate, PEP – Parks, Experiences and Products, DTCI – Direct-To-Consumer & International
(2)  Surrounding cities include Glendale, CA, North Hollywood, CA and Sun Valley, CA

25

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

As disclosed in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is engaged in certain legal matters, and 

the disclosure set forth in Note 15 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 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 28, 2019, the executive officers of the Company were as follows:

Name

Age

Title

Robert A. Iger

Alan N. Braverman

Christine M. McCarthy

M. Jayne Parker

Zenia B. Mucha

68

71

64

58

63

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(1)

Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(2)
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer(3)
Senior Executive Vice President Corporate Communications(4)

Executive
Officer Since

2000

2003

2005

2009

2018

(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)  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.

(3)  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.

(4)  Ms. Mucha was appointed Senior Executive Vice President Corporate Communications effective August 2016. She

was previously Executive Vice President Corporate Communications from March 2005.

26

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”.

See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company’s dividends in fiscal 2019 and 

2018. The Board of Directors has not declared a dividend related to the second half of fiscal 2019 as of the date of this report.

As of September 28, 2019, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 850,000.

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 28, 2019:

Period
June 30, 2019 – July 31, 2019

August 1, 2019 – August 31, 2019

September 1, 2019 – September 28, 2019

Total

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (1)
176,029

Weighted
Average Price
Paid per Share
$

142.64

32,319

23,293

231,641

136.28

135.13

141.00

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)
n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(1)  231,641 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)  Not applicable as the Company no longer has a stock repurchase plan or program.

27

2019 (1)

2018 (2)

2017 (3)

2016 (4)

2015 (5)

$

69,570

$

59,434

$

55,137

$

55,632

$

52,465

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data(cid:3)
(in millions, except per share data)

Statements of income

Revenues

Net income from continuing

operations

Net income from continuing

operations attributable to Disney

Per common share

Earnings attributable to Disney

Continuing Operations - Diluted $
Continuing Operations - Basic

Dividends (6)

Balance sheets

Total assets
Long-term obligations
Disney shareholders’ equity

Statements of cash flows

10,913

10,441

6.27

6.30

1.76

$

193,984
60,852

88,877

13,066

12,598

8.36

8.40

1.68

98,598
24,797

48,773

$

$

Cash provided (used) by - continuing

operations:

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

$

5,984

$

(15,096)

(464)

14,295
(5,336)
(8,843)

9,366

8,980

5.69

5.73

1.56

95,789
26,710

41,315

12,343
(4,111)
(8,959)

$

$

$

9,790

9,391

5.73

5.76

1.42

92,033
24,189

43,265

13,136
(5,758)
(7,220)

$

$

$

8,852

8,382

4.90

4.95

1.81

88,182
19,142

44,525

11,385
(4,245)
(5,801)

$

$

$

(1) On March 20, 2019, the Company acquired TFCF for cash and Disney shares (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
TFCF and Hulu's financial results have been consolidated since the date of acquisition and had a number of adverse impacts on fiscal
2019 results, the most significant of which were amortization expense related to recognition of TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair
value step-up on film and television costs ($0.74 per diluted share), an impact from shares issued upon the TFCF acquisition ($0.74 per
diluted share), restructuring and impairment charges ($0.55 per diluted share) and TFCF and Hulu operating results ($0.27 per diluted
share). Additional impacts included a non-cash gain from remeasuring our initial 30% interest in Hulu to fair value ($2.22 per diluted
share), equity investment impairments ($0.25 per diluted share) and a charge for the extinguishment of a portion of the debt originally
assumed in the TFCF acquisition ($0.24 per diluted share). Cash provided by continuing operating activities reflected payments for tax
obligations that arose from the spin-off of Fox Corporation in connection with the TFCF acquisition and the sale of the RSNs acquired
with TFCF and cash used in continuing investing activities reflected a cash payment of $35.7 billion paid to acquire TFCF, offset by the
$25.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents assumed in the TFCF acquisition.

(2) Fiscal 2018 results include a net benefit from the Tax Act ($1.11 per diluted share) and the benefit from a reduction in the Company’s
fiscal 2018 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate ($0.75 per diluted share) (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In
addition, fiscal 2018 included gains on the sales of real estate and property rights ($0.28 per diluted share) and an adverse impact from
equity investment impairments ($0.11 per diluted share).

(3) Fiscal 2017 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 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

(4) 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).

(5) Fiscal 2015 results include the write-off of a deferred tax asset as a result of a recapitalization at Disneyland Paris ($0.23 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.

28

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)

Revenues:

Services

Products

Total revenues

Costs and expenses:

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and 

amortization)

Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and 

amortization)

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization

Total costs and expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Other income, net

Interest expense, net

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

Income from continuing operations before

income taxes

Income taxes from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations (includes income 

tax expense of $35, $0 and $0, respectively)

Net income

Less: Net income from continuing operations

attributable to noncontrolling and redeemable
noncontrolling interests

Less: Net income from discontinued operations

attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to Disney

Earnings per share attributable to Disney:

Diluted

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Basic

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding:

Diluted

Basic

2019

2018

2017

$

60,542

$

50,869

$

9,028

69,570

8,565

59,434

46,843

8,294

55,137

2019
vs.
2018

19 %

5 %

17 %

(36,450)

(27,528)

(25,320)

(32)%

(5,198)

(8,860)

(3,011)

(4,986)

(8,176)

(2,782)

(44,597)

(41,264)

(33)

601

(574)

(102)

14,729

(1,663)

13,066

—

13,066

(98)

78

(385)

320

13,788

(4,422)

9,366

—

9,366

(7)%

(30)%

(38)%

(29)%

>(100)%

>100 %

(70)%

(1)%

(5)%

(82)%

(16)%

nm

(11)%

(468)

(386)

(1)%

(21)%

(5,568)

(11,541)

(4,160)

(57,719)

(1,183)

4,357

(978)

(103)

13,944

(3,031)

10,913

671

11,584

(472)

(58)

2018
vs.
2017

9 %

3 %

8 %

(9)%

(4)%

(8)%

(8)%

(8)%

66 %

>100 %

(49)%

nm

7 %

62 %

40 %

nm

40 %

nm

(12)%

(25)%

nm

(21)%

(25)%

nm

(20)%

nm

40 %

47 %

nm

47 %

47 %

nm

47 %

—

—

$

$

$

$

$

11,054

$

12,598

$

8,980

6.27

0.37

6.64

6.30

0.37

6.68

$

$

$

$

8.36

—

8.36

8.40

—

8.40

$

$

$

$

5.69

—

5.69

5.73

—

5.73

1,666

1,656

1,507

1,499

1,578

1,568

29

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 — 2019 vs. 2018

Business Segment Results — 2018 vs. 2017

Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses

Restructuring in Connection With the Acquisition of TFCF

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

The Company’s financial results for fiscal 2019 are presented in accordance with new accounting guidance for revenue 

recognition (ASC 606) that we adopted at the beginning of fiscal 2019. Prior period results have not been restated to reflect this 
change in accounting guidance. Segment operating income for fiscal 2019 includes a $91 million benefit from the adoption of 
ASC 606 primarily due to the timing of recognition of TV/SVOD distribution revenue at Studio Entertainment. Further 
information about our adoption of ASC 606 is provided in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2019 vs. 2018 

As discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company acquired TFCF on March 20, 2019. 
Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of TFCF, we acquired a controlling interest in Hulu. The Company began 
consolidating the results of TFCF and Hulu effective March 20, 2019.

Revenues for fiscal 2019 increased 17%, or $10.1 billion, to $69.6 billion; net income attributable to Disney decreased 
12%, or $1.5 billion, to $11.1 billion; and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Disney (EPS) 
decreased 25%, or $2.09 to $6.27. The decrease in EPS was due to the comparison to a benefit in fiscal 2018 from U.S. federal 
income tax legislation (Tax Act), which was enacted in fiscal 2018 (See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), 
amortization expense on intangibles and the fair value step-up on film and television costs from the TFCF acquisition and 
consolidation of Hulu, an increase in shares outstanding and restructuring costs incurred in connection with the acquisition and 
integration of TFCF. The increase in shares outstanding was due to shares that were issued in connection with the acquisition of 
TFCF. Additionally, the decrease in EPS reflected lower segment operating income, which included a $0.5 billion adverse 
impact from the consolidation of TFCF and Hulu in the current year, the absence of a gain recognized in the prior year on the 
sale of real estate, a charge in the current year for the extinguishment of debt and higher interest expense. These decreases were 
partially offset by a non-cash gain recognized in the current year in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in 
Hulu (Hulu Gain) (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Segment operating income from our legacy 
operations decreased due to higher losses at Direct-to-Consumer & International and lower results at Media Networks, partially 
offset by growth at Parks, Experiences and Products.

Revenues

Service revenues for fiscal 2019 increased 19%, or $9.7 billion, to $60.5 billion, due to the consolidation of TFCF and 

Hulu’s operations and to a lesser extent, growth at our legacy operations. The increase at our legacy operations was due to 
higher guest spending at our theme parks and resorts, an increase in affiliate fees, higher theatrical distribution revenue and 
growth in merchandise licensing. These increases were partially offset by lower ABC Studios program sales. Service revenue 
reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decrease due to the movement of the U.S. dollar against major currencies including 
the impact of our hedging program (Foreign Exchange Impact).

Product revenues for fiscal 2019 increased 5%, or $0.5 billion, to $9.0 billion, due to the consolidation of TFCF’s 
operations and growth at our legacy operations. The increase at our legacy operations was due to guest spending growth at our 
theme parks and resorts, partially offset by lower home entertainment volumes. Product revenue reflected an approximate 1 
percentage point decrease due to an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

30

Costs and expenses

Cost of services for fiscal 2019 increased 32%, or $8.9 billion, to $36.5 billion, due to the consolidation of TFCF and 
Hulu’s operations and higher costs at our legacy operations. The increase in costs at our legacy operations reflected higher 
programming and production costs, labor cost inflation at our theme parks and resorts and an increase in film cost amortization. 
Cost of services reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decrease due to a favorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

Cost of products for fiscal 2019 increased 7%, or $0.4 billion, to $5.6 billion, due to the consolidation of TFCF's 
operations and higher costs at our legacy operations. The increase in costs at our legacy operations was due to higher sales of 
food, beverage and merchandise and labor cost inflation at our theme parks and resorts, partially offset by a decrease in home 
entertainment volumes. Cost of products reflected an approximate 1 percentage point decrease due to a favorable Foreign 
Exchange Impact.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs for fiscal 2019 increased 30%, or $2.7 billion, to $11.5 billion, due to the 

consolidation of TFCF and Hulu’s operations, and increases in marketing and compensation costs at our legacy operations. 
Selling, general, administrative and other costs reflected an approximate 2 percentage point decrease due to a favorable Foreign 
Exchange Impact.

Depreciation and amortization costs increased 38%, or $1.1 billion, to $4.2 billion due to amortization of intangible assets 

arising from the acquisition of TFCF and consolidation of Hulu.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

The Company recorded $1.2 billion and $33 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal 2019 and 2018, 

respectively. Charges in fiscal 2019 were due to severance in connection with the acquisition and integration of TFCF. Charges 
in fiscal 2018 were due to severance costs.

Other Income, net

(in millions)

Hulu Gain

Insurance recoveries related to legal matters

Charge for the extinguishment of a portion of the debt

originally assumed in the TFCF acquisition

Gain on sale of real estate, property rights and other

Other income, net

2019

2018

% Change
 Better/(Worse) 

$

$

$

4,794

46

(511)
28

4,357

$

—

38

—

563

601

nm

21 %

nm

(95)%

>100 %

In fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a non-cash gain of $4,794 million in connection with the acquisition of a 

controlling interest in Hulu.

In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, the Company recorded insurance recoveries of $46 million and $38 million, respectively, 

in connection with the settlement of legal matters.

In fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a charge of $511 million for the extinguishment of a portion of the debt originally 

assumed in TFCF acquisition.

In fiscal 2019, the Company recorded a gain of $28 million on the deemed settlement of preexisting relationships with 

TFCF pursuant to acquisition accounting guidance. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded gains of $560 million in connection 
with the sales of real estate and property rights in New York City and a $3 million adjustment to a fiscal 2017 non-cash net gain 
of $255 million recorded in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in BAMTech.

31

Interest Expense, net

(in millions)

Interest expense

Interest income, investment income and other

Interest expense, net

2019

2018

$

$

(1,246)
268
(978)

$

$

(682)
108
(574)

% Change
 Better/(Worse) 
(83)%

>100 %

(70)%

The increase in interest expense was due to higher average debt balances as a result of the TFCF acquisition and to a 
lesser extent, higher average interest rates. These increases were partially offset by higher capitalized interest and a benefit 
from market value adjustments on pay-floating interest rate swap options.

The increase in interest income, investment income and other for the year was due to a $102 million benefit related to 

pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than service cost, and higher interest income on cash balances. The comparable 
benefit related to pension and postretirement benefit costs of $30 million in the prior year was reported in “Costs and 
expenses.” The benefit in the current year was due to the expected return on pension plan assets exceeding interest expense on 
plan liabilities and amortization of prior net actuarial losses.

Equity in the Loss of Investees

Equity in the loss of investees of $103 million was comparable to the prior year as higher impairments in the current year 

were offset by lower equity losses from Hulu as a result of our consolidation of Hulu following the TFCF acquisition.

Effective Income Tax Rate 

Effective income tax rate - continuing operations

2019

21.7%

2018

11.3%

Change
Better/(Worse)
(10.4) ppt

The increase in the effective income tax rate was due to the impact of the Tax Act, of which the most significant impacts 

were a $1.7 billion net benefit (11 percentage points) that was recognized in the prior year, partially offset by a current year 
benefit from a reduction in the Company’s U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to 21% in fiscal 2019 from 24.5% in fiscal 
2018.

Noncontrolling Interests

(in millions)

2019

2018

% Change
 Better/(Worse) 

Net income from continuing operations attributable to

noncontrolling interests

$

(472)

$

(468)

(1)%

Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests was comparable to the prior year as the 

accretion of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in Hulu (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) and a lower 
loss allocation to the noncontrolling interest holders of BAMTech were offset by a higher loss from our direct-to-consumer 
sports business.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees, 

financing costs and income taxes, as applicable.

Discontinued Operations

Net income from discontinued operations in fiscal 2019 reflected the operations of the RSNs.

2018 vs. 2017 

Revenues for fiscal 2018 increased 8%, or $4.3 billion, to $59.4 billion; net income attributable to Disney increased 40%, 

or $3.6 billion, to $12.6 billion; and EPS for the year increased 47%, or $2.67 to $8.36. The EPS increase in fiscal 2018 was 
due to a benefit from the Tax Act, higher segment operating income, a decrease in weighted average shares outstanding as a 
result of our share repurchase program and gains on the sale of real estate and property rights. These increases were partially 

32

offset by the comparison to a fiscal 2017 non-cash net gain in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in 
BAMTech, impairments of our Vice and Villages Nature equity method investments in fiscal 2018 and higher net interest and 
corporate and unallocated shared expenses. The increase in segment operating income was due to growth at our Studio 
Entertainment, Parks, Experiences and Products and Media Networks segments, partially offset by lower results at our Direct-
to-Consumer & International segment. In addition, net income attributable to Disney reflected an approximate 1 percentage 
point decrease due to an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

Revenues

Service revenues for fiscal 2018 increased 9%, or $4.0 billion, to $50.9 billion, due to higher theatrical distribution 
revenue, growth in guest spending and volumes at our theme parks and resorts, an increase in affiliate fees, increased TV/
SVOD distribution revenue and the consolidation of BAMTech. In September 2017, the Company increased its ownership in 
BAMTech and began consolidating its results. These increases were partially offset by lower advertising revenue.

Product revenues for fiscal 2018 increased 3%, or $0.3 billion, to $8.6 billion, due to guest spending and volume growth 

at our theme parks and resorts, partially offset by lower home entertainment volumes and a decrease in retail store sales. 
Product revenue reflected an approximate 1 percentage point increase due to a favorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

Costs and expenses

Cost of services for fiscal 2018 increased 9%, or $2.2 billion, to $27.5 billion, due to higher film and television cost 
amortization driven by an increase in theatrical and TV/SVOD distribution revenue and contractual rate increases for television 
programming. Costs of services also increased due to the consolidation of BAMTech and higher costs at our theme parks and 
resorts reflecting cost inflation, higher technology and operations support expenses and a special fiscal 2018 domestic 
employee bonus.

Cost of products for fiscal 2018 increased 4%, or $0.2 billion, to $5.2 billion due to cost inflation and higher guest 
spending and volumes at our theme parks and resorts. Cost of products reflected an approximate 1 percentage point increase 
due to an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs for fiscal 2018 increased 8%, or $0.7 billion, to $8.9 billion, due to higher 

marketing spend, the consolidation of BAMTech, costs incurred in connection with the TFCF acquisition and an increase in 
compensation costs.

 Depreciation and amortization costs increased 8%, or $0.2 billion, to $3.0 billion primarily due to depreciation of new 

attractions at our theme parks and resorts and the consolidation of BAMTech. Depreciation and amortization costs reflected an 
approximate 1 percentage point increase due to an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

The Company recorded $33 million and $98 million of restructuring and impairment charges in fiscal 2018 and 2017, 

respectively. Charges in fiscal 2018 were due to severance costs. Charges in fiscal 2017 were due to severance costs and asset 
impairments.

Other Income, net

(in millions)

2018

2017

% Change
 Better/(Worse) 

Gain on sales of real estate and property rights

Insurance recoveries (settlements) related to legal matters

Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech

Other income, net

$

$

560

38

3

601

$

$

—
(177)
255

78

nm

nm

(99)%

>100 %

In fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a charge of $177 million in connection with the settlement of a litigation matter, net 

of committed insurance recoveries, and a gain of $255 million in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in 
BAMTech.

33

Interest Expense, net

(in millions)

Interest expense

Interest and investment income

Interest expense, net

2018

2017

$

$

(682)
108
(574)

$

$

(507)
122
(385)

% Change
 Better/(Worse) 

(35)%

(11)%

(49)%

The increase in interest expense was due to an increase in average interest rates, higher average debt balances and 

financing costs related to the acquisition of TFCF.

The decrease in interest and investment income for fiscal 2018 was due to the comparison to gains on investments 

recognized in fiscal 2017, partially offset by an increase in interest income driven by higher average interest rates.

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

Equity in the income of investees decreased $422 million, to a loss of $102 million due to higher losses from Hulu, 
impairments of Vice and Villages Nature equity method investments and lower income from A+E. These decreases were 
partially offset by a favorable comparison to a loss from BAMTech in fiscal 2017. The decrease at Hulu was driven by higher 
programming, labor and marketing costs, partially offset by growth in subscription and advertising revenue. The decrease at 
A +E was due to lower advertising revenue and higher programming costs, partially offset by higher program sales.

Effective Income Tax Rate

Effective income tax rate

2018

11.3%

2017

Change
 Better/(Worse) 

32.1%

20.8 ppt

The decrease in the effective income tax rate was due to the impact of the Tax Act, which included:

• A net benefit of $1.7 billion, which reflected a $2.1 billion benefit from remeasuring our deferred tax balances to the
new statutory rate (Deferred Remeasurement), partially offset by a charge of $0.4 billion for a one-time tax on certain
accumulated foreign earnings (Deemed Repatriation Tax). This benefit had an impact of approximately 11.5
percentage points on the effective income tax rate.

• A reduction in the Company’s fiscal 2018 U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to 24.5% from 35.0% in fiscal 2017.

Net of state tax and other related effects, the reduction in the statutory rate had an impact of approximately 8.2
percentage points on the effective income tax rate.

Noncontrolling Interests

(in millions)

2018

2017

% Change
 Better/(Worse) 

Net income from continuing operations attributable to

noncontrolling interests

$

(468)

$

(386)

(21)%

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for fiscal 2018 increased $82 million to $468 million due to lower tax 

expense at ESPN, largely due to the Tax Act, and the impact of the Company’s acquisition of the noncontrolling interest in 
Disneyland Paris in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. These increases were partially offset by losses at BAMTech.

Certain Items Impacting Comparability

Results for fiscal 2019 were impacted by the following:

• The Hulu Gain of $4.8 billion

• A benefit of $74 million consisting of $46 million from insurance recoveries related to a legal matter and a gain of $28

million recognized on the settlement of preexisting relationships with TFCF pursuant to acquisition accounting
guidance

• A benefit of $34 million from the Tax Act

• Amortization of $1.6 billion related to TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value step-up on film and television

costs

34

• Restructuring and impairment charges of $1.2 billion

•

Impairments of $538 million on equity investments

• A charge of $511 million for the extinguishment of a portion of debt originally assumed in the TFCF acquisition

Results for fiscal 2018 were impacted by the following:

• A benefit of $1.7 billion from the Tax Act Deferred Remeasurement, net of the Deemed Repatriation Tax

• A benefit of $601 million comprising $560 million in gains from the sales of real estate and property rights, $38

million from insurance recoveries in connection with the settlement of a fiscal 2017 litigation matter and $3 million
from an adjustment related to a non-cash gain recognized in fiscal 2017 for the acquisition of a controlling interest in
BAMTech

•

Impairments of $210 million for Vice and Villages Nature equity investments

• Restructuring and impairment charges of $33 million

Results for fiscal 2017 were impacted by the following:

• A non-cash net gain of $255 million in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in BAMTech

• A charge, net of committed insurance recoveries, of $177 million in connection with the settlement of litigation

• Restructuring and impairment charges of $98 million

A summary of the impact of these items on EPS is as follows:

(in millions, except per share data)
Year Ended September 28, 2019:
Hulu Gain
Insurance recoveries and gains on the settlement of

preexisting relationships

Benefit from the Tax Act
Amortization of TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and 
fair value step-up on film and television costs, net of 
gain(3)

Restructuring and impairment charges
Impairment of equity investments
Charge for the extinguishment of debt
Total

Year Ended September 29, 2018:
Net benefit from the Tax Act
Gain from sale of real estate, property rights and other
Impairment of equity investments
Restructuring and impairment charges
Total

Year Ended September 30, 2017:
Settlement of litigation
Restructuring and impairment charges
Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech
Total

Pre-Tax
Income/(Loss)

Tax Benefit/
(Expense)(1)

After-Tax
Income/(Loss)

EPS 
Favorable/
(Adverse) (2)

$

4,794

$

(1,103)

$

3,691

$

74
—

(1,595)
(1,183)
(538)
(511)
1,041

$

— $

601
(210)
(33)
358

(177)
(98)
255
(20)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(17)
34

355
273
123
118
(217)

1,701
(158)
49
7
1,599

65
31
(93)
3

$

$

$

$

$

57
34

(1,240)
(910)
(415)
(393)
824

1,701
443
(161)
(26)
1,957

(112)
(67)
162
(17)

$

$

$

$

$

2.22

0.03
0.02

(0.74)
(0.55)
(0.25)
(0.24)
0.50

1.11
0.30
(0.11)
(0.02)
1.28

(0.07)
(0.04)
0.10
(0.01)

(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) Includes amortization of intangibles related to TFCF equity investees.

35

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS — 2019 vs. 2018 

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, advertising (excluding addressable ad sales) and 
other revenues, which include the sale and distribution of television programs. Significant expenses include amortization of 
programming and production costs, participations and residuals expense, technical support costs, operating labor and 
distribution costs.

Our Parks, Experiences and Products segment generates revenue from the sale of admissions to theme parks, the sale of 

food, beverage and merchandise at our theme parks and resorts, charges for room nights at hotels, sales of cruise vacations, 
sales and rentals of vacation club properties, royalties from licensing intellectual properties and sale of branded merchandise. 
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, costs of goods sold, infrastructure costs, depreciation and 
other operating expenses. Infrastructure costs include information systems expense, repairs and maintenance, utilities and fuel, 
property taxes, retail occupancy costs, insurance and transportation. 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 TV/SVOD markets, stage play ticket sales and licensing of our intellectual properties 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 Direct-to-Consumer & International segment generates revenue from affiliate fees, advertising sales (includes 

addressable ad sales), subscription fees for our DTC streaming and other services, and fees charged for technology support 
services. Significant expenses include operating expenses, selling general and administrative costs and depreciation and 
amortization. Operating expenses include programming and production costs (including programming, production and branded 
digital content obtained from other Company segments), technology support costs, operating labor and distribution costs.

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management 

uses total segment operating income as a measure of the overall performance of the operating businesses. Total 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 total 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 income from continuing operations before income taxes to total segment operating 

income. 

(in millions)

2019

2018

2017

% Change
Better/(Worse)

2019
vs.
2018

2018
vs.
2017

Income before income taxes

$

13,944

$

14,729

$

13,788

(5)%

7 %

Add/(subtract):

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Other income, net

Interest expense, net

Amortization of TFCF and Hulu intangible 
assets and fair value step-up on film and 
television costs (1)

Impairment of equity investments

987

1,183

(4,357)

978

1,595

538

744

33
(601)
574

—

210

582

98
(78)
385

—

—

Total segment operating income

$

14,868

$

15,689

$

14,775

(1) Includes amortization of intangibles related to TFCF equity investees

(33)%
>(100)%
>100 %
(70)%

nm
>(100)%
(5)%

(28)%

66 %

>100 %

(49)%

nm

nm

6 %

36

The following is a summary of segment revenue and operating income:

(in millions)

Revenues:

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Eliminations

Segment operating income / (loss):

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products
Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International
Eliminations

2019

2018

2017

$

$

$

$

$

$

24,827

26,225

11,127

9,349

(1,958)

69,570

7,479

6,758
2,686

(1,814)

(241)

$

14,868

$

21,922

24,701

10,065

3,414
(668)
59,434

7,338

6,095
3,004
(738)
(10)
15,689

$

$

$

21,299

23,024

8,352

3,075
(613)
55,137

7,196

5,487
2,363
(284)
13

$

14,775

Media Networks

Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows: 

% Change
Better/(Worse)

2019
vs.
2018

13 %

6 %

11 %

100 %
>(100)%
17 %

2 %

11 %
(11)%
>(100)%
>(100)%
(5)%

2018
vs.
2017

3 %

7 %

21 %

11 %

(9)%

8 %

2 %

11 %
27 %

(100)%

nm

6 %

(in millions)

Revenues

Affiliate fees

Advertising

TV/SVOD distribution and other

Total revenues

Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization

Equity in the income of investees

Operating Income

Revenues

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

13,433

$

11,907

6,965

4,429

24,827
(15,499)
(2,361)
(191)
703

$

7,479

$

6,586

3,429

21,922
(13,197)
(1,899)
(199)
711

7,338

13 %

6 %

29 %

13 %

(17)%
(24)%
4 %

(1)%

2 %

The increase in affiliate fees was due to increases of 8% from the consolidation of TFCF’s operations and 7% from higher 

contractual rates, partially offset by a decrease of approximately 2 and one-half percent from fewer subscribers.

The increase in advertising revenues was due to increases of $374 million at Cable Networks, from $3,129 million to 
$3,503 million and $5 million at Broadcasting, from $3,457 million to $3,462 million. Cable Networks advertising revenue 
reflected increases of 11% from the consolidation of TFCF’s operations and 2% from higher impressions reflecting higher units 
delivered, partially offset by lower average viewership. Broadcasting advertising revenue was comparable to the prior-year 
period as increases of 7% from higher network rates and 2% from the consolidation of TFCF’s operations were offset by a 
decrease of 9% from average viewership. 

37

TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $1,000 million, due to sales of TFCF programs, partially offset by a 
decrease in ABC Studios program sales. The decrease in ABC Studios program sales reflects the prior-year sales of Daredevil, 
Luke Cage and Iron Fist, partially offset by the current-year sale of The Punisher.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $2,142 million from $12,555 million to 
$14,697 million. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $1,255 million due to the consolidation of 
TFCF’s operations and contractual rate increases for college sports, NFL, NBA and MLB programming. At Broadcasting, 
programming and production costs increased $887 million due to the consolidation of TFCF’s operations, partially offset by the 
impact of lower ABC Studios program sales.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased from $1,899 million to $2,361 million due to the consolidation 

of TFCF’s operations.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 2%, or $141 million, to $7,479 million due to the consolidation of TFCF’s 

operations, partially offset by lower income from ABC Studios program sales.

The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment: 

(in millions)

Revenues

Cable Networks

Broadcasting

Segment operating income

Cable Networks

Broadcasting

Equity in the income of investees

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

16,486

8,341

24,827

5,425

1,351

703

7,479

$

$

$

$

14,610

7,312

21,922

5,225

1,402

711

7,338

13 %

14 %

13 %

4 %

(4)%

(1)%

2 %

Items Excluded from Segment Operating Income Related to Media Networks

The following table presents supplemental information for items related to the Media Network segment that are excluded 

from segment operating income:

(in millions)

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better/(Worse)

Amortization of TFCF intangible assets and fair value step-up on 

film and television costs(1)

$

Restructuring and impairment charges

Impairment of equity investments

$

(684)
(105)
(184)

—
(2)
—

nm

>(100) %

>(100) %

(1) Amortization of step-up on film and television costs was $359 million and amortization of intangible assets was $325

million.

38

Parks, Experiences and Products

Operating results for the Parks, Experiences and Products segment are as follows: 

(in millions)

Revenues

Theme park admissions

Parks & Experiences merchandise, food and beverage

Resorts and vacations

Merchandise licensing and retail

Parks licensing and other

Total revenues

Operating expenses

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the loss of investees

Operating Income

Revenues

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

7,540

5,963

6,266

4,519

1,937

26,225
(14,015)
(3,133)
(2,306)
(13)
6,758

$

$

7,183

5,674

5,938

4,249

1,657

24,701
(13,326)
(2,930)
(2,327)
(23)
6,095

5 %

5 %

6 %

6 %

17 %

6 %

(5)%

(7)%

1 %
43 %

11 %

The increase in theme park admissions revenue was due to an increase of 8% from higher average ticket prices, partially 

offset by decreases of 2% from lower attendance and 1% from an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact. The decrease in 
attendance was due to lower attendance at Shanghai Disney Resort. Attendance at our domestic theme parks was comparable to 
the prior year.

Parks & Experiences merchandise, food and beverage revenue growth was due to an increase of 6% from higher average 

guest spending, partially offset by a decrease of 1% from lower volumes.

The increase in resorts and vacations revenue was primarily due to increases of 2% from higher average daily hotel room 
rates, 1% from an increase in average ticket prices for cruise line sailings and 1% from the consolidation of TFCF's operations.

Merchandise licensing and retail revenue growth was due to increases of 3% from merchandise licensing, 1% from our 
retail stores, 1% from a favorable Foreign Exchange Impact and 1% from our publishing business due to the consolidation of 
TFCF's operations. The increase in merchandise licensing revenues was primarily due to higher revenue from products based 
on Toy Story, an increase in guaranteed shortfall recognition and higher revenues from Avengers and Frozen merchandise. 
These increases were partially offset by lower revenues from products based on Star Wars and Cars. Higher revenues at our 
retail stores were due to an increase in online sales.

 The increase in parks licensing and other revenue was due to the adoption of ASC 606 and higher real estate sales. The 
adoption of ASC 606 required certain cost reimbursements from licensees to be recognized as revenue rather than recorded as 
an offset to operating expenses.

39

 The following table presents supplemental park and hotel statistics: 

Domestic

International (2)

Total

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2018

Parks

Increase/ (decrease)

Attendance

Per Capita Guest Spending
Hotels (1)
Occupancy
Available Room Nights
(in thousands)
Per Room Guest Spending

—%

7%

90%

4%

6%

(7)%
13 %

4%

5%

(2)%
8 %

4%

6%

88%

81 %

84%

88 %

87%

10,030

$353

10,045

$345

3,182

$330

3,179

$315

13,212

$348

13,224

$338

(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 2018 average foreign exchange rate.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $237 million from $5,937 million to $6,174 million, cost of 

sales and distribution costs, which increased $154 million from $2,764 million to $2,918 million, and infrastructure costs, 
which increased $99 million from $2,370 million to $2,469 million. The increase in operating labor was due to inflation, 
including the impact of wage increases for union employees, partially offset by the comparison to a special domestic employee 
bonus that was recognized in fiscal 2018. The increase in cost of sales and distribution costs was driven by higher sales of food, 
beverage and merchandise at our theme parks and resorts. Higher infrastructure costs were due to an increase in technology 
spending and costs for new guest offerings, including expenses associated with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Other operating 
expenses, which include costs for such items as supplies, commissions and entertainment offerings, increased $199 million, 
from $2,255 million to $2,454 million, due to the recognition of certain cost reimbursements from licensees as revenue rather 
than recorded as an offset to operating expenses.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $203 million from $2,930 million to $3,133 million primarily 

due to inflation and higher marketing spend at our parks and resorts. 

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 11%, or $663 million, to $6,758 million due to growth at our domestic theme parks 

and resorts and our consumer products businesses.

40

The following table presents supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Parks, Experiences and Products 

segment to provide continuity with our legacy reporting: 

(in millions)
Supplemental revenue detail

Parks & Experiences

Domestic

International

Consumer Products

Supplemental operating income detail

Parks & Experiences

Domestic

International

Consumer Products

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

17,369

4,223

4,633

26,225

4,412

507

1,839

6,758

$

$

$

$

16,161

4,135

4,405

24,701

4,013

456

1,626

6,095

7 %

2 %

5 %

6 %

10 %

11 %

13 %

11 %

Studio Entertainment

Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows: 

(in millions)

Revenues

Theatrical distribution

Home entertainment

TV/SVOD distribution and other

Total revenues

Operating expenses

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization

Operating Income

Revenues

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

4,726

1,734

4,667

11,127
(5,187)
(3,119)
(135)
2,686

$

$

4,303

1,647

4,115

10,065
(4,449)
(2,493)
(119)
3,004

10 %

5 %

13 %

11 %

(17)%

(25)%

(13)%

(11)%

The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was due to the comparison of four significant Disney live-action titles, Lion 
King, Aladdin, Mary Poppins Returns and Dumbo in the current year to no significant Disney live-action titles in the prior year, 
and the consolidation of TFCF's operations. These increases were partially offset by two Marvel titles, Avengers: Endgame and 
Captain Marvel and no Star Wars title in the current year compared to four Marvel titles, Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, 
Thor: Ragnarok and Ant-Man and the Wasp, and two Star Wars titles, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo: A Star Wars Story in 
the prior year. The current year also included Toy Story 4 and Ralph Breaks the Internet, while the prior year included 
Incredibles 2 and Coco. 

Higher home entertainment revenue was due to an increase of 16% from the consolidation of TFCF’s operations, partially 

offset by decreases of 9% from lower unit sales and 1% from a decrease in net effective pricing at our legacy operations. The 
decrease in unit sales was due to the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the prior year compared to no Star Wars release in 
the current year. Other significant titles in release included Avengers: Endgame, Incredibles 2, Captain Marvel, Ant-Man and 
the Wasp, and Ralph Breaks the Internet in the current year and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok, Coco 
and Cars 3 in the prior year. 

41

Higher TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue was due to an increase of 14% from TV/SVOD distribution, partially 

offset by a decrease of 2% from Lucasfilm’s special effects business due to fewer projects. The increase in TV/SVOD 
distribution was due to the consolidation of TFCF’s operations and, to a lesser extent, the impact of the adoption of ASC 606.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include film cost amortization, which increased $575 million, from $3,187 million to $3,762 million, 
due to the consolidation of TFCF’s operations. Operating expenses also include cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which 
increased $163 million, from $1,262 million to $1,425 million, due to the consolidation of TFCF’s operations, partially offset 
by fewer projects at Lucasfilm’s special effects business.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $626 million from $2,493 million to $3,119 million due to the 

consolidation of TFCF’s operations.

The increase in depreciation and amortization was due to the consolidation of TFCF’s operations.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income decreased 11%, or $318 million to $2,686 million due to the consolidation of TFCF’s 
operations and lower home entertainment results, partially offset by decreases in film impairments and write-offs from our 
legacy operations.

Items Excluded from Segment Operating Income Related to Studio Entertainment

The following table presents supplemental information for items related to the Studio Entertainment segment that are 

excluded from segment operating income:

(in millions)

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better/(Worse)

Amortization of TFCF intangible assets and fair value step-up on 

film and television costs(1)

Restructuring and impairment charges

$

$

(206)
(219)

—
(8)

nm

>(100) %

(1) Amortization of step-up on film and television costs was $179 million and amortization of intangible assets was $27

million.

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Operating results for the Direct-to-Consumer & International segment are as follows: 

(in millions)
Revenues

Affiliate fees
Advertising
Subscription fees and other

Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the loss of investees
Operating Loss

Revenues

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

2,740
3,534
3,075
9,349
(8,497)
(2,108)
(318)
(240)
(1,814)

$

$

1,372
1,311
731
3,414
(2,384)
(1,003)
(185)
(580)
(738)

100 %
>100 %
>100 %
>100 %
>(100)%
>(100)%
(72)%
59 %
>(100)%

The increase in affiliate fees was due to the consolidation of TFCF’s operations and to a lesser extent, higher rates at our 

legacy operations, partially offset by an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact.

42

The increase in advertising revenues was due to increases of $1,178 million in addressable advertising sales, driven by the 

consolidation of Hulu’s operations, and $1,045 million at our International Channels, driven by the consolidation of TFCF’s 
operations.

Subscription fees and other revenue increased due to the consolidation of Hulu’s operations and, to a lesser extent, the 
consolidation of TFCF's international program sales and higher subscription fees for ESPN+, which launched in April 2018.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include an increase of $5,208 million in programming and production costs, from $1,572 million to 

$6,780 million, and an increase of $905 million in other operating expenses, from $812 million to $1,717 million. The increase 
in programming and production costs was due to the consolidation of Hulu and TFCF's operations and, to a lesser extent, the 
ramp up of our investment in ESPN+ and the upcoming launch of Disney+. Other operating expenses, which include technical 
support and distribution costs, increased due to the consolidation of Hulu and TFCF’s operations. 

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $1,105 million, from $1,003 million to $2,108 million, due to 

the consolidation of TFCF and Hulu’s operations.

Depreciation and amortization increased $133 million, from $185 million to $318 million, due to the consolidation of 

TFCF and Hulu’s operations and increased investment in technology.

Equity in the Loss of Investees

Loss from equity investees decreased $340 million, from $580 million to $240 million, due to the consolidation of Hulu.

Segment Operating Loss

Segment operating loss increased from $738 million to $1,814 million due to the ramp up of our investment in ESPN+, 

which launched in April 2018, the consolidation of Hulu’s operations and costs associated with the upcoming launch of 
Disney+, partially offset by the consolidation of TFCF's operations.

The following table presents supplemental revenue and operating income/(loss) detail for the Direct-to-Consumer & 

International segment. Fiscal 2019 includes revenues and operating income from the consolidation of TFCF and Hulu’s 
operations: 

(in millions)
Supplemental revenue detail
International Channels
Direct-to-Consumer businesses and other

Supplemental operating income/(loss) detail

International Channels
Direct-to-Consumer businesses and other
Equity in the loss of investees

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

4,690
4,659
9,349

670
(2,244)
(240)
(1,814)

$

$

$

$

1,920
1,494
3,414

311
(469)
(580)
(738)

>100 %
>100 %
>100 %

>100 %
>(100)%
59 %
>(100)%

Items Excluded from Segment Operating Loss Related to Direct-to-Consumer & International

The following table presents supplemental information for items related to the Direct-to-Consumer & International 

segment that are excluded from segment operating loss:

(in millions)

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change
Better/(Worse)

Amortization of TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value 

step-up on film and television costs(1)

$

Hulu Gain

Restructuring and impairment charges

Impairment of equity investments

$

(701)
4,822
(456)
(354)

—

—

—
(157)

nm

nm

nm

>(100) %

(1) Amortization of intangible assets was $687 million and amortization of step-up on film and television costs was $14

million.

43

Eliminations

Intersegment content transactions are as follows:

(in millions)

Revenues

Studio Entertainment:

Content transactions with Media Networks

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Media Networks:

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Total

Operating income

Studio Entertainment:

Content transactions with Media Networks

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Media Networks:

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Total

Revenues and Operating Income

Year Ended

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

% Change

Better/
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

(106)
(272)

(1,580)
(1,958)

(19)
(80)

(142)
(241)

$

$

$

$

(169)
(28)

(471)
(668)

(8)
—

(2)
(10)

37  %

>(100) %

>(100) %

>(100) %

>(100) %

nm

>(100) %

>(100) %

The increase in the impact from eliminations was due to the elimination of sales of ABC Studios and Twentieth Century 

Fox Television programs to Hulu and the sales of films to Disney+.

BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS – 2018 vs. 2017

Media Networks

Operating results for the Media Networks segment are as follows: 

(in millions)
Revenues

Affiliate fees
Advertising
TV/SVOD distribution and other

Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the income of investees
Operating Income

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

11,907
6,586
3,429
21,922
(13,197)
(1,899)
(199)
711
7,338

$

$

11,324
6,938
3,037
21,299
(12,754)
(1,909)
(206)
766
7,196

5 %
(5)%
13 %
3 %
(3)%
1 %
3 %
(7)%
2 %

44

Revenues

The increase in affiliate fees was due to an increase of 7% from higher contractual rates, partially offset by a decrease of 

2% from fewer subscribers.

The decrease in advertising revenues was due to decreases of $229 million at Cable Networks, from $3,358 million to 

$3,129 million and $123 million at Broadcasting, from $3,580 million to $3,457 million. The decrease at Cable Networks was 
due to a decrease of 6% from lower impressions as lower average viewership was partially offset by higher units delivered. The 
decrease at Broadcasting was due to decreases of 7% from lower network impressions and 2% from lower impressions at the 
owned television stations, both of which were driven by lower average viewership. The decrease was partially offset by an 
increase of 6% from higher network rates. 

TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue increased $392 million due to higher ABC Studios program sales driven by 
increased revenue from programs licensed to Hulu and higher sales of Grey’s Anatomy and Black-ish. Additionally, fiscal 2018 
included the sales of Luke Cage, Daredevil and Jessica Jones compared to fiscal 2017 sales of The Punisher and The 
Defenders.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include programming and production costs, which increased $486 million from $12,069 million to 
$12,555 million. At Broadcasting, programming and production costs increased $317 million due to higher program sales and a 
higher average cost of network programming, including the impact of American Idol, Roseanne and The Goldbergs in fiscal 
2018. At Cable Networks, programming and production costs increased $169 million due to contractual rate increases for 
college sports, NFL, NBA and MLB programming, partially offset by lower production costs. 

Equity in the Income of Investees

Income from equity investees decreased $55 million from $766 million to $711 million due to lower income from A+E 

driven by decreased advertising revenue and higher programming costs, partially offset by higher program sales. 

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 2%, or $142 million, to $7,338 million due to higher program sales and an increase 

at the Domestic Disney Channels, partially offset by lower income from equity investees.

The following table provides supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Media Networks segment: 

(in millions)
Revenues

Cable Networks
Broadcasting

Segment operating income

Cable Networks
Broadcasting
Equity in the income of investees

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

14,610
7,312
21,922

5,225
1,402
711
7,338

$

$

$

$

14,416
6,883
21,299

5,174
1,256
766
7,196

1 %
6 %
3 %

1 %
12 %
(7)%
2 %

45

Parks, Experiences and Products

Operating results for the Parks, Experiences and Products segment are as follows: 

(in millions)
Revenues

Theme park admissions
Parks & Experiences merchandise, food and beverage
Resorts and vacations
Merchandise licensing and retail
Parks licensing and other

Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the loss of investees
Operating Income

Revenues

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

7,183
5,674
5,938
4,249
1,657
24,701
(13,326)
(2,930)
(2,327)
(23)
6,095

$

$

6,504
5,154
5,378
4,494
1,494
23,024
(12,455)
(2,896)
(2,161)
(25)
5,487

10 %
10 %
10 %
(5)%
11 %
7 %
(7)%
(1)%
(8)%
8 %
11 %

The increase in theme park admissions revenue was due to increases of 6% from higher average ticket prices, 4% from 

attendance growth and 1% from a favorable Foreign Exchange Impact. Attendance growth included a favorable comparison to 
the fiscal 2017 impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Matthew at Walt Disney World Resort.

Parks & Experiences merchandise, food and beverage revenue growth was due to increases of 5% from higher average 

guest spending, 3% from volume growth and 2% from a favorable Foreign Exchange Impact. Volume growth included a benefit 
from the favorable comparison to the fiscal 2017 impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Matthew.

The increase in resorts and vacations revenue was primarily due to increases of 3% from higher average daily hotel room 
rates, 1% from higher average ticket prices for cruise line sailings, 1% from a favorable Foreign Exchange Impact, 1% from an 
increase in passenger cruise ship days and 1% from higher occupied hotel room nights. Higher occupied hotel room nights 
were due to an increase at our international resorts, partially offset by a decrease at our domestic resorts, reflecting fewer 
available room nights at Walt Disney World Resort due to room refurbishments and conversions to vacation club units.

Merchandise licensing and retail revenues were lower primarily due to decreases of 2% from licensing, 2% from lower 

retail sales and 1% from an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact. The decrease in revenue from licensing was driven by a 
decrease in licensee settlements and lower revenues from products based on Frozen, Cars and Princess, partially offset by an 
increase from products based on Mickey and Minnie and Avengers. Lower retail revenue was driven by a decrease in 
comparable store sales at The Disney Stores, partially offset by higher online revenue. The decrease in comparable store sales 
reflected lower sales of Star Wars and Moana merchandise in the fiscal 2018, partially offset by higher sales of Mickey and 
Minnie merchandise.

The increase in parks licensing and other revenue was primarily due to an increase in real estate rental and sponsorship 

revenues.

46

The following table presents supplemental park and hotel statistics:

Domestic

International (2)

Total

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2017

Parks

Increase/ (decrease)
Attendance
Per Capita Guest Spending
Hotels (1)
Occupancy
Available Room Nights
(in thousands)

Per Room Guest Spending

4%
6%

88%

2%
2%

88%

10,045

$345

10,205

$317

4%
5%

84%

3,179

$297

47 %
(1)%

80 %

3,022

$289

4%
6%

87%

13 %
(1)%

86 %

13,224

$334

13,227

$311

(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. Resort 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 2017 average foreign exchange rate.

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include operating labor, which increased $525 million from $5,412 million to $5,937 million, cost of 
goods sold and distribution costs, which increased $94 million from $2,670 million to $2,764 million and infrastructure costs, 
which increased $111 million from $2,259 million to $2,370 million. The increase in operating labor was due to inflation, 
higher volumes, an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact and a special fiscal 2018 domestic employee bonus. The increase in 
cost of goods sold and distribution costs was due to higher volumes and inflation. Higher infrastructure costs were driven by 
increased technology spending at our theme parks and resorts and inflation. Other operating expenses, which include costs such 
as supplies, commissions and entertainment offerings increased $141 million from $2,114 million to $2,255 million due to an 
unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact, inflation and new guest offerings at our theme parks and resorts. 

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $34 million from $2,896 million to $2,930 million primarily due 

to inflation and higher technology spending, partially offset by lower costs at our games business. 

 Depreciation and amortization increased $166 million from $2,161 million to $2,327 million primarily due to new 

attractions at our domestic parks and resorts and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and asset impairments in fiscal 2018.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 11%, or $608 million, to $6.1 billion due to growth at our domestic and international 

Parks & Experiences, partially offset by decreases at our merchandise licensing and retail businesses.

47

The following table presents supplemental revenue and operating income detail for the Parks, Experiences and Products 

segment to provide continuity with our legacy reporting: 

(in millions)
Supplemental revenue detail

Parks & Experiences

Domestic

International

Consumer Products

Supplemental operating income detail

Parks & Experiences

Domestic

International

Consumer Products

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

16,161

4,135

4,405

24,701

4,013

456

1,626

6,095

$

$

$

$

14,812

3,603

4,609

23,024

3,464

310

1,713

5,487

9  %

15  %

(4) %

7  %

16  %

47  %

(5) %

11  %

Studio Entertainment

Operating results for the Studio Entertainment segment are as follows: 

(in millions)
Revenues

Theatrical distribution
Home entertainment
TV/SVOD distribution and other

Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Operating Income

Revenues

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

4,303
1,647
4,115
10,065
(4,449)
(2,493)
(119)
3,004

$

$

2,903
1,677
3,772
8,352
(3,718)
(2,156)
(115)
2,363

48 %
(2)%
9 %
21 %
(20)%
(16)%
(3)%
27 %

The increase in theatrical distribution revenue was due to the release of four Marvel titles in fiscal 2018 compared to two 
Marvel titles in fiscal 2017. The Marvel titles in fiscal 2018 were Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, Thor: Ragnarok and 
Ant-Man and the Wasp, whereas fiscal 2017 included Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Doctor Strange. Other significant 
titles in fiscal 2018 included Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Incredibles 2 and Coco, while fiscal 2017 included Beauty and the 
Beast, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Moana.

Lower home entertainment revenue reflected a 5% decrease from lower unit sales, partially offset by an increase of 3% 
from higher average net effective pricing. Lower unit sales were driven by the success of Moana and Finding Dory in fiscal 
2017 compared to Coco and Cars 3 in fiscal 2018. The decrease was also driven by three live-action titles in fiscal 2017 as 
compared to two live-action titles in fiscal 2018 and the carryover performance of fiscal 2016 new release titles in fiscal 2017 
compared to the carryover performance of fiscal 2017 new release titles in fiscal 2018. These decreases were partially offset by 
the release of three Marvel titles and two Lucasfilm titles in fiscal 2018 compared to two Marvel titles and one Lucasfilm title 
in fiscal 2017. The increase in average net effective pricing was due to higher rates and a higher sales mix of Blu-ray discs, 
partially offset by a lower mix of new release titles. 

TV/SVOD distribution and other revenue reflected a 5% increase from TV/SVOD distribution and a 3% increase from 
stage plays. The increase in TV/SVOD distribution revenue was due to an increase in our free television business driven by 

48

new international agreements and the sale of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in fiscal 2018 with no comparable title in fiscal 
2017. Higher stage play revenue was due to the opening of additional productions in fiscal 2018. 

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses include film cost amortization, which increased $625 million, from $2,562 million to $3,187 million 

and cost of goods sold and distribution costs, which increased $106 million, from $1,156 million to $1,262 million. Higher film 
cost amortization was due to the impact of higher theatrical distribution revenues. Higher cost of goods sold and distribution 
costs were due to an increase in stage play production and theatrical distribution costs. 

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $337 million from $2,156 million to $2,493 million primarily 
due to higher theatrical marketing costs reflecting more titles released in fiscal 2018 and, to a lesser extent, higher stage play 
marketing costs due to additional productions in fiscal 2018.

Segment Operating Income

Segment operating income increased 27%, or $641 million to $3,004 million due to an increase in theatrical distribution 

results.

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Operating results for the Direct-to-Consumer & International segment are as follows: 

(in millions)
Revenues

Affiliate fees
Advertising
Subscription fees and other

Total revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general, administrative and other
Depreciation and amortization
Equity in the income of investees
Operating Income

Revenues

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

1,372
1,311
731
3,414
(2,384)
(1,003)
(185)
(580)
(738)

$

$

1,335
1,293
447
3,075
(1,983)
(861)
(94)
(421)
(284)

3 %
1 %
64 %
11 %
(20)%
(16)%
(97)%
(38)%
>(100)%

The increase in affiliate fees was due to an increase of 5% from higher contractual rates, partially offset by a decrease of 

2% from an unfavorable Foreign Exchange Impact. 

Advertising revenue increased 1% as higher addressable ad sales were largely offset by lower revenue generated from 

content distributed on YouTube.

Other revenue increased $284 million due to the consolidation of BAMTech. In fiscal 2017, the Company acquired a 

controlling interest in BAMTech and began consolidating its results. The Company’s share of BAMTech’s results was 
previously reported in equity in the loss of investees. 

Costs and Expenses

Operating expenses included a $147 million increase in programming and production costs, from $1,425 million to 

$1,572 million and a $254 million increase in other operating expenses, from $558 million to $812 million. The increase in 
programming and production costs was due to the consolidation of BAMTech, partially offset by lower talent costs for digital 
programming. Other operating costs, which include technical support and distribution costs, increased due to the consolidation 
of BAMTech.

Selling, general, administrative and other costs increased $142 million from $861 million to $1,003 million due to the 

consolidation of BAMTech, partially offset by lower marketing costs at our International Channels. 

Depreciation and amortization increased $91 million from $94 million to $185 million due to the consolidation of 

BAMTech. 

49

Equity in the Loss of Investees

Loss from equity investees increased $159 million from a loss of $421 million to a loss of $580 million primarily due to a 
higher loss from our investment in Hulu, partially offset by a favorable comparison to a loss from BAMTech in fiscal 2017. On 
September 25, 2017, the Company acquired a controlling interest in BAMTech and began consolidating its results. The 
Company’s share of BAMTech’s results was previously reported in equity in the loss of investees. The higher loss at Hulu was 
driven by higher programming, labor and marketing costs, partially offset by growth in subscription and advertising revenue.

Segment Operating Loss

Segment operating loss increased $454 million, to $738 million due to the consolidation of BAMTech and a higher loss 

from Hulu, partially offset by growth at our International Channels.

The following table presents supplemental revenue and operating income/(loss) detail for the Direct-to-Consumer & 

International segment to provide information on International Channels that were historically reported in the Media Networks 
segment:

(unaudited; in millions)

Supplemental revenue detail

International Channels

DTC businesses and other

Supplemental operating income/(loss) detail

International Channels

DTC businesses and other

Equity in the loss of investees

Eliminations

Intersegment content transactions are as follows:

(in millions)

Revenues

Studio Entertainment:

Content transactions with Media Networks
Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Media Networks:

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Total

Operating income

Studio Entertainment:

Content transactions with Media Networks

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Media Networks:

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer & International

Total

50

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change
Better /
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

1,920

1,494

3,414

311
(469)
(580)
(738)

$

$

$

$

1,853

1,222

3,075

233
(96)
(421)
(284)

4 %

22 %

11 %

33 %

>(100)%

(38)%

>(100)%

Year Ended

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

% Change

Better/
(Worse)

$

$

$

$

(169)
(28)

(471)
(668)

(8)
—

(2)
(10)

$

$

$

$

(137)
(22)

(454)
(613)

15

—

(2)
13

(23) %
(27) %

(4) %

(9) %

nm

nm

—  %

nm

CORPORATE AND UNALLOCATED SHARED EXPENSES

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses are as follows: 

(in millions)
Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

2019

2018

2017

$

(987)

$

(744)

$

(582)

% Change
Better/(Worse)

2019
vs.
2018
(33)%

2018
vs.
2017
(28)%

The increases in corporate and unallocated shared expenses from fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2019 and from fiscal 2017 to fiscal 

2018 were due to costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of TFCF and higher compensation costs. 

RESTRUCTURING IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACQUISITION OF TFCF

As discussed in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in connection with the acquisition of TFCF the 
Company has begun implementing a restructuring and integration plan as a part of its initiative to realize cost synergies from 
the acquisition of TFCF. During fiscal 2019, we recorded charges of $1.2 billion, including $0.9 billion of severance and 
related costs in connection with the plan and $0.3 billion of equity-based compensation costs, primarily for TFCF awards that 
were accelerated to vest upon the closing of the TFCF acquisition. These charges are recorded in “Restructuring and 
impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Although our plans are not yet finalized, we anticipate that the 
total severance and related costs could be on the order of $1.5 billion. The Company may incur other restructuring costs, such 
as contract termination costs, but we expect these will not be material. For fiscal 2018, restructuring and impairment charges 
were not material.

The following table summarizes the changes in restructuring reserves related to TFCF integration efforts in fiscal 2019:

Restructuring reserves

$

— $

906

$

(230)

$

— $

676

Beginning
Balance

Additions

Payments

Other

Ending
Balance

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

In November 2019, the Company launched Disney+, a subscription based direct-to-consumer streaming service with 
Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic branded programming in the U.S. and four other countries. Further 
launches are planned for Western Europe in spring 2020, Latin America in fall 2021, Eastern Europe starting in late 2020 and 
continuing in 2021, and various Asia-Pacific territories throughout 2020 and 2021. As we will use our branded film and 
television content on the Disney+ service, we expect to forgo licensing revenue from the sale of this content to third parties in 
TV/SVOD markets. In addition, we anticipate an increase in programming and production investments to create exclusive 
content for Disney+.

Due to the circumstances in Hong Kong, we have seen a significant decrease in tourism from China and other parts of 

Asia to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. If current trends continue, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort's fiscal 2020 operating 
income could decrease by approximately $275 million compared to fiscal 2019.

51

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash is as follows: 

(in millions)
Cash provided by operations - continuing operations
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations
Cash used in financing activities - continuing operations

Cash provided by operations - discontinued operations

Cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations

Cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and

restricted cash

Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

2019

2018

2017

$

$

5,984
(15,096)
(464)
622

10,978
(626)

(98)
1,300

$

$

14,295
(5,336)
(8,843)
—

—

—

(25)
91

$

$

12,343
(4,111)
(8,959)
—

—

—

31
(696)

Operating Activities

Continuing operations

Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2019 decreased 58% or $8.3 billion to $6.0 billion compared to fiscal 
2018 due to the payment of approximately $7.6 billion of tax obligations that arose from the spin-off of Fox Corporation in 
connection with the TFCF acquisition and the sale of the RSNs acquired with TFCF, higher pension plan contributions and 
higher interest payments. Lower operating cash flows at our DTCI and Media Networks segments were largely offset by 
increases at Parks, Experiences and Products and Studio Entertainment. The decreases at DTCI and Media Networks were due 
to higher film and television spending and operating disbursements, partially offset by higher operating cash receipts driven by 
increases in revenue. The increases at Studio Entertainment and Parks, Experiences and Products were due to higher operating 
cash receipts driven by increases in revenue. The increase at Studio Entertainment was partially offset by higher operating cash 
disbursements driven by higher marketing expenses. The increase at Parks, Experiences and Products was partially offset by 
higher operating cash disbursements driven by cost inflation and higher marketing expenses.

Cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2018 increased 16% or $2.0 billion to $14.3 billion compared to fiscal 

2017 due to a decrease in tax payments resulting from the Tax Act, a decrease in pension plan contributions and higher 
operating cash flows at Studio Entertainment and Parks, Experiences and Products, partially offset by lower operating cash 
flows at Media Networks and DTCI and a payment for the rights to develop a real estate property in New York. The increase in 
operating cash flow at Studio Entertainment was due to higher operating cash receipts driven by an increase in revenue, 
partially offset by higher operating cash disbursements driven by higher marketing expenses. Parks, Experiences and Products 
cash flow reflected higher operating cash receipts due to increased revenue, partially offset by higher payments for labor and 
other costs. Lower operating cash flow at Media Networks was due to higher television production spending. The decrease in 
operating cash flow at DTCI was due to higher operating cash disbursements.

Depreciation expense is as follows:

(in millions)
Media Networks

Cable Networks

Broadcasting

Total Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Domestic

International

Total Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Corporate

Total depreciation expense

2019

2018

2017

$

$

$

107

84

191

1,474

724

2,198

74

207

167

111

88

199

1,449

768

2,217
55

106

181

$

2,837

$

2,758

$

122

84

206

1,371

679

2,050
50

74

206

2,586

52

Amortization of intangible assets is as follows:

(in millions)
Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

TFCF and Hulu

Total amortization of intangible assets

2019

2018

2017

$

$

—

108

61

111

1,043

1,323

$

$

$

—

110

64

79

—

253

$

—

111

65

20

—

196

The Company’s Studio Entertainment, Media Networks and DTCI 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 use on the Company’s broadcast, cable networks, television stations or DTC services. 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 related to continuing operations for fiscal 2019, 

2018 and 2017 are as follows:

(in millions)
Beginning balances:

Production and programming assets

Programming liabilities

Spending:

Television program licenses and rights

Film and television production

Amortization:

Television program licenses and rights

Film and television production

Change in film and television production and

programming costs

Film and television production costs from the TFCF

acquisition and consolidation of Hulu, net of programming
liabilities assumed

Other non-cash activity
Ending balances:

Production and programming assets

Programming liabilities

2019

2018

2017

$

$

9,202
(1,178)
8,024

10,517

7,104

17,621

(10,608)
(6,471)
(17,079)

542

14,227

11

27,407
(4,061)
23,346

$

$

8,759
(1,106)
7,653

7,770

5,590

13,360

(7,966)
(4,871)
(12,837)

523

—
(152)

9,202
(1,178)
8,024

$

$

7,547
(1,063)
6,484

7,406

5,319

12,725

(7,595)
(4,055)
(11,650)

1,075

—

94

8,759
(1,106)
7,653

53

Discontinued operations

Cash provided by operating activities for discontinued operations in fiscal 2019 reflected the operations of the RSNs.

Investing Activities

Continuing operations

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 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

(in millions)
Media Networks

Cable Networks

Broadcasting

Parks, Experiences and Products

Domestic

International

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Corporate

2019

2018

2017

$

$

93

81

3,294

852

88

258

210

$

96

107

3,223

677

96

107

159

$

4,876

$

4,465

$

64

67

2,392

827

85

30

158

3,623

Capital expenditures for the Parks, Experiences and Products 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 domestic parks and resorts in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 was due to higher spending on new attractions at Walt 
Disney World Resort, partially offset by lower spending on new attractions at Disneyland Resort, while the increase in fiscal 
2018 compared to fiscal 2017 was due to spending on new attractions at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, 
including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The increase in capital expenditures at our international parks and resorts in fiscal 2019 
compared to fiscal 2018 was due to higher spending at Disneyland Paris, while the decrease in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 
2017 was due to lower spending at Shanghai Disney Resort and 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 DTCI primarily reflect investments in technology. The increase in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 

2018 and 2018 compared to fiscal 2017 was due to spending on technology to support our DTC services.

Capital expenditures at Corporate primarily reflect investments in corporate facilities, information technology 
infrastructure and equipment. The increase in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 was driven by investments in corporate 
facilities.

The Company currently expects its fiscal 2020 capital expenditures will be approximately $0.5 billion higher than fiscal 

2019 capital expenditures of $4.9 billion due to increased spending on technology and facilities at DTCI and Corporate.

Other Investing Activities

The fiscal 2019 spending of $9.9 billion on acquisitions reflects $35.7 billion of cash paid to acquire TFCF less $25.7 

billion of cash acquired in the transaction (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). Cash used in other investing 
activities of $319 million in fiscal 2019 reflects contributions of $347 million to Hulu prior to the consolidation of Hulu.

The fiscal 2018 spending of $1.6 billion on acquisitions was for the September 2017 acquisition of an additional 42% of 
BAMTech. Cash provided by other investing activities of $710 million in fiscal 2018 reflected $1.2 billion of cash received in 
connection with the sales of real estate and property rights, partially offset by contributions of $442 million to Hulu.

The fiscal 2017 spending of $417 million on acquisitions was for the January 2017 acquisition of additional interests in 
BAMTech net of cash assumed upon the consolidation of BAMTech. Cash used in other investing activities of $71 million in 
fiscal 2017 reflected $266 million of contributions to joint ventures and investment purchases, partially offset by $173 million 
of proceeds from investment dispositions.

Discontinued operations

Cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations in fiscal 2019 reflects the sale of the RSNs.

54

Financing Activities

Continuing operations

Cash used in financing activities was $0.5 billion in fiscal 2019 compared to $8.8 billion in fiscal 2018. The net use of 
cash in the current year was due to $2.9 billion in dividends and $1.4 billion in acquisitions of noncontrolling interests, partially 
offset by proceeds from borrowing of $3.7 billion. The decrease in cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2019 compared to 
fiscal 2018 was due to a net increase in borrowings in the current year compared to net repayments in the prior year ($3.7 
billion borrowing in fiscal 2019 compared to $2.6 billion repayment in fiscal 2018) and the absence of common stock 
repurchases in the current year (compared to $3.6 billion in fiscal 2018), partially offset by acquisitions of noncontrolling 
interests in the current year ($1.4 billion in fiscal 2019).

Cash used in financing activities was $8.8 billion in fiscal 2018 compared to $9.0 billion in fiscal 2017. The net use of 

cash in fiscal 2018 was due to $3.6 billion of common stock repurchases, $2.5 billion in dividends and a net repayment of 
borrowings of $2.6 billion. Cash used in financing activities was comparable to fiscal 2017 as lower common stock repurchases 
($3.6 billion in fiscal 2018 compared to $9.4 billion in fiscal 2017) and higher contributions from noncontrolling interest 
holders of $0.4 billion was essentially offset by a net repayment of borrowings in fiscal 2018 compared to a net increase in 
borrowings in fiscal 2017 ($2.6 billion repayment in fiscal 2018 compared to $3.7 billion borrowing in fiscal 2017).

Discontinued operations

Cash used in financing activities by discontinued operations in fiscal 2019 was due to redemption of noncontrolling 

interests of the RSNs.

Borrowings activities and other

During the year ended September 28, 2019, the Company’s borrowing activity was as follows:

(in millions)

Commercial paper with original 
maturities less than three months (1)
Commercial paper with original
maturities greater than three
months

U.S. dollar denominated notes

Asia Theme Parks borrowings

Foreign currency denominated debt 

and other (2)

Credit facilities to acquire TFCF

Liabilities held for sale (3)

September 29,
2018

Borrowings

Payments

Borrowings
Assumed in
Acquisition of
TFCF

Other
Activity

September 28,
2019

$

50

$

1,881

$

— $

— $

3

$

1,934

955

18,045

1,145

679

—

20,874

—

6,889

6,930

—

210

31,100

47,010

50

(4,452)

(7,044)

(47)

(690)

(31,100)

(43,333)

(68)

—

21,174

—

549

—

21,723

1,069

16

319

16

358

—

712

(1,051)

3,408

39,424

1,114

1,106

—

46,986

—

$

20,874

$

47,060

$

(43,401)

$

22,792

$

(339)

$

46,986

(1)  Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.
(2)  The other activity is due to market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges.
(3)  The other activity is due to the sale of the RSNs in fiscal 2019.

See Note 9 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 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the Company’s dividends and share repurchases 

in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017. 

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. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the Company’s borrowing costs can be 
impacted by short- and long-term debt ratings assigned by nationally recognized 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 
55

September 28, 2019, Moody’s Investors Service’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A2 and P-1, 
respectively, Standard and Poor’s long- and short-term debt ratings for the Company were A and A-1, and Fitch’s long- and 
short-term debt ratings for the Company were A and F1, respectively. The Company’s bank facilities contain only one financial 
covenant, relating to interest coverage, which the Company met on September 28, 2019, by a significant margin. The 
Company’s bank facilities also specifically exclude certain entities, including the Asia 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 28, 2019 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)
Borrowings (Note 9)(1)
Operating lease commitments (Note 15)

Capital lease obligations (Note 15)

Sports programming commitments (Note 15)
Broadcast programming commitments (Note 15)

Total sports and other broadcast programming

commitments

Other(2) 
Total contractual obligations(3)

Total

Less than
1 Year

1-3
Years

4-5
Years

More than
5 Years

$

65,888

$

10,398

$

10,021

$

6,516

$

38,953

5,931

549

43,940

6,474

50,414

12,918

982

19

8,878

2,599

11,477

3,210

1,519

39

15,613

2,277

17,890

3,292

939

33

9,315

946

10,261

2,218

2,491

458

10,134

652

10,786

4,198

$ 135,700

$

26,086

$

32,761

$

19,967

$

56,886

(1) Excludes market value adjustments, which reduce recorded borrowings by $31 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) Primarily 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
Commitments not recorded on the balance sheet

$

$

47,842
87,858
135,700

The Company also has obligations with respect to its pension and postretirement medical benefit plans. See Note 11 to 

the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contingent Commitments and Contractual Guarantees

See Notes 4, 7 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s contingent 

commitments and contractual guarantees.

Legal and Tax Matters

As disclosed in Notes 10 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has exposure for certain tax and 

legal matters.

56

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 produce films and television series for distribution in the theatrical and television markets and on our DTC streaming 
services. We expense the 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 
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 an accelerated 

or straight-line basis over the useful life or over the number of times the program is expected to be aired, 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.

We also acquire, license and produce films and television series for our direct-to-consumer streaming platforms. We 

expense these costs based on historical and estimated viewing patterns, which may be on an accelerated or straight-line basis, 
as appropriate. 

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. 

57

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.

For film and television series that are exploited on our direct-to-consumer streaming services, the unamortized costs are 

reviewed for impairment on an aggregate basis for each service.

Fixed license fees charged for the right to use our television and motion picture productions are recognized as revenue 
when the content is available for use by the licensee. TV/SVOD distribution contracts may contain more than one title and/or 
provide that certain titles are only available for use during defined periods of time during the contract term. In these instances, 
each title and/or period of availability is generally considered a separate performance obligation. For these contracts, license 
fees are allocated to each title and period of availability at contract inception based on relative standalone selling price using 
management's best estimate. Estimates used to determine a performance obligation's standalone selling price impact the 
timing of revenue recognition, but not the total revenue to be recognized under the arrangements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company has revenue recognition policies for its various operating segments that are appropriate to the 

circumstances of each business. We have updated our revenue recognition policies in conjunction with our adoption of the new 
revenue recognition guidance as further described in Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 reduced our discount rate to 3.22% at the end of fiscal 2019 
from 4.31% at the end of fiscal 2018 to reflect market interest rate conditions at our fiscal 2019 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 the 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 2020 by approximately $313 million and would 
increase the projected benefit obligation at September 28, 2019 by approximately $3.6 billion. A one percentage point increase 
in the assumed discount rate would decrease total benefit expense and the projected benefit obligation by approximately $273 
million and $3.0 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 7.25%. 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 2020 annual benefit expense by approximately $157 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.

The impairment test for goodwill requires judgment related to the identification of reporting units, the assignment of 

assets and liabilities to reporting units including goodwill, and the determination of fair value of the reporting units. 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. 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. In addition, the projected cash flows of our 
reporting units reflect intersegment revenues and expenses for the sale and use of intellectual property as if it was licensed to an 
unrelated third party. We believe our estimates are consistent with how a marketplace participant would value our reporting 
units.

58

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. 

The Company tested its goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment.  The 

impairment charges recorded for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 were not material.

For fiscal 2019, the fair value of our International Channels reporting unit exceeds its carrying value by less than 10%. 
Our International Channels reporting unit comprises the Company’s international cable networks that provide programming 
under multi-year licensing agreements with MVPDs. A majority of the operations in this reporting unit consist of businesses 
acquired in the TFCF acquisition and therefore the fair value approximates carrying value. Goodwill of this reporting unit is 
approximately $3 billion. Changes to key assumptions, market trends, or macroeconomic events could produce test results in 
the future that differ, and we could be required to record an impairment charge.

The Company has investments in equity securities. For equity securities that do not have a readily determinable fair 
value, we consider forecasted financial performance of the investee companies, as well as volatility inherit in the external 
markets for these investments. If these forecasts are not met, impairment charges may be recorded. 

The Company tested its investments for impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $538 million and $210 
million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.  The fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 impairment charges were recorded in “Equity in 
the income (loss) of investees, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The fiscal 2017 impairment charges recorded 
were not material.

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 15 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. The acquisition of TFCF increased the Company’s uncertain tax benefits as the 
Company assumed the tax liabilities of TFCF. The Company is still obtaining information related to the evaluation of the 

59

income tax impact of certain pre-acquisition transactions of TFCF which may result in adjustments to the recorded amount of 
uncertain tax benefits. 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 20 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 as well as in this Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Item 1 - Business.

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, Japanese yen, British pound, Chinese yuan 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.

60

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 $322 million at September 28, 2019 from $44 million at September 29, 2018 

driven by an increase in borrowings and higher interest rate volatility of our debt.

The estimated maximum potential one-day loss in fair value, calculated using the VAR model, is as follows (unaudited, in 

millions): 

Fiscal 2019
Year end fiscal 2019 VAR
Average VAR
Highest VAR
Lowest VAR
Year end fiscal 2018 VAR

Interest Rate
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
$317
180
317
39
32

Currency
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
$28
25
28
23
32

Equity 
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
$1
1
1
1
1

Commodity
Sensitive
Financial
Instruments
$2
2
2
1
1

Combined
Portfolio
$322
63
322
51
44

The VAR for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort is immaterial as of September 28, 2019 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 72.

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 28, 2019, 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 73 is incorporated herein by reference.

61

Changes in Internal Controls

We are in the process of integrating TFCF, which was recently acquired, and Hulu into our overall internal control over 

financial reporting process. Other than this ongoing integration, there have been no changes in our internal control over 
financial reporting during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 28, 2019 that have materially affected, or are 
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, except as noted below.

ITEM 9B. Other Information

Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

The information set forth below is included herein for the purpose of providing disclosure under “Item 2.05 - Costs 

Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” of Form 8-K.

The Company previously disclosed a restructuring and integration plan as part of its initiative to realize cost synergies 
from its acquisition of TFCF, including the Company’s estimate that it will incur severance and related costs on the order of 
$1.5 billion. The Company may incur other restructuring costs, such as contract termination costs, but currently expects that 
these will not be material. 

62

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

PART III

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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 Proxy Statement is hereby incorporated by reference.

63

ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(1) Financial Statements and Schedules

See Index to Financial Statements and Supplemental Data on page 72.

PART IV

(2) Exhibits

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

10.1

The documents set forth below are filed herewith or incorporated herein by reference to the location indicated.

Exhibit
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of June 20, 2018, among Twenty-First
Century Fox, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, TWDC
Holdco 613 Corp., WDC Merger Enterprises I, Inc.,
and WDC Merger Enterprises II, Inc.*

Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 3, 2019,
among The Walt Disney Company, Fox Cable
Networks, LLC and Diamond Sports Group, LLC*

Location
Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed June 21, 2018

Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed May 3, 2019

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Walt
Disney Company, effective as of March 19, 2019

Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed March 20, 2019

Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of The Walt Disney Company, effective
as of March 20, 2019

Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed March 20, 2019

Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Walt Disney
Company, effective as of March 20, 2019

Exhibit 3.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed March 20, 2019

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp., effective as of March 20,
2019

Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 20, 2019

Amended and Restated Bylaws of TWDC Enterprises
18 Corp., effective as of March 20, 2019

Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 20, 2019

Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed November 30, 2018

Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed September 24, 2001

Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 20, 2019

Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed March 20, 2019

Exhibit 4.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed March 20, 2019

Certificate of Elimination of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock of The Walt Disney Company, as filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on
November 28, 2018

Senior Debt Securities Indenture, dated as of
September 24, 2001, between TWDC Enterprises 18
Corp. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee

First Supplemental Indenture, dates as of March 20,
2019, among The Walt Disney Company, TWDC
Enterprises 18 Corp. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as
Trustee

Indenture, dated as of March 20, 2019, by and among
The Walt Disney Company, as issuer, and TWDC
Enterprises 18 Corp., as guarantor, and Citibank, N.A.,
as trustee

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 20,
2019, by and among The Walt Disney Company, as
issuer, TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp., as guarantor, and
Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities
LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., HSBC Securities
(USA) Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as dealer
managers

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

Description of Registrant’s Securities

Filed herewith

Amended and Restated Voting Agreement, dated as of
June 20, 2018, among The Walt Disney Company,
Murdoch Family Trust, and Cruden Financial Services
LLC

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed June 21, 2018

64

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

Exhibit
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated
as of October 6, 2011, between the Company and
Robert A. Iger

Amendment dated July 1, 2013 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger

Amendment dated October 2, 2014 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger

Amendment dated March 22, 2017 to Amended and
Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of October
6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A. Iger

Amendment dated December 13, 2017 to Amended
and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of
October 6, 2011, between the Company and Robert A.
Iger

Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement, Dated as of October 6, 2011, as amended,
between the Company and Robert A. Iger, dated
November 30, 2018

Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment
Agreement, Dated as of October 6, 2011, as amended,
between the Company and Robert A. Iger, dated
March 4, 2019

Location

Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K of Legacy Disney 
for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed July 1, 2013

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed October 3, 2014

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 23, 2017

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 14, 2017

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 3, 2018

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 4, 2019

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 
Legacy Disney filed October 2, 2013

Amendment dated February 4, 2015 to the
Employment Agreement dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman

Amendment dated August 15, 2017 to the
Employment Agreement dated as of September 27,
2013 between the Company and Alan N. Braverman

Amendment dated December 3, 2018 to the
Employment Agreement, dated as of September 27,
2013, as amended, between the Company and Alan N.
Braverman

Amendment dated October 8, 2019 to the Employment
Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2013, as
amended, between the Company and Alan N.
Braverman

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed February 5, 2015

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed August 17, 2017

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 4, 2018

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
the Company filed October 11, 2019

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 
Legacy Disney filed August 17, 2017

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 
Legacy Disney filed June 30, 2015

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 
Legacy Disney filed August 17, 2017

Employment Agreement, dated as of September 27,
2018 between the Company and Zenia Mucha

Exhibit 10.4 to the form 10-Q of Legacy Disney for 
the quarter ended December 29, 2018

10.18

Voluntary Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

10.19

Description of Directors Compensation

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 23, 2014

Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended June 30, 2018

10.20

10.21

Form of Indemnification Agreement for certain
officers and directors

Annex C to the Proxy Statement for the 1987
annual meeting of DEI

Form of Assignment and Assumption of
Indemnification Agreement for certain officers and
directors

Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for 
the quarter ended June 29, 2019

65

10.22

10.23

Exhibit
1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors

Location
Exhibit 20 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement 
(No. 33-57811) of DEI, dated Feb. 23, 1995

Amended and Restated 2002 Executive Performance
Plan

Annex A to the Proxy Statement for the 2013 
Annual Meeting of the Registrant

10.24

Management Incentive Bonus Program

The portions of the tables labeled “Performance 
based Bonus” in the sections of the Proxy 
Statement for the 2019 annual meeting of Legacy 
Disney titled “2018 Total Direct Compensation” 
and “Compensation Process” and the section of the 
Proxy Statement titled “Performance Goals” 

10.25

10.26

Amended and Restated 1997 Non-Employee Directors
Stock and Deferred Compensation Plan

Annex II to the Proxy Statement for the 2003 
annual meeting of Legacy Disney

Amended and Restated The Walt Disney Company/
Pixar 2004 Equity Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 1, 2006

10.27

Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Incentive Plan

10.28

Disney Key Employees Retirement Savings Plan

10.29

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

10.30

Group Personal Excess Liability Insurance Plan

10.31

Amended and Restated Severance Pay Plan

Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of Legacy Disney 
filed March 16, 2012

Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended July 2, 2011
Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended March 28, 2015

Exhibit 10(x) to the Form 10-K of Legacy Disney 
for the period ended September 30, 1997

Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 27, 2008

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36

10.37

10.38

10.39

10.40

10.41

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
(Time-Based Vesting)

Exhibit 10.8 to the form 10-Q of Legacy Disney for 
the quarter ended December 29, 2018

Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)

Exhibit 10.9 to the form 10-Q of Legacy Disney for 
the quarter ended December 29, 2018

Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award 
Agreement (Three-Year Vesting subject to Total 
Shareholder Return/EPS Growth Tests/
Section 162(m) Vesting Requirement)

Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Award
Agreement (Three-Year Vesting subject to Total
Shareholder Return/EPS Growth Tests)

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award
Agreement

Performance-Based Stock Unit Award (Four-Year
Vesting subject to Total Shareholder Return Test/
Section 162(m) Vesting Requirements) for Robert A.
Iger dated as of December 13, 2017

Performance-Based Stock Unit Award (Four-Year
Vesting subject to Total Shareholder Return Test) as
Amended and Restated November 30, 2018 by and
between the Company and Robert A. Iger

Performance-Based Stock Unit Award (Section 162(m)
Vesting Requirement) for Robert A. Iger dated as of
December 13, 2017

Exhibit 10.11 to the form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 29, 2018

Exhibit 10.10 to the form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 29, 2018

Exhibit 10.12 to the form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 29, 2018

Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 30, 2017

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 3, 2018

Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 30, 2017

Disney Savings and Investment Plan as Amended and
Restated Effective January 1, 2015

Exhibit 10.30 to the Form 10-K of Legacy Disney 
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

First Amendment dated December 19, 2016 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan as amended and
restated effective January 1, 2015

Exhibit 10.31 to the Form 10-K of Legacy Disney 
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

66

Exhibit

Location

10.42

10.43

10.44

10.45

10.46

10.47

Second Amendment dated December 3, 2012 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan

Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended December 29, 2012

Third Amendment dated December 18, 2014 to the
Disney Savings and Investment Plan

Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended March 28, 2015

Fourth Amendment dated April 30, 2015 to the Disney
Savings and Investment Plan

Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-Q of Legacy Disney 
for the quarter ended March 28, 2015

Disney Hourly Savings and Investment Plan Amended
and Restated Effective January 1, 2015

Exhibit 4.8 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement 
of the Company filed March 20, 2019

First Amendment to the Disney Hourly Savings and
Investment Plan as Amended and Restated Effective
January 1, 2015

Exhibit 4.9 to the Form S-8 Registration Statement 
of the Company filed March 20, 2019

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. 2013 Long-Term
Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of TFCF filed 
October 18, 2013

10.48

Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 9, 2018

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 9, 2018

10.49

10.50

10.51

10.52

21

23

31(a)

31(b)

32(a)

32(b)

101

First Amendment dated as of December 19, 2018 to the
Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 9, 2018

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 26, 2018

Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 11,
2016

Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed March 14, 2016

Second Amendment dated as of December 19, 2018 to
the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 11,
2016

Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 26, 2018

364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of December 19,
2018

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of 
Legacy Disney filed December 26, 2018

Subsidiaries of the Company

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive
Officer of the Company in accordance with Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**

Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
of the Company in accordance with Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**

The following materials from the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September
28, 2019 formatted in Inline Extensible Business
Reporting Language (iXBRL): (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

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Furnished herewith

Furnished herewith

Filed herewith

*

Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted
schedule or exhibit will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.

** 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.

ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

67

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.

SIGNATURES

Date: November 20, 2019

By:

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
(Registrant)

/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

(Robert A. Iger)

Principal Financial and Accounting Officers

/s/    CHRISTINE M. MCCARTHY

(Christine M. McCarthy)

/s/    BRENT A. WOODFORD

(Brent A. Woodford)

Directors

/s/    SUSAN E. ARNOLD

(Susan E. Arnold)

/s/    MARY T. BARRA

(Mary T. Barra)

/s/    SAFRA A. CATZ

(Safra A. Catz)

/s/    FRANCIS A. DESOUZA

(Francis A. deSouza)

/s/    MICHAEL FROMAN

(Michael Froman)

/s/    ROBERT A. IGER

(Robert A. Iger)

/s/    MARIA ELENA LAGOMASINO

(Maria Elena Lagomasino)

/s/    MARK G. PARKER

(Mark G. Parker)

/s/    DERICA W. RICE

(Derica W. Rice)

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

November 20, 2019

Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

November 20, 2019

Executive Vice President-Controllership,
Financial Planning and Tax

November 20, 2019

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

Chairman of the Board and Director

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

November 20, 2019

Director

Director

Director

68

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

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 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and

September 30, 2017

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended September 28, 2019, September

29, 2018 and September 30, 2017

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and

September 30, 2017

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 28, 2019, September 29,

2018 and September 30, 2017

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Summary (unaudited)

Page

70

71

74

75

76

77

78

79
136

All schedules are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable or the required information is included in the 

financial statements or notes.

69

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 28, 2019.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we completed the TFCF acquisition and began consolidating Hulu (see Note 4 to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements for more information). Management excluded TFCF and Hulu from our evaluation of 
internal control over financial reporting. This exclusion is in accordance with the guidance issued by the U.S. Securities and 
Exchange Commission that allows companies to exclude acquisitions from management’s report on internal control over 
financial reporting for the first year after the acquisition. The combined total assets, excluding goodwill and identifiable 
intangible assets, for TFCF and Hulu represent approximately 12% of consolidated assets as of September 28, 2019. The 
combined total revenues of TFCF and Hulu represent approximately 14% of the consolidated revenues for the year ended 
September 28, 2019.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2019 has been audited by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included 
herein.

70

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries (the 

“Company”) as of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, 
comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2019, 
including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the 
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
-(cid:3)Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of the Company as of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2019 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 28, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

 The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated 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 the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 
based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities 
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in 
all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to 
those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 
consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 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.

As described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded TFCF 

Corporation (formerly known as Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.) (TFCF), including Hulu LLC (Hulu), which is now 
consolidated as a result of the TFCF acquisition, from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of 
September 28, 2019 because they were acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2019. We have 
also excluded TFCF and Hulu from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. TFCF and Hulu are subsidiaries 
whose combined total assets and total revenues excluded from management’s assessment and our audit of internal control over 
financial reporting represent 12% and 14%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for 
the year ended September 28, 2019.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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 

71

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.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated 
financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to 
accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, 
subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, 
providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Acquisition of TFCF Corporation - Valuation of Intangible Assets and Film and Television Costs

As described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on March 20, 2019, the Company completed its 

acquisition of TFCF for total consideration of $69.5 billion. The Company measured the identifiable assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed at fair value, which resulted in the recognition of $17.9 billion of intangible assets and $17.8 billion of film 
and television costs. Management applied judgment in estimating the fair value of intangible assets and film and television 
costs, which involved the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to revenue growth and attrition rates, 
discount rates, and economic useful life.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of intangible 
assets and film and television costs is a critical audit matter are there was a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and 
effort in performing procedures and in evaluating audit evidence relating to management’s significant assumptions for the 
revenue growth rates and discount rates due to the significant judgment by management when estimating the fair value of the 
intangible assets and film and television costs acquired. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with 
specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained from these 
procedures.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our 

overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls 
relating to acquisition accounting, including controls over management’s valuation of the intangible assets and film and 
television costs acquired and assumptions related to revenue growth rates and discount rates. These procedures also included, 
among others, reading the purchase agreement and testing management’s process in estimating the fair value of the intangible 
assets and film and television costs acquired. Testing management’s process included evaluating the appropriateness of the 
valuation methods and reasonableness of significant assumptions used by management, including revenue growth rates and 
discount rates, using professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in doing so. Evaluating the reasonableness of 
the revenue growth rates involved considering the past performance of TFCF, as well as economic and industry forecasts. The 
discount rates were evaluated considering the cost of capital of comparable businesses and other industry factors.

Acquisition of TFCF Corporation - Unrecognized Tax Benefits

As described in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, as part of the TFCF acquisition the Company recorded 

$2.7 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits. As disclosed by management, the Company applied judgment in estimating 
unrecognized tax benefits. Management’s 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 the tax position 
including 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 principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the unrecognized tax benefits is 
a critical audit matter are there was a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and in 
evaluating audit evidence relating to management’s estimation of unrecognized tax benefits due to the significant judgment by 
management when developing this estimate. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill 
and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained from these procedures.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our 

overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls 
relating to acquisition accounting, including controls over management’s process to estimate unrecognized tax benefits. These 
procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process in estimating the unrecognized tax benefits. Testing 
management’s process included testing the information used in management’s calculation of the liability for the unrecognized 
72

tax benefits, including historical federal, state, and foreign tax filing positions as established in historical tax returns, evaluating 
management’s assessment of the technical merits of tax positions and estimates of the amount of tax benefit expected to be 
sustained; and evaluating the status and results of income tax audits with the relevant tax authorities. Professionals with 
specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the estimation of the Company’s unrecognized tax 
benefits, including consideration of applicable tax statutes and related interpretations and precedents.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Los Angeles, California
November 20, 2019 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1938.

73

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share data)

Revenues:

Services

Products

Total revenues

Costs and expenses:

Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Cost of products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization

Total costs and expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Other income, net

Interest expense, net

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Income taxes from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations (includes income tax expense of $35, $0 and $0,

respectively)

Net income

Less: Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling and redeemable

noncontrolling interests

Less: Net income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney)

Earnings per share attributable to Disney:

Diluted(1)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Basic(1)

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

Diluted

Basic

$

$

$

$

$

$

2019

2018

2017

$

$

60,542

9,028

69,570

(36,450)

(5,568)

(11,541)

(4,160)

(57,719)

(1,183)

4,357

(978)

(103)

13,944

(3,031)

10,913

671

11,584

(472)

(58)

50,869

8,565

59,434

(27,528)

(5,198)

(8,860)

(3,011)

(44,597)

(33)

601

(574)

(102)

14,729

(1,663)

13,066

—

13,066

(468)

—

11,054

$

12,598

$

$

$

$

$

6.27

0.37

6.64

6.30

0.37

6.68

1,666

1,656

$

$

$

$

8.36

—

8.36

8.40

—

8.40

1,507

1,499

46,843

8,294

55,137

(25,320)

(4,986)

(8,176)

(2,782)

(41,264)

(98)

78

(385)

320

13,788

(4,422)

9,366

—

9,366

(386)

—

8,980

5.69

—

5.69

5.73

—

5.73

1,578

1,568

(1)  Total may not equal the sum of the column due to rounding.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

74

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)

Net income

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:

Market value adjustments for investments

Market value adjustments for hedges

Pension and postretirement medical plan adjustments

Foreign currency translation and other

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Comprehensive income

Net income attributable to noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interests

Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling

interests

2019

2018

2017

$

11,584

$

13,066

$

9,366

(2)

(35)

(2,446)

(396)

(2,879)

8,705

(530)

65

7

207

434

(289)

359

13,425

(468)

72

(18)

(37)

584

(103)

426

9,792

(386)

25

Comprehensive income attributable to Disney

$

8,240

$

13,029

$

9,431

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

75

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Inventories

Television costs and advances

Other current assets

Total current assets

Film and television costs

Investments

Parks, resorts and other property

Attractions, buildings and equipment

Accumulated depreciation

Projects in progress

Land

Intangible assets, net

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

Current portion of borrowings

Deferred revenue and other

Total current liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Equity

Preferred stock

Common stock, $.01 par value, Authorized – 4.6 billion shares, Issued – 1.8 billion shares at

September 28, 2019 and 2.9 billion shares at September 29, 2018

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Treasury stock, at cost, 19 million shares at September 28, 2019 and 1.4 billion shares at September 29, 2018

Total Disney Shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,418

15,481

1,649

4,597

979

28,124

22,810

3,224

58,589

(32,415)

26,174

4,264

1,165

31,603

23,215

80,293

4,715

193,984

17,762

8,857

4,722

31,341

38,129

7,902

13,760

8,963

—

53,907

42,494

(6,617)

(907)

88,877

5,012

93,889

4,150

9,334

1,392

1,314

635

16,825

7,888

2,899

55,238

(30,764)

24,474

3,942

1,124

29,540

6,812

31,269

3,365

98,598

9,479

3,790

4,591

17,860

17,084

3,109

6,590

1,123

—

36,779

82,679

(3,097)

(67,588)

48,773

4,059

52,832

98,598

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

$

193,984

$

76

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

2019

2018

2017

$

$

10,913

4,160

(4,794)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income from continuing operations

Depreciation and amortization

Gain on acquisitions and dispositions

Deferred income taxes

Equity in the (income) / loss of investees

Cash distributions received from equity investees

Net change in film and television costs and advances

Equity-based compensation

Other

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions:

Receivables

Inventories

Other assets

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

Income taxes

Cash provided by operations - continuing operations

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investments in parks, resorts and other property

Acquisitions

Other

Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Commercial paper borrowings/(payments), net

Borrowings

Reduction of borrowings

Dividends

Repurchases of common stock

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Contributions from / sales of noncontrolling interests

Acquisition of noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interests

Other

Cash used in financing activities - continuing operations

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Cash provided by operations - discontinued operations

Cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations

Cash used in financing activities - discontinued operations

Cash used in discontinued operations

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Interest paid

Income taxes paid

$

$

$

117

103

754

(542)

711

206

55

(223)

932

191

(6,599)

5,984

(4,876)

(9,901)

(319)

(15,096)

4,318

38,240

(38,881)

(2,895)

—

318

737

(1,430)

(871)

(464)

622

10,978

(626)

10,974

(98)

1,300

4,155

5,455

1,142

9,259

$

$

$

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

77

$

13,066

3,011

(560)

(1,573)

102

775

(523)

393

441

(720)

(17)

(927)

235

592

9,366

2,782

(289)

334

(320)

788

(1,075)

364

503

107

(5)

(52)

(368)

208

14,295

12,343

(4,465)

(1,581)

710

(5,336)

(1,768)

1,056

(1,871)

(2,515)

(3,577)

210

399

—

(777)

(8,843)

—

—

—

—

(25)

91

4,064

4,155

631

2,503

$

$

$

(3,623)

(417)

(71)

(4,111)

1,247

4,820

(2,364)

(2,445)

(9,368)

276

17

—

(1,142)

(8,959)

—

—

—

—

31

(696)

4,760

4,064

466

3,801

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 (1)

Total Equity

Balance at October 1, 2016

1,597

$

35,859

$

66,088

$

(3,979)

$ (54,703)

$

43,265

$

4,058

$

47,323

Comprehensive income

Equity compensation activity

Common stock repurchases

Dividends

Contributions

Distributions and other

—

8

(89)

—

—

1

—

529

—

13

—

(153)

8,980

451

—

—

(2,458)

—

(4)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(9,368)

—

—

60

9,431

529

(9,368)

(2,445)

—

(97)

361

—

—

—

17

(747)

9,792

529

(9,368)

(2,445)

17

(844)

Balance at September 30, 2017

1,517

$

36,248

$

72,606

$

(3,528)

$ (64,011)

$

41,315

$

3,689

$

45,004

Comprehensive income

Equity compensation activity

Common stock repurchases

Dividends

Contributions

Distributions and other

—

6

(35)

—

—

—

—

518

—

14

—

(1)

12,598

431

—

—

(2,529)

—

4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(3,577)

—

—

—

13,029

518

(3,577)

(2,515)

—

3

425

13,454

—

—

—

488

(543)

518

(3,577)

(2,515)

488

(540)

Balance at September 29, 2018

1,488

$

36,779

$

82,679

$

(3,097)

$ (67,588)

$

48,773

$

4,059

$

52,832

Comprehensive income

Equity compensation activity

Dividends

Contributions

—

7

—

—

—

912

18

—

Acquisition of TFCF

307

33,774

11,054

(2,814)

—

(2,913)

—

—

—

—

—

Adoption of new accounting

guidance:

Reclassification of Certain

Tax Effects from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income

Intra-Entity Transfers of
Assets Other Than
Inventory

Revenues from Contracts

with Customers

Other

Retirement of treasury stock

Reclassification to redeemable
noncontrolling interest

Redemption of noncontrolling

interest

Sales of the RSNs

Distributions and other

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

691

(691)

192

(116)

22

—

—

(15)

(17,563)

(49,118)

66,681

—

—

—

(13)

—

—

—

3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

8,240

912

(2,895)

—

371

—

—

737

8,611

912

(2,895)

737

33,774

10,408

44,182

—

192

(116)

7

—

—

—

—

(10)

—

—

—

—

—

—

192

(116)

7

—

(7,770)

(7,770)

(1,430)

(1,430)

(744)

(619)

(744)

(629)

Balance at September 28, 2019

1,802

$

53,907

$

42,494

$

(6,617)

$

(907)

$

88,877

$

5,012

$

93,889

(1)  Excludes redeemable noncontrolling interest

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

78

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, 
Experiences and Products; Studio Entertainment; and Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI).

The terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are used in this report to refer collectively to the parent company and the 

subsidiaries through which various businesses are conducted. The term “TWDC” is used to refer to the parent company.

On March 20, 2019, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., which was 

subsequently renamed TFCF Corporation, a diversified global media and entertainment company. Prior to the acquisition, 
TFCF and a newly-formed subsidiary of TFCF (New Fox) entered into a separation agreement, pursuant to which TFCF 
transferred to New Fox a portfolio of TFCF’s news, sports and broadcast businesses and certain other assets. TFCF retained all 
of the assets and liabilities not transferred to New Fox, the most significant of which were the Twentieth Century Fox film and 
television studios, certain cable networks (primarily FX and National Geographic), TFCF’s international television businesses 
(including Star) and TFCF’s 30% interest in Hulu LLC (Hulu). Under the terms of the agreement governing the acquisition, the 
Company will generally phase-out Fox brands by 2024, but has perpetual rights to certain Fox brands, including the Twentieth 
Century Fox and Fox Searchlight brands.

As a result of the TFCF acquisition, the Company’s ownership interest in Hulu LLC (Hulu) increased to 60% and the 
Company started consolidating the results of Hulu. In May 2019, the Company increased its ownership interest in Hulu to 67%, 
with NBC Universal (NBCU) owning the remaining 33%. Also in May 2019, the Company entered into a put/call agreement 
with NBCU that provided the Company with full operational control of Hulu. In order to obtain regulatory approval for the 
acquisition of TFCF, the Company agreed to sell TFCF’s regional sports networks (RSN) and sports media operations in Brazil 
and Mexico. The sale of the RSNs was completed in August 2019. The income and cash flows of the RSNs and sports media 
operations in Brazil and Mexico are reported as discontinued operations. 

See Note 4 for additional information on these transactions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Media Networks

Significant operations:

• Disney, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic branded domestic cable networks

• ABC branded broadcast television network and eight owned domestic television stations

• Television production and distribution

• National Geographic magazines

• A 50% equity investment in A+E Television Networks (A+E)

Significant revenues:

• Affiliate fees - Fees charged to multi-channel video programming distributors (i.e. cable, satellite, telecommunications
and digital over-the-top (e.g. Hulu, YouTube TV) service providers) (MVPDs) and to television stations affiliated with
the ABC Network for the right to deliver our programming to their customers

• Advertising - Sales of advertising time/space on our domestic networks and related platforms (“ratings-based ad

sales”, which excludes advertising on digital platforms that is not ratings-based) and the sale of advertising time on
our domestic television stations. Ratings-based ad sales are generally determined using viewership measured with
Nielsen ratings. Non-ratings-based advertising on digital platforms is reported by DTCI.

• TV/SVOD distribution - Licensing fees and other revenues from the right to use our television programs and

productions and revenue from content transactions with other Company segments (“program sales”)

Significant expenses:

• Operating expenses consisting primarily of programming and production costs, participations and residuals expense,

technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs

• Selling, general and administrative costs

• Depreciation and amortization

79

Parks, Experiences and Products

Significant operations:

• Parks & Experiences:

Theme parks and resorts, which include: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida; Disneyland Resort in California; 
Disneyland Paris; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (47% ownership interest); Shanghai Disney Resort (43% 
ownership interest), all of which are consolidated in our results. Additionally, the Company licenses our intellectual 
property to a third party to operate Tokyo Disney Resort.

Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, National Geographic Expeditions (73% ownership interest), 
Adventures by Disney and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii

• Consumer Products:

Licensing of our trade names, characters, visual, literary and other intellectual properties to various manufacturers, 
game developers, publishers and retailers throughout the world

Sale of branded merchandise through retail, online and wholesale businesses, and development and publishing of 
books, comic books and magazines (except National Geographic, which is reported in Media Networks)

Significant revenues:

• Theme park admissions - Sales of tickets for admission to our theme parks

• Parks & Experiences merchandise, food and beverage - Sales of merchandise, food and beverages at our theme parks

and resorts and cruise ships

• Resorts and vacations - Sales of room nights at hotels, sales of cruise and other vacations and sales and rentals of

vacation club properties

• Merchandise licensing and retail:

Merchandise licensing - Royalties from intellectual property licensing 

Retail - Sales of merchandise at The Disney Stores and through branded internet shopping sites, as well as, to 
wholesalers

• Parks licensing and other - Revenues from sponsorships and co-branding opportunities and real estate rent and sales.

In addition, we earn royalties on Tokyo Disney Resort revenues.

Significant expenses:

• Operating expenses consisting primarily of operating labor, costs of goods sold, infrastructure costs, supplies,

commissions and entertainment offerings. Infrastructure costs include information systems expense, repairs and
maintenance, utilities and fuel, property taxes, retail occupancy costs, insurance and transportation

• Selling, general and administrative costs

• Depreciation and amortization

Studio Entertainment

Significant operations:
• Motion picture production and distribution under the Walt Disney Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Marvel,

Lucasfilm, Pixar, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios banners

• Development, production and licensing of live entertainment events on Broadway and around the world (stage plays)
• Music production and distribution
• Post-production services, which include visual and audio effects through Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker

Sound

Significant revenues:
• Theatrical distribution - Rentals from licensing our motion pictures to theaters
• Home entertainment - Sale of our motion pictures to retailers and distributors in physical (DVD and Blu-ray) and

electronic formats

• TV/SVOD distribution and other - Licensing fees and other revenue from the right to use our motion picture

productions, revenue from content transactions with other Company segments, ticket sales from stage plays, fees from
licensing our intellectual properties for use in live entertainment productions, revenue from licensing our music and
revenue from post-production services

Significant expenses:
• Operating expenses consisting primarily of amortization of production, participations and residuals costs, distribution

costs and costs of sales

80

• Selling, general and administrative costs
• Depreciation and amortization

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Significant operations:

• Branded international television channels, which include Disney, ESPN, Fox, National Geographic and Star

(International Channels)

• Direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services, which include Disney+, ESPN+, Hotstar and Hulu. Disney+ launched

in November 2019 in the U.S. and 4 other countries and further launches planned throughout 2020 and 2021.

• Other digital content distribution platforms and services including branded apps and websites, the Disney Movie Club

and Disney Digital Network and streaming technology support services

• Equity investments:

A 50% ownership interest in Endemol Shine Group, which is a multi-platform content provider with creative 
operations across the world’s major markets
A 20% ownership interest (49% economic interest) in Seven TV, which operates an advertising-supported, free-to-
air Disney Channel in Russia
A 30% effective ownership interest in Tata Sky, which owns and operates a direct-to-home satellite distribution 
platform in India
An approximate 20% effective ownership interest in Vice Group Holdings, Inc. (Vice), which is a media company 
that targets millennial audiences. Vice operates Viceland, which is owned 50% by Vice and 50% by A+E.

Significant revenues:
• Advertising - Sales of advertising time/space on our International Channels and sales of non-ratings-based advertising
time/space on digital media platforms (“addressable ad sales”) across the Company. In general, addressable ad sales
are delivered using technology that allows for dynamic insertion of advertisements into video content, which can be
targeted to specific viewer groups.

• Affiliate fees - Fees charged to MVPDs for the right to deliver our International Channels to their customers
• Subscription fees - Fees charged to customers/subscribers for our DTC services

Significant expenses:
• Operating expenses consisting primarily of programming and production costs (including amortization of digital
content obtained from other Company segments), technical support costs, operating labor and distribution costs

• Selling, general and administrative costs
• Depreciation and amortization

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and 
impairment charges, net other income, net interest expense, income taxes and noncontrolling interests. Segment operating 
income includes equity in the income of investees and excludes impairments of certain equity investments and purchase 
accounting amortization for TFCF and Hulu assets (i.e. intangible assets and the fair value step-up for film and television costs) 
recognized in connection with the TFCF acquisition. Corporate and unallocated shared expenses principally consist of 
corporate functions, executive management and certain unallocated administrative support functions.

Segment operating 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. 

Intersegment content transactions are presented “gross” (i.e. the segment producing the content reports revenue and profit 
from intersegment transactions in a manner similar to the reporting of third-party transactions, and the required eliminations are 
reported on a separate “Eliminations” line when presenting a summary of our segment results). Generally, timing of revenue 
recognition is similar to the reporting of third-party transactions, except that intersegment sales of library content are generally 
recognized over time. Other intersegment transactions are reported “Net” (i.e. revenue between segments is recorded as a 
reduction of costs). Studio Entertainment revenues and operating income include an allocation of Parks, Experiences and 
Products revenues, which is meant to reflect royalties on revenue generated by Parks, Experiences and Products on 
merchandise based on intellectual property from Studio Entertainment films.

81

The following tables provide select segment and regional financial information:

2019

2018

2017

$

24,827

$

21,922

$

21,299

Revenues

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Third parties

Intersegment

Studio Entertainment

Third parties

Intersegment

Direct-to-Consumer & International
Eliminations(1)

Total consolidated revenues

Segment operating income / (loss)

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International
Eliminations(1)

Total segment operating income(2)

Reconciliation of segment operating income to income from

continuing operations before income taxes
Segment operating income

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Other income, net

Interest expense, net

Amortization of TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value 

step-up on film and television costs(3)

Impairment of equity investments(4)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Capital expenditures
Media Networks

Cable Networks

Broadcasting

Parks, Experiences and Products

Domestic

International

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Corporate

Total capital expenditures

26,786
(561)
26,225

10,566

561

11,127

9,349
(1,958)
69,570

7,479

6,758

2,686
(1,814)
(241)
14,868

14,868
(987)
(1,183)
4,357
(978)

(1,595)
(538)
13,944

93

81

3,294

852

88

258

210

$

$

$

$

$

$

25,257
(556)
24,701

9,509

556

10,065

3,414
(668)
59,434

7,338

6,095

3,004
(738)
(10)
15,689

15,689
(744)
(33)
601
(574)

—
(210)
14,729

96

107

3,223

677

96

107

159

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,876

$

4,465

$

82

23,516
(492)
23,024

7,860

492

8,352

3,075
(613)
55,137

7,196

5,487

2,363
(284)
13

14,775

14,775
(582)
(98)
78
(385)

—
—
13,788

64

67

2,392

827

85

30

158

3,623

Depreciation expense
Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Domestic

International

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Depreciation expense included in segment operating

income

Corporate

Total depreciation expense

Amortization of intangible assets

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products
Studio Entertainment
Direct-to-Consumer & International

Amortization of intangible assets included in segment

operating income

TFCF and Hulu intangible assets

Total amortization of intangible assets

Identifiable assets(5)
Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International
Corporate(6)
Eliminations

Total consolidated assets

Revenues

United States and Canada

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America and Other

Segment operating income
United States and Canada

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America and Other

2019

2018

2017

$

191

$

199

$

206

1,474

724

74

207

2,670

167

2,837

—

108
61

111

280

1,043

1,323

$

$

$

1,449

768

55

106

2,577

181

2,758

—

110
64

79

253

—

253

$

$

$

1,371

679

50

74

2,380

206

2,586

—

111
65

20

196

—

196

$

$

$

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

$

$

$

$

63,519

41,923

34,268

48,606

6,135
(467)
193,984

2019

50,555

8,006

7,796

3,213

69,570

10,031

2,433

2,167

237

14,868

$

$

$

$

$

$

30,205

39,171

17,291

7,257

4,977
(303)
98,598

2018

2017

45,038

7,026

5,531

1,839

59,434

11,396
1,922

1,869

502

15,689

$

$

$

$

41,881

6,541

5,075

1,640

55,137

10,962
1,812

1,626

375

14,775

83

Long-lived assets(7)
United States and Canada

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America and Other

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

134,869

10,793

12,703

3,805

$

162,170

$

$

65,245

6,275

7,775

131

79,426

(1)  Intersegment content transaction are as follows:

Revenues:

Studio Entertainment:

Content transactions with Media Networks
Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer &

International

Media Networks:

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer &

International

Total

Operating Income:

Studio Entertainment:

Content transactions with Media Networks
Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer &

International

Media Networks:

Content transactions with Direct-to-Consumer &

International

Total

$

$

$

$

2019

2018

2017

(106)

$

(169)

$

(137)

(272)

(28)

(22)

(1,580)
(1,958)

(19)

(80)

(142)
(241)

$

$

$

(471)
(668)

(8)

—

(2)
(10)

(2)  Equity in the income/(loss) of investees included in segment operating income is as follows:

Media Networks
Parks, Experiences and Products

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Equity in the income of investees included in segment

operating income

Impairment of equity investments

Amortization of TFCF intangible assets related to equity

investees

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

2019

2018

$

$

703
(13)
(240)

450
(538)

(15)
(103)

$

$

711
(23)
(580)

108
(210)

—
(102)

(3)  For fiscal 2019, amortization of intangible assets and fair value step-up on film and television costs were $1,043

million and $552 million, respectively.

(4)  Impairment of equity investments for fiscal 2019 primarily reflects the impairments of Vice Group Holding, Inc. and
of an investment in a cable channel at A+E Television Networks ($353 million and $170 million, respectively).
Impairment of equity investments for fiscal 2018 reflects impairments of Vice Group Holding, Inc. and Villages
Nature ($157 million and $53 million, respectively).

84

(454)
(613)

15

—

(2)
13

2017

766
(25)
(421)

320

—

—

320

$

$

$

$

$

(5)  Equity method investments included in identifiable assets by segment are as follows:

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Corporate

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

2,018

$

2,430

3

8

821

72

$

2,922

$

1

1

320

16

2,768

Intangible assets included in identifiable assets by segment are as follows:

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International
Corporate

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

7,861

3,122

2,085

9,962

185

$

23,215

$

1,546

3,167

1,479

490

130

6,812

(6)  Primarily fixed assets and cash and cash equivalents.

(7)  Long-lived assets are total assets less: current assets, long-term receivables, deferred taxes, financial investments and

the fair value of derivative instruments.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2 
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of The Walt Disney Company and its 

majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company enters into relationships or investments with other entities that may be variable interest entities (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 (together the Asia Theme Parks) are VIEs in which the Company has less than 50% equity ownership. 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 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 2019, 2018 and 2017 were fifty-two week years.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 financial statements and notes to conform to 

the fiscal 2019 presentation.

85

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 and production costs and 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 and Blu-ray discs

• 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 and production costs and participations and residuals costs

• Distribution costs

• Operating labor

• Retail occupancy costs

Revenue Recognition

The Company generates revenue from the sale of both services and products. Revenue is recognized when control of the 
services or products is transferred to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration the Company 
expects to receive in exchange for the services or products.

The Company has four broad categories of service revenues: licenses of rights to use our intellectual property, sales to 
guests at our Parks and Experiences businesses, sales of advertising time/space and DTC services. The Company’s primary 
product revenues include the sale of food, beverage and merchandise at our parks, resorts and retail stores and the sale of film 
and television productions in physical formats (DVD and Blu-ray).

The new revenue guidance defines two types of licenses of intellectual property (“IP”): IP that has “standalone 
functionality,” which is called functional IP, and all other IP, which is called symbolic IP. Revenue related to the license of 
functional IP is generally recognized upon delivery (availability) of the IP to the customer. The substantial majority of the 
Company’s film and television content distribution activities at the Media Networks, Studio Entertainment and DTCI segments 
is considered licensing of functional IP. Revenue related to the license of symbolic IP is generally recognized over the term of 
the license. The Company’s primary revenue stream derived from symbolic IP is the licensing of trade names, characters and 
visual and literary properties at the Parks, Experiences and Products segment.

86

More detailed information about the revenue recognition policies for our key revenues is as follows:

• Affiliate fees - Fees charged to affiliates (i.e., MVPDs or television stations) for the right to deliver our television

network programming on a continuous basis to their customers are recognized as the programming is provided based
on contractually specified per subscriber rates and the actual number of the affiliate’s customers receiving the
programming.

For affiliate contracts with fixed license fees, the fees are recognized ratably over the contract term.

If an affiliate contract includes a minimum guaranteed license fee, the guaranteed license fee is recognized ratably
over the guaranteed period and any fees earned in excess of the guarantee are recognized as earned once the minimum
guarantee has been exceeded.

Affiliate agreements may also include a license to use the network programming for on demand viewing. As the fees
charged under these contracts are generally based on a contractually specified per subscriber rate for the number of
underlying subscribers of the affiliate, revenues are recognized as earned.

• Subscription fees - Fees charged to customers/subscribers for our streaming services are recognized ratably over the

term of the subscription.

• Advertising - Sales of advertising time/space on our television networks, digital platforms and television stations are

recognized as revenue, net of agency commissions, when commercials are aired. For contracts that contain a
guaranteed number of impressions, revenues are recognized based on impressions delivered. When the guaranteed
number of impressions is not met (“ratings shortfall”), revenues are not recognized for the ratings shortfall until the
additional impressions are delivered.

• Theme park admissions - Sales of theme park tickets are recognized when the tickets are used. Sales of annual passes

are recognized ratably over the period for which the pass is available for use.

• Resorts and vacations - Sales of hotel room nights and cruise vacations and rentals of vacation club properties are
recognized as revenue as the services are provided to the guest. Sales of vacation club properties are recognized as
revenue upon the later of when title transfers to the customer or when construction activity is deemed complete.

• Merchandise, food and beverage - Sales of merchandise, food and beverages at our theme parks and resorts, cruise
ships and Disney Stores are recognized at the time of sale. Sales from our branded internet shopping sites and to
wholesalers are recognized upon delivery. We estimate returns and customer incentives based upon historical return
experience, current economic trends and projections of consumer demand for our products.

• TV/SVOD distribution licensing - Fixed license fees charged for the right to use our television and motion picture

productions are recognized as revenue when the content is available for use by the licensee. License fees based on the
underlying sales of the licensee are recognized as revenue as earned based on the contractual royalty rate applied to
the licensee sales.

For TV/SVOD licenses that include multiple titles with a fixed license fee across all titles, each title is considered a
separate performance obligation. The fixed license fee is allocated to each title at contract inception and the allocated
license fee is recognized as revenue when the title is available for use by the licensee.

When the license contains a minimum guaranteed license fee across all titles, the license fees earned by titles in excess
of their allocated amount are deferred until the minimum guaranteed license fee across all titles is exceeded. Once the
minimum guaranteed license fee is exceeded, revenue is recognized as earned based on the licensee’s underlying sales.

TV/SVOD distribution contracts may limit the licensee’s use of a title to certain defined periods of time during the
contract term. In these instances, each period of availability is generally considered a separate performance obligation.
For these contracts, the fixed license fee is allocated to each period of availability at contract inception based on
relative standalone selling price using management’s best estimate. Revenue is recognized at the start of each
availability period when the content is made available for use by the licensee.

When the term of an existing agreement is renewed or extended, revenues are recognized when the licensed content
becomes available under the renewal or extension.

• Theatrical distribution licensing - Fees charged for licensing of our motion pictures to theatrical distributors are
recognized as revenue based on the contractual royalty rate applied to the distributor’s underlying sales from
exhibition of the film.

• Merchandise licensing - Fees charged for the use of our trade names and characters in connection with the sale of a

licensee’s products are recognized as revenue as earned based on the contractual royalty rate applied to the licensee’s
underlying product sales. For licenses with minimum guaranteed license fees, the excess of the minimum guaranteed

87

amount over actual royalties earned (“shortfall”) is recognized straight-line over the remaining license period once an 
expected shortfall is probable.

• Home entertainment - Sales of our motion pictures to retailers and distributors in physical formats (DVD and Blu-ray)
are recognized as revenue on the later of the delivery date or the date that the product can be sold by retailers. We
reduce home entertainment revenues for estimated future returns of merchandise and sales incentives based upon
historical return experience, current economic trends and projections of consumer demand for our products. Sales of
our motion pictures in electronic formats are recognized as revenue when the product is available for use by the
consumer.

• Taxes - Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenue.

• Shipping and handling - Fees collected from customers for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue and the

related shipping expenses are recorded in cost of products upon delivery of the product to the consumer.

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 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $4.3 billion, $2.8 

billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. The increase in advertising expense for fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 was primarily 
due to the consolidation of TFCF and Hulu's operations.

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.

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash included in:

Other current assets

Other assets

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement

of cash flows

Investments

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

$

$

5,418

$

4,150

$

4,017

26

11

1

4

26

21

5,455

$

4,155

$

4,064

Investments in equity securities with a readily determinable fair value, not accounted for under the equity method, are 

recorded at that value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. For equity securities without a readily 
determinable fair value, the investment is recorded at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus adjustments related to 
observable transactions for the same or similar securities, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

For equity method investments, the Company regularly reviews its investments to determine whether there is a decline in 

fair value below book value. If there is a decline that is other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value.

Translation Policy

Generally, the U.S. dollar is the functional currency for our international film and television distribution and licensing 

businesses and the branded International Channels. Generally, the local currency is the functional currency for the Asia Theme 
Parks, Disneyland Paris, the branded International Channels that primarily source and exploit their content locally (primarily 
Star branded channels in India and international sports channels) 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 

88

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 accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (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 production costs include capitalizable direct costs, production overhead, interest and development 

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 are written off. 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 on an accelerated or 

straight-line basis over the useful life, or over the number of times the program is expected to be aired, 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.

The costs of film and television series that are used by our DTC services are expensed based on historical and estimated 
viewing patterns, which may be on an accelerated or straight-line basis, as appropriate. The unamortized costs are reviewed for 
impairment on an aggregate basis for each service.

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 September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, capitalized software costs, net of accumulated 
depreciation, totaled $927 million and $659 million, respectively. The capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis 
over the estimated useful life of the software up to 10 years.

89

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, 

generally over estimated useful lives as follows: 

Attractions, buildings and improvements
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Land improvements
Leasehold improvements

20 – 40 years
3 – 25 years
20 – 40 years
Life of lease or asset life if less

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.

The impairment test for goodwill requires judgment related to the identification of reporting units, the assignment of 

assets and liabilities to reporting units including goodwill, and the determination of fair value of the reporting units. 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 projected cash flows of our reporting units reflect intersegment revenues and 
expenses for the sale and use of intellectual property as if it was licensed to an unrelated third party.

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, long-lived assets and investments for 
impairment and recorded non-cash impairment charges of $538 million, $210 million and $22 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 
2017, respectively. The fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 impairment charges related to equity investments and were recorded in 
“Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The fiscal 2017 impairment charges 
were recorded in “Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

90

The Company expects its aggregate annual amortization expense for existing amortizable intangible assets for fiscal 2020 

through 2024 to be as follows:

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

$ 2,283

2,219

2,164

1,993

1,756

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 9 and 17).

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.

91

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:

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent

shares outstanding (basic)

Weighted average dilutive impact of Awards
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent

shares outstanding (diluted)

Awards excluded from diluted earnings per share

3  Revenues

2019

2018

2017

1,656
10

1,666

7

1,499
8

1,507

12

1,568
10

1,578

10

At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance that 
replaced the existing accounting guidance for revenue recognition with a single comprehensive five-step model (“new revenue 
guidance”). 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. We adopted the new revenue guidance using the modified 
retrospective method; therefore, results for reporting periods beginning after September 30, 2018 are presented under the new 
revenue guidance, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our 
historical accounting. Upon adoption, we recorded a net reduction of $116 million to opening retained earnings in fiscal 2019.

The most significant changes to the Company’s revenue recognition policies resulting from the adoption of the new 

revenue guidance are as follows:

• For television and film content licensing agreements with multiple availability windows with the same licensee, the

Company now defers more revenue to future windows than under the previous accounting guidance.

• For licenses of character images, brands and trademarks with minimum guaranteed license fees, the excess of the
minimum guaranteed amount over actual amounts earned based on a percentage of the licensee’s underlying sales
(“shortfall”) is now recognized straight-line over the remaining license period once an expected shortfall is probable.
Previously, shortfalls were recognized at the end of the contract period.

• For licenses that include multiple television and film titles with a minimum guaranteed license fee across all titles that
earns out against the aggregate fees based on the licensee’s underlying sales, the Company now allocates the minimum
guaranteed license fee to each title at contract inception and recognizes the allocated license fee as revenue when the
title is made available to the customer. License fees earned by titles in excess of their allocated amount are deferred
until the minimum guaranteed license fee across all titles is exceeded. Once the minimum guaranteed license fee
across all titles is exceeded, license fees are recognized as earned based on the licensee’s underlying sales. Previously,
license fees were recognized as earned based on the licensee’s underlying sales with any shortfalls recognized at the
end of the contract period.

• For renewals or extensions of license agreements for television and film content, revenues are now recognized when
the licensed content becomes available under the renewal or extension. Previously, revenues were recognized when
the agreement was renewed or extended.

The adoption of the new revenue guidance resulted in certain reclassifications on the Condensed Consolidated Balance 

Sheet. The primary changes are the reclassification of sales returns reserves (previously reported as a reduction of receivables) 
to other accrued liabilities ($0.2 billion at September 28, 2019) and the reclassification of refundable customer advances 
(previously reported as deferred revenues) to other accrued liabilities ($1.0 billion at September 28, 2019).

92

The cumulative effect of adoption at September 29, 2018 and the impact at September 28, 2019 (had we not applied the 

new revenue guidance) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:

September 29, 2018

Fiscal 2018
Ending
Balances as
Reported

Effect of
Adoption

Q1 2019
Opening
Balances

September 28, 2019
Impact of
New
Revenue
guidance

Q4 2019
Ending
Balances as
Reported

Balances 
Assuming
Historical 
Accounting

Assets

Receivables - current/non-current $

11,262

$

(241)

$

11,021

$

18,343

$

(66)

$

18,277

Film and television costs and

advances - current/non-current

Liabilities

Accounts payable and other

accrued liabilities

Deferred revenue and other

Deferred income taxes

Equity

9,202

48

9,250

27,384

23

27,407

9,479

4,591

3,109

52,832

1,039
(1,082)
(34)
(116)

10,518

3,509

3,075

52,716

16,514

5,950

7,919

93,935

1,248
(1,228)
(17)
(46)

17,762

4,722

7,902

93,889

The impact on the Consolidated Statement of Income for fiscal 2019 due to the adoption of the new revenue guidance is 

as follows:

Revenues

Cost and Expenses

Income Taxes

Net Income

Results 
Assuming
Historical 
Accounting

Impact of
New
Revenue
guidance

Reported

$

69,225

$

345

$

69,570

(57,465)

(3,010)

11,514

(254)

(21)

70

(57,719)

(3,031)

11,584

The most significant impact was at the Studio Entertainment reflecting a change in the timing of revenue recognition 

related to film content licensing agreements with multiple availability windows.

The following table presents our revenues by segment and major source: 

Affiliate fees

Advertising

Theme park admissions

Resort and vacations

Retail and wholesale sales of merchandise, food and

beverage

TV/SVOD distribution licensing

Theatrical distribution licensing

Merchandise licensing

Subscription fees

Home entertainment

Other

Total revenues

Media
Networks

Parks,
Experiences
and Products

Studio
Entertainment

Direct-to-
Consumer &
International

2019

$

13,433

$

— $

— $

6,965

—

—

—

4,046

—

—

—

—

383

6

7,540

6,266

7,716

—

—

2,768

—

—

1,929

—

—

—

—

2,920

4,726

561

—

1,734

1,186

2,740

3,534

—

—

—

404

—

51

2,244

97

279

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

(253)

$

15,920

—

—

—

—

(1,705)

—

—

—

—

—

10,505

7,540

6,266

7,716

5,665

4,726

3,380

2,244

1,831

3,777

$

24,827

$

26,225

$

11,127

$

9,349

$

(1,958)

$

69,570

93

Affiliate fees

Advertising

Theme park admissions

Resort and vacations

Retail and wholesale sales of merchandise, food and

beverage

TV/SVOD distribution licensing

Theatrical distribution licensing

Merchandise licensing

Subscription fees

Home entertainment

Other

Total revenues

Media
Networks

Parks,
Experiences
and Products

Studio
Entertainment

Direct-to-
Consumer &
International

2018

$

11,907

$

— $

— $

6,586

—

—

—

3,120

—

—

—

—

309

7

7,183

5,938

7,365

—

—

2,566

—

—

1,642

—

—

—

—

2,340

4,303

556

—

1,647

1,219

1,372

1,311

—

—

—

105

—

70

168

103

285

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

— $

13,279

—

—

—

—

(668)

—

—

—

—

—

7,904

7,183

5,938

7,365

4,897

4,303

3,192

168

1,750

3,455

$

21,922

$

24,701

$

10,065

$

3,414

$

(668)

$

59,434

Amounts for fiscal 2018 reflect our historical accounting prior to the adoption of the new revenue guidance.

The following table presents our revenues by segment and primary geographical markets:

United States and Canada

$

23,623

$

19,631

$

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Total revenues

Media
Networks

Parks,
Experiences
and Products

Studio
Entertainment

Direct-to-
Consumer &
International

2019

785

275

144

3,135

3,222

237

$

24,827

$

26,225

$

11,127

$

$

5,269

2,956

2,121

781

Eliminations

Consolidated

$

(1,639)

$

50,555

(130)

(189)

—

8,006

7,796

3,213

$

(1,958)

$

69,570

3,671

1,260

2,367

2,051

9,349

Revenues recognized in the current year from performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in previous 

reporting periods primarily relate to revenues earned on TV/SVOD and theatrical distribution licensee sales on titles made 
available to the licensee in previous reporting periods. For fiscal 2019, $1.2 billion was recognized related to performance 
obligations satisfied prior to September 30, 2018.

As of September 28, 2019, revenue for unsatisfied performance obligations expected to be recognized in the future is $16 

billion, which primarily relates to content to be delivered in the future under existing agreements with television station 
affiliates and TV/SVOD licensees. Of this amount, we expect to recognize approximately $7 billion in fiscal 2020, $4 billion in 
fiscal 2021, $3 billion in fiscal 2022 and $2 billion thereafter. These amounts include only fixed consideration or minimum 
guarantees and do not include amounts related to (i) contracts with an original expected term of one year or less (such as most 
advertising contracts) or (ii) licenses of IP that are solely based on the sales of the licensee.

Payment terms vary by the type and location of our customers and the products or services offered. For certain products 

or services and customer types, we require payment before the products or services are provided to the customer; in other cases, 
after appropriate credit evaluations, payment is due in arrears. Advertising contracts, which are generally short term, are billed 
monthly with payments generally due within 30 days. Payments due under affiliate arrangements are calculated monthly and 
are generally due within 30 days of month end. Home entertainment terms generally include payment within 60 to 90 days of 
availability date to the customer. Licensing payment terms vary by contract but are generally collected in advance or over the 
license term. The Company has accounts receivable with original maturities greater than one year related to the sale of film and 
television program rights and vacation club properties (see Note 15). These receivables are discounted to present value at an 
appropriate discount rate at contract inception, and the related revenues are recognized at the discounted amount.

94

When the timing of the Company’s revenue recognition is different from the timing of customer payments, the Company 

recognizes either a contract asset (customer payment is subsequent to revenue recognition and subject to the Company 
satisfying additional performance obligations) or deferred revenue (customer payment precedes the Company satisfying the 
performance obligations). Consideration due under contracts with payment in arrears is recognized as accounts receivable. 
Deferred revenues are recognized as (or when) the Company performs under the contract. Contract assets, accounts receivable 
and deferred revenues from contracts with customers are as follows: 

Contract assets

Accounts Receivable

Current

Non-current

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Deferred revenues

Current

Non-current

September 28,
2019

September 30,
2018

$

125

$

89

12,755

1,987
(327)

4,050

619

8,553

1,640
(226)

2,926

609

Contract assets primarily relate to certain multi-season TV/SVOD licensing contracts. Activity for fiscal 2019 related to 

contract assets and the allowance for doubtful accounts was not material.

Deferred revenue primarily relates to non-refundable consideration received in advance for (i) licensing contracts and 

theme park vacation packages, tickets and annual passes and (ii) the deferral of advertising revenues due to ratings shortfalls. 
The increase in the deferred revenue balance at September 28, 2019 was primarily due to the receipt of additional prepaid park 
admissions, advances on certain licensing arrangements and non-refundable travel deposits, as well as the acquisition of TFCF 
and consolidation of Hulu (see Note 4). The acquisition of TFCF and consolidation of Hulu increased deferred revenues by 
$0.6 billion, of which $0.4 billion was recognized during fiscal 2019. For fiscal 2019, the Company recognized revenues of 
$2.7 billion primarily related to licensing advances, theme park admissions and vacation packages included in the deferred 
revenue balance at September 30, 2018.

4  Acquisitions
TFCF Corporation

On March 20, 2019, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of TFCF, a diversified global media and 

entertainment company. Prior to the acquisition, TFCF and a newly-formed subsidiary of TFCF (New Fox) entered into a 
separation agreement, pursuant to which TFCF transferred to New Fox a portfolio of TFCF’s news, sports and broadcast 
businesses and certain other assets. TFCF retained all of the assets and liabilities not transferred to New Fox, including the 
Twentieth Century Fox film and television studios, certain cable networks and TFCF’s international TV businesses; these 
remaining assets and businesses are held directly or indirectly by the acquired TFCF entity.

The acquisition purchase price totaled $69.5 billion, of which the Company paid $35.7 billion in cash and $33.8 billion in 

Disney shares (307 million shares at a price of $110.00 per share).

We acquired TFCF to enhance the Company’s position as a premier, global entertainment company by increasing our 
portfolio of creative assets and branded content to be monetized through our film and television studio, theme parks and direct-
to-consumer offerings.

In connection with the acquisition, outstanding TFCF performance stock units and restricted stock units were either 
vested upon closing of the acquisition or replaced with new restricted stock units (which require additional service for vesting). 
The purchase price for TFCF includes $361 million related to TFCF awards that were settled or replaced in connection with the 
acquisition, and the Company recognized compensation expense of $164 million related to awards that were accelerated to vest 
upon closing of the acquisition. Additionally, compensation expense of $219 million related to awards that were replaced with 
new restricted stock units will be recognized over the post-acquisition service period of up to approximately two years.

As part of the TFCF acquisition, the Company acquired TFCF’s 30% interest in Hulu increasing our ownership to 60%. 

As a result, the Company began consolidating Hulu and recorded a one-time gain of $4.8 billion (Hulu Gain) from remeasuring 
our initial 30% interest to its estimated fair value, which was determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. Significant 
assumptions used in the discounted cash flows include future revenue growth and margins, the discount rate used to present 
value future cash flows and the terminal growth rate of cash flows.

95

On April 15, 2019, Hulu redeemed Warner Media LLC’s (WM) 10% interest in Hulu for $1.4 billion. The redemption was 

funded by the Company and Hulu’s remaining noncontrolling interest holder, NBC Universal (NBCU). This resulted in the 
Company’s and NBCU’s interests in Hulu increasing to 67% and 33%, respectively. 

On May 13, 2019, the Company entered into a put/call agreement with NBCU that provided the Company with full 
operational control of Hulu. Under the agreement, beginning in January 2024, NBCU has the option to require the Company to 
purchase NBCU’s interest in Hulu and the Company has the option to require NBCU to sell its interest in Hulu, based on 
NBCU’s equity ownership percentage of the greater of Hulu’s then fair value or $27.5 billion. Hulu’s future equity capital calls 
are limited to $1.5 billion in the aggregate each year, with any excess funding requirements funded with member loans. NBCU 
has the right, but not the obligation, to fund its proportionate share of future capital calls. If NBCU elects not to fund its share 
of future equity capital calls its ownership will be diluted. However, Disney has agreed that NBCU’s ownership interest in Hulu 
cannot be diluted below 21%. Additionally, the agreement provides NBCU with 50% of the tax benefit related to the exercise of 
the put or call.

NBCU’s interest is classified as a redeemable noncontrolling interest on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance 

Sheet and will generally not be allocated Hulu’s losses as the redeemable noncontrolling interest is required to be carried at a 
minimum value representing fair value as of the May 13, 2019 agreement date accreted to the January 2024 redemption value. 
The accretion of NBCU’s interest will be based on an interest method and recorded in “Net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests” on the Consolidated Statement of Income. At September 28, 2019, NBCU’s interest in Hulu is 
recorded in the Company’s financial statements at $7.9 billion. 

Upon closing of the TFCF acquisition, the Company exchanged new Disney notes for outstanding notes issued by 21st 

Century Fox America, Inc. with a principal balance of $16.8 billion (see Note 9).

The Company is required to allocate the TFCF purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and 

liabilities assumed based on their fair values. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values is recorded as goodwill. As 
of September 28, 2019, the Company has generally completed its allocation of the TFCF purchase price. The principal open 
items relate to the valuation of certain income tax matters. The Company is still obtaining information related to the evaluation 
of the income tax impact of certain pre-acquisition transactions of TFCF. Estimates have been recorded as of the acquisition 
date and updates to these estimates may increase or decrease goodwill.

In determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the Company primarily used discounted cash flow 

analyses. Inputs to the discounted cash flow analyses and other aspects of the allocation of purchase price require judgment. 
The more significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow analyses and other areas of judgment include (i) future revenue 
growth or attrition rates (ii) projected margins (iii) discount rates used to present value future cash flows (iv) the amount of 
synergies expected from the acquisition (v) the economic useful life of assets and; (vi) the evaluation of historical tax positions 
of TFCF.

The following table summarizes our current allocation of the March 20, 2019 purchase price:

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables

Film and television costs
Investments
Intangible assets
Net assets held for sale
Accounts payable and other liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred income taxes
Other net liabilities acquired
Noncontrolling interests
Goodwill

Fair value of net assets acquired
Less: Disney’s previously held 30% interest in Hulu

Total purchase price

$

(1)  As reported in our March 30, 2019 Form 10-Q.

96

Initial 
Allocation(1)
25,666
$

Adjustments

$

35

$

4,746
20,120
1,471
20,385
11,704
(10,753)
(21,723)
(6,497)
(3,865)
(10,638)
43,751
74,367
(4,860)
69,507

$

484
(2,322)
(507)
(2,504)
(338)
(1,606)
—
1,164
(93)
230
5,334
(123)
123
—

$

Updated
Allocation

25,701

5,230
17,798
964
17,881
11,366
(12,359)
(21,723)
(5,333)
(3,958)
(10,408)
49,085
74,244
(4,737)
69,507

The adjustments to the initial allocation are based on more detailed information obtained about the specific assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed. The adjustments made to the initial allocation did not result in material changes to the 
amortization expense recorded in the previous quarters.

Intangible assets primarily consist of MVPD agreements, with a weighted average useful life of 9 years, and advertising 

networks and trade names, with a weighted average useful life of 16 years.

The goodwill reflects the value to Disney of increasing our global portfolio of creative assets and branded content to be 

monetized through our DTC services, film and television studio and theme parks.

The amount of goodwill that is deductible for tax purposes is not material.

The fair value of investments acquired in the acquisition include $0.9 billion of equity method investments and $0.1 

billion of equity investments. Equity method investments primarily consist of a 50% interest in Endemol Shine Group and a 
30% interest in Tata Sky Limited. On October 25, 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Banijay Group 
to sell its 50% interest in Endemol Shine Group. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, 
including approval from the European Commission. We expect the sale to close in fiscal 2021.

The fair value of the assets acquired includes current trade receivables of $5.2 billion. The gross amount due under the 

contracts is $5.5 billion.

For fiscal 2019, the Company incurred $0.3 billion of acquisition-related expenses, of which $0.2 billion is included in 

Selling, general, administrative and other, and $0.1 billion related to financing fees is included in “Interest expense, net” in the 
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table summarizes the revenues and net loss from continuing operations (including purchase accounting 

amortization and the impact of intercompany eliminations and excluding restructuring and impairment charges) of TFCF and 
Hulu included in the Company’s fiscal 2019 Consolidated Statement of Income since the date of acquisition:

TFCF(1):
Revenues

Net income from continuing operations

Hulu(2):
Revenues

Net loss from continuing operations

$

$

6,950
(1,030)

1,938
(774)

(1)  The impact of eliminations on revenues and net income as a result of consolidating TFCF was not material.
(2)  As a result of consolidating Hulu, the elimination of our legacy operations’ revenues for sales to Hulu was

approximately $0.6 billion and the elimination of TFCF’s revenues for sales to Hulu was approximately $0.4 billion.
The impact of the eliminations on net income was not material.

The following pro forma summary presents consolidated information of the Company as if the acquisition of TFCF and 

consolidation of Hulu had occurred on October 1, 2017:

Revenues
Net income
Net income attributable to Disney
Earnings per share attributable to Disney:

Diluted
Basic

$

$

2019

78,116
7,596
7,284

3.72
3.74

$

$

2018

76,318
13,708
13,877

7.64
7.68

97

 These pro forma results include adjustments for purposes of consolidating the historical financial results of TFCF and 
Hulu (net of adjustments to eliminate transactions between Disney and TFCF, Disney and Hulu and Hulu and TFCF). These pro 
formas also include $3.1 billion and $3.5 billion (including $0.4 billion and $0.8 billion of amortization related to the RSNs) 
for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, to reflect the incremental amortization as a result of recording film and television 
programming and production costs and finite lived intangible assets at fair value. Interest expense of $0.4 billion and $0.5 
billion is included to reflect the cost of borrowings to finance the TFCF acquisition for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Additionally, fiscal 2018 pro forma earnings include the Hulu Gain, compensation expense of $0.2 billion related to 

TFCF equity awards that were accelerated to vest upon closing of the acquisition, and $0.4 billion of acquisition-related 
expenses. These amounts were recognized by Disney and TFCF in fiscal 2019, but have been excluded from the fiscal 2019 pro 
forma earnings.

The pro forma results exclude a $10.8 billion gain on sale and $0.5 billion of equity earnings recorded by TFCF for fiscal 

2019 and 2018, respectively, related to its 39% interest in Sky plc, which was sold by TFCF in October 2018. The pro forma 
results include $0.8 billion and $0.6 billion of net income attributable to Disney for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, related 
to the TFCF businesses that have been or will be divested (see the Assets Disposed, to be Disposed and Discontinued 
Operations section below). 

These pro forma results do not represent financial results that would have been realized had the acquisition actually 

occurred on October 1, 2017, nor are they intended to be a projection of future results.

Assets Disposed, to be Disposed and Discontinued Operations

In order to obtain regulatory approval for the acquisition of TFCF the Company agreed to sell the RSNs and sports media 

operations in Brazil and Mexico, and the Company agreed to divest its interest in certain European cable channels that were 
controlled by A+E. The Company divested its interest in certain European cable channels controlled by A+E in April 2019 for 
an amount that was not material. The Company sold the RSNs in August 2019 for approximately $11 billion. The RSNs, the 
Brazil and Mexico sports media operations and certain other businesses to be divested are presented as discontinued operations 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 28, 2019, the assets and liabilities of the businesses held for sale 
are not material and are included in other assets and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

BAMTech

In fiscal 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 (paid in fiscal 2018). The acquisition 
increased our interest from 33% to 75%, and as a result, we began consolidating BAMTech during the fourth quarter of fiscal 
2017. The acquisition supports the Company’s launch of DTC services.

The acquisition date fair value of BAMTech (purchase price) of $3.9 billion represents the sum of (i) the $1.6 billion 
payment for the 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 25% noncontrolling interest.

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, the 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.

We allocated $3.5 billion of the purchase price 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.

BAMTech’s noncontrolling interest holders, MLB and the National Hockey League (NHL), have the right to sell their 
interest to the Company in the future. MLB can generally sell its interest to the Company starting five years from and ending 
ten years after the September 25, 2017 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 its interest to the Company in fiscal 2020 for $300 million or in 
fiscal 2021 for $350 million. Accordingly, these interests are recorded as “Redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the 
Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. In addition, ESPN’s noncontrolling interest holder has a 20% interest in BAMTech’s 
direct-to-consumer sports business.

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 2020 or 2021 for $500 million.

98

The acquisition date fair value of the noncontrolling interests was estimated at $1.1 billion, which was calculated using an 

option pricing model and generally reflected the net present value of the expected future redemption amount.

As a result of the MLB and NHL sale rights, the noncontrolling interests will generally not be allocated BAMTech losses. 

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 (i.e. in five years after the acquisition date) 
will be recorded using an interest method. As of September 28, 2019, the redeemable noncontrolling interest subject to 
accretion would have had a redemption amount of approximately $660 million if it were redeemed at that time. Adjustments to 
the carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests 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 revenues and costs of BAMTech included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for fiscal 2018 were 

approximately $0.3 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively.

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 are as 

follows:

Media
Networks

Parks and
Resorts

Studio
Entertainment

Consumer
Products & 
Interactive 
Media

Parks, 
Experiences 
and
Products

Direct-to-
Consumer &
International

Unallocated

Total

Balance at Sept. 30, 2017

$

16,325

$

291

$

6,817

$

4,393

$

— $

— $

3,600

$

31,426

Acquisitions

Dispositions
Other, net(1) 
Segment recast(2)

Balance at Sept. 29, 2018
Acquisitions(3)

Dispositions

Other, net

—

—

3,063

(3,399)

—

—

—

(291)

—

—

347

(70)

—

—

33

(4,426)

$

15,989

$

— $

7,094

$

— $

17,434

—

—

—

—

—

10,711

—

(8)

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,487

4,487

1,048

—

—

—

—

—

$

3,699

3,699

19,892

—

(53)

—

—

(3,600)

—

—

—

(157)

—

$

— $

31,269

—

—

—

49,085

—

(61)

Balance at Sept. 28, 2019

$

33,423

$

— $

17,797

$

— $

5,535

$

23,538

$

— $

80,293

(1) Primarily represents the allocation of BAMTech goodwill to the segments based on the final purchase price allocation
and also includes the impact of updates to our initial estimated fair value of intangible assets related to BAMTech.
(2) Represents the reallocation of goodwill as a result of the Company recasting its segments as a result of a strategic

reorganization during fiscal 2018.

(3) Represents the acquisition of TFCF and consolidation of Hulu.

5  Other Income

Other income, net is as follows: 

2019

2018

2017

Hulu Gain (see Note 4)

$

4,794

$

Charge for the extinguishment of a portion of the debt originally

assumed in the TFCF acquisition

Insurance recoveries (settlements) related to legal matters

Gain on sale of real estate, property rights and other

Gain related to the acquisition of BAMTech (see Note 4)

(511)

46

28

—

Other income, net

$

4,357

$

—

—

38

560

3

601

$

$

—

—

(177)
—

255

78

99

6 

Investments

Investments consist of the following: 

Investments, equity basis

Investments, other

Investments, Equity Basis

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

2,922

302

3,224

$

$

2,768

131

2,899

The Company’s significant equity investments primarily consist of media investments and include A + E (50% 
ownership), CTV Specialty Television, Inc. (30% ownership), Endemol Shine Group (50% ownership), Seven TV (20% 
ownership) and Tata Sky Limited (30% ownership).

A summary of combined financial information for equity investments is as follows: 

Results of Operations:

Revenues

Net income

Balance Sheet

Current assets

Non-current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Redeemable preferred stock

Shareholders’ equity

2019

2018

2017

$

9,405

133

$

9,085

(152)

$

8,122

857

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

September 30,
2017

$

$

$

$

3,350

9,666

13,016

2,182

5,452

—

5,382

13,016

$

$

$

$

4,542

9,998

14,540

3,197

4,840

1,362

5,141

14,540

$

$

$

$

4,623

10,047

14,670

2,852

5,056

1,123

5,639

14,670

As of September 28, 2019, 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 $1.2 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, $0.8 billion and $0.5 billion 
in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company defers a portion of its profits from transactions with investees. The 
profits are recognized as the investees expense the programming rights. The portion that is deferred reflects our ownership 
interest in the investee.

Investments, Other

As of September 28, 2019, the Company held $290 million of non-publicly traded securities without a readily 

determinable fair value. Securities held at fair value at September 28, 2019 were not material. Non-publicly traded securities 
and securities held at fair value at September 29, 2018 were not material. 

In fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, realized gains, unrealized gains and losses and impairments on securities were not 

material.

Gains and losses on securities are reported in “Interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

100

7 

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. In addition, the Company has 
100% ownership of Disneyland Paris. 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: 

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total current assets

Parks, resorts and other property

Other assets

Total assets (1)

Current liabilities

Borrowings - long-term

Other long-term liabilities
Total liabilities (1)

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

$

$

1,025

346

1,371

8,674

91

10,136

683

1,114

366

2,163

$

$

$

$

834

400

1,234

8,973

103

10,310

921

1,106

382

2,409

(1)  The total assets of the Asia Theme Parks was $7 billion at September 28, 2019 and $8 billion at September 29, 2018

including parks, resorts and other property of $7 billion at both September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018. The total
liabilities of the Asia Theme Parks were $2 billion at both September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018.

The following table summarizes the International Theme Parks’ revenues and costs and expenses included in the 

Company’s consolidated statement of income for fiscal 2019:

Revenues

Costs and expenses

Equity in the loss of investees

$

3,859
(3,655)
(13)

Asia Theme Parks’ royalty and management fees of $174 million for fiscal 2019 are eliminated in consolidation but are 

considered in calculating earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.

International Theme Parks’ cash flows included in the Company’s fiscal 2019 consolidated statement of cash flows were 

$1.1 billion generated from operating activities, $878 million used in investing activities and $26 million generated in financing 
activities. Approximately two-thirds of cash flows generated from operating activities and used in investing activities related to 
the Asia Theme Parks.

Disneyland Paris

During fiscal 2017, the Company acquired the outstanding 19% interest in Disneyland Paris for $250 million of cash and 

1.36 million of the Company’s common shares, valued at $150 million.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort 

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Company have a 53% and a 47% 

equity interest in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, respectively. 

The Company and HKSAR have both provided loans to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with outstanding balances of 

$144 million and $96 million, respectively. The interest rate is three month HIBOR plus 2%, and the maturity date is 
September 2025. The Company’s loan is eliminated in consolidation.

101

The Company has provided Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with a revolving credit facility of 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 28, 2019.

Hong Kong Disneyland is undergoing a multi-year expansion estimated to cost HK $10.9 billion ($1.4 billion). The 
Company and HKSAR have agreed to fund the expansion on an equal basis through equity contributions, which totaled $160 
million and $144 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, 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 6 percentage points over a period no 
shorter than 13 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.

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, operates 
Shanghai Disney Resort. 

The Company has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with loans totaling $830 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 $118 million 
due from Shanghai Disney Resort primarily related to royalties. 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 28, 
2019. These balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with loans totaling 7.3 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 $196 million) line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is no outstanding 
balance under the line of credit at September 28, 2019. 

8  Film and Television Costs and Advances

Film and television costs and advances are as follows: 

Theatrical film costs

Released, less amortization

Completed, not released

In-process

In development or pre-production

Television costs

Released, less amortization

Completed, not released

In-process

In development or pre-production

Television programming rights and advances

Less current portion

Non-current portion

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

4,447

863

3,943

301

9,554

7,717

1,085

1,849

99

10,750

7,103
27,407

4,597

22,810

$

$

1,911

397

2,974

173

5,455

1,301

462

420

2

2,185

1,562
9,202

1,314

7,888

Based on the Company’s total gross revenue estimates as of September 28, 2019, approximately 80% of unamortized film 
and television costs for released productions (excluding amounts allocated to acquired film and television libraries and amounts 
102

that will be contractually recovered from production participants) are expected to be amortized during the next three years. 
Approximately $2.6 billion of accrued participation and residual liabilities will be paid in fiscal 2020. The Company expects to 
amortize, based on current estimates, approximately $4.3 billion in capitalized completed film and television production costs 
during fiscal 2020.

At September 28, 2019, acquired film and television libraries have remaining unamortized costs of $3.6 billion, which are 

generally being amortized straight-line over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 19 years.

9  Borrowings

The Company’s borrowings, including the impact of interest rate and cross-currency swaps, are summarized as follows:

Commercial paper
U.S. dollar denominated notes (4)
Foreign currency denominated debt
Other (5)

Asia Theme Parks borrowings

Total borrowings

Less current portion

$

Sept. 28,
2019
5,342
39,424
1,044

62

45,872

1,114

46,986

8,857

$

Sept. 29,
2018
1,005
18,045
955
(276)
19,729

1,145

20,874

3,790

Stated
Interest
Rate (1)
—
3.97%
3.18%

3.49%

1.81%

3.44%

2.62%

Total long-term borrowings

$ 38,129

$ 17,084

$

September 28, 2019

Pay Floating 
Interest rate 
and Cross-
Currency 
Swaps (2)
—
$
9,000
940

Swap
Maturities

Effective
Interest
Rate (3)
2.19%
3.37% 2020-2029
2025
3.23%

—

9,940

—

9,940

1,125

8,815

3.23%

5.51%

3.28%

2.59%

(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 28, 2019; 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 28, 2019.
(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 discounts, costs and purchase accounting adjustments totaling a net premium of $2.5 billion

and a net cost of $121 million at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, respectively.

(5)  Includes market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges, which increase borrowings by $31 million and

reduce borrowings by $304 million at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, respectively.

Commercial Paper

The Company has bank facilities with a syndicate of lenders to support commercial paper borrowings as follows:

Facility expiring March 2020

Facility expiring March 2021

Facility expiring March 2023

Total

Committed
Capacity

Capacity
Used

Unused
Capacity

$

$

6,000

2,250

4,000

12,250

$

$

—

—

—

—

$

$

6,000

2,250

4,000

12,250

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 0.18% to 1.63%. The facilities 
specifically exclude certain entities, including the Asia 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 28, 2019 by a 
significant margin. The Company also has the ability to issue up to $500 million of letters of credit under the facility expiring 
in March 2023, which if utilized, reduces available borrowings under this facility. As of September 28, 2019, the Company has 

103

$1.2 billion of outstanding letters of credit, of which none were issued under this facility. Outstanding letters of credit include 
letters of credit assumed in the acquisition of TFCF primarily in support of international sports programming rights.

Commercial paper activity is as follows:

Balance at Sept. 30, 2017

Additions
Payments
Other Activity

Balance at Sept. 29, 2018

Additions
Payments
Other Activity

Balance at Sept. 28, 2019

Commercial 
paper with 
original 
maturities less 
than three 
months, net (1)
1,151
$
—
(1,099)
(2)
50
1,881
—
3
1,934

$

$

Commercial
paper with
original
maturities
greater than
three months
1,621
8,079
(8,748)
3
955
6,889
(4,452)
16
3,408

$

$

$

Total

2,772
8,079
(9,847)
1
1,005
8,770
(4,452)
19
5,342

$

$

$

(1) Borrowings and reductions of borrowings are reported net.

U.S. Dollar Denominated Notes

At September 28, 2019, the Company had $39.4 billion of U.S. dollar denominated notes with maturities ranging from 1 

to 77 years. The debt outstanding includes $37.0 billion of fixed rate notes, which have stated interest rates that range from 
1.65% to 9.50% and $2.4 billion of floating rate notes that bear interest at U.S. LIBOR plus or minus a spread. At 
September 28, 2019, the effective rate on the floating rate notes was 2.48%.

On March 20, 2019, the Company assumed public debt with a fair value of $21.2 billion (principal balance of $17.4 
billion) upon completion of the TFCF acquisition. On March 20, 2019, 96% (principal balance of $16.8 billion) of the assumed 
debt was exchanged for senior notes of TWDC, with essentially the same terms. In September 2019, the Company repurchased 
previously exchanged debt with a carrying value of approximately $3.5 billion (principal balance of approximately $2.7 billion) 
and TFCF debt with a carrying value of approximately $280 million (principal balance of approximately $260 million) for $4.3 
billion and recognized a charge of $511 million in “Other income, net” in the fiscal 2019 Consolidated Statement of Income. In 
October 2019, the Company made an offer to holders of the remaining outstanding debt exchanged for senior notes of TWDC 
with a carrying value of $17.4 billion (principal balance of $14.1 billion) to exchange those notes for registered senior notes 
under the Securities Act of 1933.

Foreign Currency Denominated Debt

In fiscal 2018, the Company issued Canadian $1.3 billion ($940 million) of fixed rate senior notes, which bears interest at 

2.76% and matures in October 2024. The Company also entered into pay-floating interest rate and cross currency swaps that 
effectively convert the borrowing to a variable rate U.S. dollar denominated borrowing indexed to LIBOR. 

On March 20, 2019, upon the completion of the TFCF acquisition, the Company assumed a term loan and unsecured 

credit facilities with outstanding balances totaling INR 7.4 billion ($104 million) and weighted-average stated interest rate of 
approximately 7.00%. 

RSN Debt

On March 20, 2019, as part of the TFCF acquisition, the Company assumed $1.1 billion of debt related to one of the 

RSNs. In August 2019, the RSN was sold and the buyer has assumed the outstanding debt obligation.

Credit Facilities to Acquire TFCF

On March 20, 2019, the Company borrowed $31.1 billion under two 364-day unsecured bridge loan facilities with a bank 

syndicate to fund the cash component of the TFCF acquisition. On March 21, 2019, the Company repaid one bridge loan 
facility in the amount of $16.1 billion, utilizing cash acquired in the TFCF transaction, and terminated the facility. The 
remaining 364-day unsecured bridge loan facility in the amount of $15.0 billion was repaid and terminated during the fourth 
quarter using the after-tax proceeds from the divestiture of the RSNs and proceeds from new borrowings.

104

Cruise Ship Credit Facilities 

The Company has credit facilities to finance three new cruise ships, which are expected to be delivered in 2021, 2022 and 
2023. The financings 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, $1.1 billion is available beginning in May 2022 and $1.1 billion is available 
beginning in April 2023. If utilized, the interest rates will be fixed at 3.48%, 3.72% and 3.74%, respectively, and the loan and 
interest will be payable semi-annually over a 12-year period from the borrowing date. Early repayment is permitted subject to 
cancellation fees.

Asia Theme Parks Borrowings

HKSAR provided Hong Kong Disneyland Resort with loans totaling HK$0.8 billion ($96 million). The interest rate is 

three month HIBOR plus 2%, and the maturity date is September 2025.

Shendi has provided Shanghai Disney Resort with loans totaling 7.3 billion yuan (approximately $1.0 billion) bearing 

interest at rates that increase to 8% and maturing in 2036, with early repayment permitted. Shendi has also provided Shanghai 
Disney Resort with a 1.4 billion yuan (approximately $196 million) line of credit bearing interest at 8%. There is no 
outstanding balance under the line of credit at September 28, 2019.

Total borrowings, excluding market value adjustments and debt issuance premiums, discounts and costs, have the 

following scheduled maturities:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter

Before 
Asia
Theme Parks
Consolidation
8,878
$
3,513
3,858
1,242
2,870
23,003
43,364

$

Asia 
Theme Parks
—
—
10
24
28
1,052
1,114

$

$

Total

8,878
3,513
3,868
1,266
2,898
24,055
44,478

$

$

The Company capitalizes interest on assets constructed for its parks and resorts and on certain film and television 

productions. In fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, total interest capitalized was $222 million, $125 million and $87 million, 
respectively. Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $1,246 million, $682 million and 
$507 million, respectively.

10  Income Taxes
U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In December 2017, new federal income tax legislation, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (Tax Act), was signed into law. The 

most significant impacts on the Company are as follows: 

• Effective January 1, 2018, the U.S. corporate federal statutory income tax rate was reduced from 35.0% to 21.0%.

Because of our fiscal year end, the Company’s fiscal 2018 statutory federal tax rate was 24.5% and is 21.0% in fiscal
2019 and thereafter.

• The Company remeasured its U.S. federal deferred tax assets and liabilities at the rate that the Company expects to be

in effect when those deferred taxes will be realized (either 24.5% for fiscal 2018 or 21.0% thereafter) (Deferred
Remeasurement). The Company recognized a benefit of approximately $2.2 billion from the Deferred
Remeasurement, the majority of which was recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

• A one-time tax is due on certain accumulated foreign earnings (Deemed Repatriation Tax), which is payable over

eight years. The effective tax rate is generally 15.5% on the portion of the earnings held in cash and cash equivalents
and 8% on the remainder. The Company recognized a charge for the Deemed Repatriation Tax of approximately $0.4
billion, the majority of which was recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Generally there will no longer be a
U.S. federal income tax cost arising from the repatriation of foreign earnings.

• The Company will generally be eligible to claim an immediate deduction for investments in qualified fixed assets

acquired and film and television productions commenced after September 27, 2017 and placed in service by the end
of fiscal 2022. The immediate deduction phases out for assets placed in service in fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

105

• The domestic production activity deduction is eliminated in fiscal 2019 and thereafter.

• Starting in fiscal 2019, certain foreign derived income is taxed in the U.S. at an effective rate of approximately 13%

(which increases to approximately 16% in 2025) rather than the general statutory rate of 21%.

• Starting in fiscal 2019, certain foreign earnings are taxed at a minimum effective rate of approximately 13%, which
increases to approximately 16% in 2025. The Company’s policy is to expense the tax on these earnings in the period
the earnings are taxable in the U.S.

Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted new FASB accounting guidance that requires recognition of the 

income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset (other than inventory) when the transfer occurs instead of when 
the asset is ultimately sold to an outside party. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a $0.2 billion deferred tax asset with an 
offsetting increase to retained earnings in fiscal 2019.

Provision for Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Income Before Income Taxes
Domestic (including U.S. exports)

Foreign subsidiaries
Total income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations

Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)
Current

Federal
State
Foreign (1)

Deferred
Federal (2)
State
Foreign

Income tax expense from continuing operations
Income tax expense from discontinued operations

(1) Includes foreign withholding taxes
(2) Includes the Tax Act Deferred Remeasurement in fiscal 2018

2019

2018

2017

$

$

$

$

12,389

1,555
13,944

706

14,650

14
112
824
950

1,829
259
(7)
2,081
3,031
35
3,066

$

$

$

$

12,914

1,815
14,729

—

14,729

2,240
362
642
3,244

(1,577)
(20)
16
(1,581)
1,663
—
1,663

$

$

$

$

12,611

1,177
13,788

—

13,788

3,229
360
489
4,078

370
5
(31)
344
4,422
—
4,422

106

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets

Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards

Accrued liabilities

Other

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Depreciable, amortizable and other property

Investment in U.S. entities

Licensing revenues

Investment in foreign entities

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liability before valuation allowance
Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax liability

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

(2,181)
(2,598)
(540)
(5,319)

7,647

2,258

573

146

212

10,836

5,517
1,975
7,492

$

$

(1,437)
(1,214)
(328)
(2,979)

3,678

189

265

351

88

4,571

1,592
1,383
2,975

The increase of $0.6 billion in the valuation allowance relates to acquired TFCF deferred tax assets. As of both 

September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, the valuation allowance includes approximately $1 billion related to deferred tax 
assets for International Theme Park net operating losses primarily in France and, to a lesser extent, Hong Kong and China. 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. 

A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate to the federal rate for continuing operations is as follows: 

Federal income tax rate
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Foreign derived income
Domestic production activity deduction
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory

U.S. federal rate

Tax Act(1)
Other, including tax reserves and related interest

2019

2018

2017

21.0 %
2.2
(1.1)
—

0.1
(0.3)
(0.2)
21.7 %

24.5 %
1.9
—
(1.4)

(1.1)
(11.5)
(1.1)
11.3 %

35.0 %
1.7
—
(2.1)

(1.6)
—
(0.9)
32.1 %

(1) Reflects the impact from the Deferred Remeasurement, net of the Deemed Repatriation Tax

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the related accrual for

interest, is as follows: 

Balance at the beginning of the year

Increases due to business acquisitions
Increases for current year tax positions
Increases for prior year tax positions
Decreases in prior year tax positions
Settlements with taxing authorities

Balance at the end of the year

2019

2018

2017

$

$

648
2,728
84
143
(61)
(590)
2,952

$

$

832
—
64
48
(135)
(161)
648

$

$

844
—
61
13
(55)
(31)
832

The fiscal year-end 2019, 2018 and 2017 balances include $2.4 billion, $469 million and $444 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.

107

At September 28, 2019, September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company had $965 million, $181 million and 
$234 million, respectively, in accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 
2017, the Company recorded additional interest and penalties of $802 million (of which $731 million is due to the acquisition 
of TFCF), $47 million and $43 million, respectively, and recorded reductions in accrued interest and penalties of $96 million, 
$100 million and $30 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 2017 for The Walt Disney Company and 

for years prior to 2014 for TFCF. The Company 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 $187 million.

In fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized income tax benefits of $41 million, $52 million and $125 
million, respectively for the excess of equity-based compensation deductions over amounts recorded based on grant date fair 
value.

11  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 has defined benefit pension plans that 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.

 In addition, the Company has a defined benefit plan for TFCF employees for which benefits stopped accruing in June 

2017.

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.

In connection with our acquisition of TFCF, we assumed net pension and postretirement obligations of $237 million 

($824 million in obligations and $587 million in plan assets).

108

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: 

Projected benefit obligations

Beginning obligations
Acquisition of TFCF
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (loss)/gain (1)
Plan amendments and other
Benefits paid
Curtailments
Ending obligations

Fair value of plans’ assets
Beginning fair value
Acquisition of TFCF
Actual return on plan assets
Contributions
Benefits paid
Expenses and other
Ending fair value

Underfunded status of the plans
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet

Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Pension Plans

Postretirement Medical Plans

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(14,500)
(759)
(345)
(592)
(2,923)
32
534
22
(18,531)

12,728
587
690
1,461
(534)
(54)
14,878

(3,653)

5
(54)
(3,604)
(3,653)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(14,532)
—
(350)
(489)
416
(12)
467
—
(14,500)

12,325
—
579
335
(467)
(44)
12,728

(1,772)

113
(51)
(1,834)
(1,772)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1,609)
(65)
(8)
(67)
(234)
(11)
48
—
(1,946)

731
—
33
37
(48)
9
762

(1,184)

—
(5)
(1,179)
(1,184)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1,746)
—
(10)
(60)
166
(10)
51
—
(1,609)

696
—
34
45
(51)
7
731

(878)

—
—
(878)
(878)

(1) The actuarial loss for fiscal 2019 and the actuarial gain for fiscal 2018 were due to the change in the discount rate from

the rate that was used in the preceding fiscal year.

The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

Pension Plans
2018

2019

2017

Postretirement Medical Plans
2018

2019

2017

Service cost

Other costs (benefits):

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of prior-year service
costs
Recognized net actuarial loss

Total other costs (benefits)
Net periodic benefit cost

$

345

$

350

$

368

$

8

$

10

$

11

592

(978)

13

260

(113)

$

232

$

489
(901)

13

348
(51)
299

$

447
(874)

12

405
(10)
358

$

67
(56)

—

—

11

19

$

60
(53)

—

14

21

31

$

56
(49)

—

17

24

35

In fiscal 2019, the Company adopted new FASB accounting guidance on the presentation of the components of net 
periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (“net periodic benefit cost”). This guidance requires the Company to present 
the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same line items on the statement of operations as other 
compensation costs of the related employees (i.e. “Costs and expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income). All of the 

109

other components of net periodic benefit cost (“other costs/benefits”) are presented as a component of “Interest expense, net” in 
the Consolidated Statements of Income. The other costs/benefits in fiscal 2018 and 2017 were not material and are reported in 
Costs and expenses.

In fiscal 2020, we expect pension and postretirement medical costs to increase by $159 million to $410 million due to the 

impact of a lower discount rate.

Key assumptions are as follows:

Discount rate used to determine the

Discount rate used to determine the
interest cost component of net
periodic benefit cost

Rate of return on plan assets

Weighted average rate of compensation
increase to determine the fiscal

Year 1 increase in cost of benefits

Rate of increase to which the cost of

benefits is assumed to decline (the
ultimate trend rate)

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate

trend rate

Pension Plans

Postretirement Medical Plans

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

3.22%

4.31%

3.88%

3.22%

4.31%

3.88%

4.09%

7.25%

3.20%

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.46%

7.50%

3.20%
n/a

n/a

n/a

3.18%

7.50%

2.90%
n/a

n/a

n/a

4.10%

7.25%

n/a
7.00%

3.49%

7.50%

n/a
7.00%

3.18%

7.50%

n/a
7.00%

4.25%

4.25%

4.25%

2033

2032

2031

AOCI, before tax, as of September 28, 2019 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net 

periodic benefit cost:

Prior service cost

Net actuarial loss

Total amounts included in AOCI

Prepaid / (accrued) pension cost

Net balance sheet liability

Plan Funded Status

Pension Plans
(41)
(7,156)
(7,197)
3,544
(3,653)

$

$

Postretirement
Medical Plans

$

$

—
(294)
(294)
(890)
(1,184)

Total

(41)
(7,450)
(7,491)
2,654
(4,837)

$

$

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 $17.5 billion, $16.1 billion and $13.9 billion, respectively, as 
of September 28, 2019 and $1.1 billion, $1.0 billion and $3 million, respectively, as of September 29, 2018.

For pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation and 

aggregate fair value of plan assets were $18.5 billion and $14.8 billion, respectively, as of September 28, 2019 and $12.0 
billion and $10.1 billion respectively, as of September 29, 2018.

The Company’s total accumulated pension benefit obligations at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 were $17.0 

billion and $13.3 billion, respectively. Approximately 98% and 99% was vested as of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 
2018, respectively.

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 $1.9 billion and $0.8 billion, 
respectively, at September 28, 2019 and $1.6 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively, at September 29, 2018.

110

Plan Assets

A significant portion of the assets of the Company’s defined benefit plans are managed in third-party master trusts. The 

investment policy and allocation of the assets in the master trusts 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

Equity investments

Fixed income investments

Alternative investments

Cash & money market funds

Minimum

Maximum

30%

20%

10%

0%

60%

40%

30%

10%

The primary investment objective for the assets within the master trusts 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 trusts 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 trusts 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

Investments that are valued using the net asset value (NAV) (or its equivalent) practical expedient are excluded from the 

fair value hierarchy disclosure. 

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets reported at fair value. The methodologies 

used at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 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.

111

1 %

22 %

7 %

16 %

4 %

1 %

— %

24 %

17 %

8 %

The Company’s defined benefit plan assets are summarized by level in the following tables:

Description

Level 1

Level 2

Total

Plan Asset Mix

As of September 28, 2019

Cash
Common and preferred stocks(1)
Mutual funds

Government and federal agency bonds, notes

and MBS

Corporate bonds

Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities

Derivatives and other, net

$

197

$

— $

3,468

1,140

2,042

—

—
(6)

—

—

404

580

127
(21)

197

3,468

1,140

2,446

580

127
(27)

Total investments in the fair value hierarchy

$

6,841

$

1,090

$

7,931

Assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient:

Common collective funds

Alternative investments

Money market funds and other

Total investments at fair value

3,691

2,725

1,293

$

15,640

100 %

As of September 29, 2018

Description

Level 1

Level 2

Total

Plan Asset Mix

Cash
Common and preferred stocks(1)
Mutual funds

Government and federal agency bonds, notes

and MBS

Corporate bonds

Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities

Derivatives and other, net

$

57

$

— $

3,023

800

2,019

—

—

3

—

—

488

573

86
(1)

57

3,023

800

2,507

573

86

2

Total investments in the fair value hierarchy

$

5,902

$

1,146

$

7,048

Assets valued at NAV as a practical expedient:

Common collective funds

Alternative investments

Money market funds and other

Total investments at fair value

2,778

2,363

1,270

$

13,459

—%

22%

6%

19%

4%

1%

—%

21%

18%

9%

100%

(1)  Includes 2.9 million shares of Company common stock valued at $373 million (2% of total plan assets) and 2.8
million shares valued at $332 million (2% of total plan assets) at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018,
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 28, 2019, the total committed capital still uncalled and unpaid was $1.0 billion.

Plan Contributions

During fiscal 2019, the Company made $1.5 billion of contributions to its pension and postretirement medical plans. The 

Company currently expects to make approximately $600 million to $675 million of pension and postretirement medical plan 

112

contributions in fiscal 2020. Final minimum funding requirements for fiscal 2020 will be determined based on a January 1, 
2020 funding actuarial valuation, which is expected to be received during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following table presents estimated future benefit payments for the next ten fiscal years: 

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 – 2029

$

Pension
Plans

626
609
647
687
727
4,223

Postretirement
Medical Plans(1)
58
$
61
67
71
75
433

(1)  Estimated future benefit payments are net of expected Medicare subsidy receipts of $84 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
Debt Securities
Alternative Investments

7% to
3% to
7% to

11%
5%
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 2019 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 discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan 
assets would have the following effects on the projected benefit obligations for pension and postretirement medical plans as of 
September 28, 2019 and on cost for fiscal 2020: 

Increase/(decrease)
1 ppt decrease
1 ppt increase

Expected Long-Term
Rate of Return On Assets

Benefit
Expense

157
(157)

Discount Rate

Benefit
Expense

Projected Benefit
Obligations

$

313
(273)

$

3,566
(3,001)

$

113

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 a participating employer chooses to stop participating in these multiemployer plans, the employer 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: 

Pension plans
Health & welfare plans
Total contributions

Defined Contribution Plans

2019

2018

2017

$

$

189
218
407

$

$

144
172
316

$

$

127
160
287

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 2019, 2018 and 2017, the costs of these defined contribution plans were $208 million, 
$162 million and $143 million, respectively. The Company also has defined contribution retirement plans for employees in our 
international operations. The costs of these defined contribution plans were $25 million, $21 million and $20 million in fiscal 
years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

12  Equity

The Company paid the following dividends in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017:

Per Share

$0.88

$0.88

$0.84

$0.84

$0.78

$0.78

Total Paid

$1.6 billion

$1.3 billion

$1.2 billion

$1.3 billion

$1.2 billion

$1.2 billion

Payment Timing

Related to Fiscal Period

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2019

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2019

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2018

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2018

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017

Second Quarter of Fiscal 2017

First Half 2019

Second Half 2018

First Half 2018

Second Half 2017

First Half 2017

Second Half 2016

As a result of the acquisition of TFCF, TWDC became the parent entity of both TFCF and TWDC Enterprises 18 Corp. 
(formerly known as The Walt Disney Company and referred to herein as Legacy Disney). TWDC issued 307 million shares of 
common stock to acquire TFCF (see Note 4), and all the outstanding shares of Legacy Disney (other than shares of Legacy 
Disney held in treasury that were not held on behalf of a third party) were converted on a one-for-one basis into new publicly 
traded shares of TWDC.

In March 2019, Legacy Disney terminated its share repurchase program, and 1.4 billion treasury shares were canceled, 

which resulted in a decrease to common stock and retained earnings of $17.6 billion and $49.1 billion, respectively. The cost of 
treasury shares canceled was allocated to common stock based on the ratio of treasury shares to total shares outstanding, with 
the excess allocated to retained earnings. At September 28, 2019, TWDC held 19 million treasury shares. 

114

TWDC’s authorized share capital consists of 4.6 billion common shares at $0.01 par value and 100 million preferred 

shares at $0.01 par value, both of which represent the same authorized capital structure in effect prior to the completion of the 
TFCF acquisition and as of September 29, 2018. As of September 29, 2018, Legacy Disney had 40 thousand preferred series B 
shares authorized with $0.01 par value, which were eliminated in fiscal 2019.

The Company repurchased its common stock as follows:

Fiscal Year

2018

2017

Shares acquired

35 million

89 million

Total paid

$3.6 billion

$9.4 billion

The following table summarizes the changes in each component of AOCI including our proportional share of equity 

method investee amounts: 

Market Value Adjustments

Investments

Cash Flow
Hedges

Unrecognized
Pension and 
Postretirement
Medical 
Expense

Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other

AOCI

$

$

$

AOCI, before tax

Balance at October 1, 2016

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of realized net
(gains) losses to net income

Balance at September 30, 2017

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of net (gains)

losses to net income

Balance at September 29, 2018
Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of net (gains)

losses to net income

Reclassifications to retained

earnings

Balance at September 28, 2019

$

44

$

(38)

$

(5,859)

$

(521)

$

(6,374)

(2)

(27)

15

9

—
24

—

—

$

$

(24)
—

$

124

(194)
(108)

250

35
177

136

(185)

1
129

$

$

$

521

432
(4,906)

203

380
(4,323)

(3,457)

278

—
(7,502)

$

$

$

(2)

—
(523)

(204)

—
(727)

(359)

—

—
(1,086)

$

$

$

641

211
(5,522)

258

415
(4,849)

(3,680)

93

(23)
(8,459)

115

Market Value Adjustments

Investments

Cash Flow
Hedges

Unrecognized
Pension and 
Postretirement
Medical 
Expense

Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other

AOCI

(18)

$

13

$

2,208

$

192

$

2,395

1

10

(7)

(2)

—

(9)

(2)

—

9
(2)

$

$

$

(39)

72

46

(66)

(12)
(32)

(29)

43

(9)
(27)

$

$

$

(209)

(160)
1,839

(47)

(102)
1,690

797

(64)

(667)
1,756

$

$

$

(76)

—

116

(13)

—

103

28

—

(16)
115

$

$

$

(323)

(78)
1,994

(128)

(114)
1,752

794

(21)

(683)
1,842

Market Value Adjustments

Investments

Cash Flow
Hedges

Unrecognized
Pension and 
Postretirement
Medical 
Expense

Foreign
Currency
Translation
and Other

AOCI

26

$

(25)

$

(3,651)

$

(329)

$

(3,979)

(1)

(17)

8

7

—

15

(2)

—

(15)
(2)

$

$

$

85

(122)
(62)

184

23

145

107

(142)

(8)
102

$

$

$

312

272
(3,067)

156

278
(2,633)

(2,660)

214

(667)
(5,746)

$

$

$

(78)

—
(407)

(217)

—
(624)

(331)

—

(16)
(971)

$

$

$

318

133
(3,528)

130

301
(3,097)

(2,886)

72

(706)
(6,617)

$

$

$

Tax on AOCI

Balance at October 1, 2016

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of realized net
(gains) losses to net income

Balance at September 30, 2017

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of net (gains)

losses to net income

Balance at September 29, 2018

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of net (gains)

losses to net income

Reclassifications to retained

earnings

Balance at September 28, 2019

$

$

$

$

AOCI, after tax

Balance at October 1, 2016

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of realized net
(gains) losses to net income

Balance at September 30, 2017

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of net (gains)

losses to net income

Balance at September 29, 2018

Unrealized gains (losses) arising

during the period

Reclassifications of net (gains)

losses to net income

Reclassifications to retained 

earnings (1)

Balance at September 28, 2019

$

(1) At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted new FASB accounting guidance, Reclassification of Certain
Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, and reclassified $691 million from AOCI to retained
earnings. In addition, at the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted new FASB accounting guidance,
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, and reclassified $24 million ($15 million after tax)
of market value adjustments on investments previously recorded in AOCI to retained earnings.

116

Details about AOCI components reclassified to net income are as follows:

Gains/(losses) in net income:
Investments, net
Estimated tax

Affected line item in the Consolidated

Statements of Income:

2019

2018

2017

Interest expense, net
Income taxes

$

— $
—
—

— $
—
—

Cash flow hedges
Estimated tax

Primarily revenue
Income taxes

Pension and postretirement medical

expense

Estimated tax

Cost and expenses
Interest expense, net
Income taxes

185
(43)
142

—
(278)
64
(214)

(35)
12
(23)

(380)
—
102
(278)

27
(10)
17

194
(72)
122

(432)
—
160
(272)

Total reclassifications for the period

$

(72)

$

(301)

$

(133)

13  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 
generally 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 28, 2019, 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 72 million shares and the number available 
for issuance assuming all awards are in the form of RSUs was approximately 34 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, generally 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.

117

The weighted average assumptions used in the option-valuation model were as follows:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Termination rate
Exercise multiple

2019

2018

2017

2.8%
23%
1.61%
4.8%
1.75

2.4%
23%
1.57%
4.8%
1.75

2.6%
22%
1.58%
4.0%
1.62

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.

Compensation expense related to stock options and RSUs is as follows: 

Stock option
RSUs (1)
Total equity-based compensation expense (2)
Tax impact
Reduction in net income

Equity-based compensation expense capitalized during the period

2019

2018

2017

$

$

$

84
627

711
(161)
550

81

$

$

$

87
306
393
(99)
294

70

$

$

$

90
274
364
(123)
241

78

(1)  Includes TFCF Performance RSUs converted to Company RSUs in connection with the TFCF acquisition (see Note
4). In fiscal 2019, the Company recognized $307 million of equity based compensation in connection with the TFCF
acquisition.

(2)  Equity-based compensation expense is net of capitalized equity-based compensation and estimated forfeitures and

excludes amortization of previously capitalized equity-based compensation costs.

The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions (shares in millions): 

Outstanding at beginning of year

Awards forfeited

Awards granted

Awards exercised

Outstanding at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

2019

Weighted  
Average
Exercise Price

Shares

24
(1)
4
(4)
23

14

$

$

$

84.14

109.59

111.15

74.13

90.05

76.59

118

The following tables summarize information about stock options vested and expected to vest at September 28, 2019 

(shares in millions): 

Range of Exercise Prices

$

$

$

$

0 — $

51 — $

76 — $

101 — $

50

75

100

125

Range of Exercise Prices
110
105 — $
$
115
111 — $
$

Vested

Number of
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

3

4

3

4

14

$

39.71

61.34

91.87

109.71

Expected to Vest

Number of
Options (1)
2
7
9

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
105.34
$
111.25

Weighted 
Average
Remaining 
Years of 
Contractual 
Life

2.0

3.7

5.2

7.0

Weighted 
Average
Remaining 
Years of 
Contractual 
Life
7.3
8.5

(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): 

Unvested at beginning of year
Granted (1)
Vested
Forfeited
Other (2)
Unvested at end of year (3)(4)

2019

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date    
Fair Value
108.74
112.73
105.98
107.24
110.00
110.84

$

$

Units

9
4
(3)
(1)
3
12

(1) Includes 0.4 million Performance RSUs.
(2)  Reflects TFCF Performance RSUs replaced with Company RSUs in connection with the TFCF acquisition that

generally vest in three years.

(3) Includes 1.5 million Performance RSUs.
(4) Excludes Performance RSUs issued in September 2018, for which vesting is subject to service conditions and the

number of units vesting is subject to the discretion of the CEO. At September 28, 2019, the maximum number of these
Performance RSUs that could be issued upon vesting is 0.2 million.

The weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $28.76, $28.01 

and $25.65, respectively. The total intrinsic value (market value on date of exercise less exercise price) of options exercised and 
RSUs vested during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 totaled $646 million, $585 million and $757 million, respectively. The 
aggregate intrinsic values of stock options vested and expected to vest at September 28, 2019 were $728 million and $173 
million, respectively.

119

As of September 28, 2019, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and RSUs was $121 
million and $599 million, respectively. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years for 
stock options and 1.6 years for RSUs.

Cash received from option exercises for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $318 million, $210 million and $276 million, 

respectively. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with option exercises and RSUs vesting for fiscal 2019, 2018 
and 2017 was approximately $145 million, $160 million and $265 million, respectively.

14  Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts

Current receivables

Accounts receivable

Other

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Parks, resorts and other property

Attractions, buildings and improvements

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

Land improvements

Leasehold improvements

Accumulated depreciation

Projects in progress

Land

Intangible assets

Character/franchise intangibles, copyrights and trademarks

MVPD agreements

Other amortizable intangible assets

Accumulated amortization

Net amortizable intangible assets

Indefinite lived intangible assets

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

Accounts payable
Payroll and employee benefits
Other

Other long-term liabilities

Pension and postretirement medical plan liabilities
Other

120

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

12,882

2,894
(295)
15,481

29,509

21,265

6,649

1,166

58,589
(32,415)
4,264

1,165

31,603

10,577

9,900

4,291
(3,393)
21,375

1,840

23,215

13,778
3,010
974
17,762

4,783
8,977
13,760

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

8,268

1,258
(192)
9,334

28,995

19,400

5,911

932

55,238
(30,764)
3,942

1,124

29,540

5,829

—

1,213
(2,070)
4,972

1,840

6,812

6,503
2,189
787
9,479

2,712
3,878
6,590

15  Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments

The Company has various contractual commitments for broadcast rights for sports, feature films and other programming, 

totaling approximately $50.4 billion, including approximately $3.1 billion for available programming as of September 28, 
2019, and approximately $43.9 billion related to sports programming rights, primarily for college football (including bowl 
games and the College Football Playoff) and basketball, NBA, NFL, UFC, MLB, Cricket, US Open Tennis, Top Rank Boxing, 
the PGA Championship and various soccer rights.

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 2019, 2018 and 2017, including common-area maintenance and contingent 
rentals, was $1.1 billion, $0.9 billion and $0.9 billion, 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 $69.3 billion at September 28, 2019, payable as 
follows: 

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Thereafter

Broadcast
Programming

Operating
Leases

Other

Total

$

$

11,477

10,080

7,810

5,624

4,637

10,786

50,414

$

$

982

849

670

532

407

2,491

5,931

$

$

3,210

1,593

1,699

1,285

933

4,198

$

12,918

$

15,669

12,522

10,179

7,441

5,977

17,475

69,263

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 $376 million and $371 million at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, respectively. Accumulated 
amortization related to these capital leases totaled $170 million and $164 million at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 
2018, respectively. Future payments under these leases as of September 28, 2019 are as follows:

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Thereafter
Total minimum obligations

Less amount representing interest
Present value of net minimum obligations

Less current portion

Long-term portion

Legal Matters

$

$

19
20
19
17
16
458
549
(398)
151
(5)
146

The Company, together with, in some instances, certain of its directors and officers, is a defendant 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 those actions.

121

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, which mature in 2037. In the event of a debt service shortfall, the Company will be responsible to fund the shortfall. As 
of September 28, 2019, the remaining debt service obligation guaranteed by the Company was $285 million. To the extent that 
tax revenues exceed the debt service payments subsequent to the Company funding a shortfall, the Company would be 
reimbursed for any previously funded shortfalls. To date, tax revenues have exceeded the debt service payments for these 
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 film and 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 film and television program sales receivables recorded in other non-current assets, 
net of an immaterial allowance for credit losses, was $1.2 billion as of September 28, 2019. Fiscal 2019 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 $0.8 billion as of September 28, 2019. Fiscal 2019 activity related to the allowance 
for credit losses was not material.

16  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 11 for definitions of fair value measures and the Levels within the fair value hierarchy. 

Description

Level 1 

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair Value Measurement at September 28, 2019

Assets

Investments
Derivatives

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Other
Liabilities

Derivatives

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Other

Total recorded at fair value

Fair value of borrowings

$

$

$

13

—
—
—

—
—
—
13

—

$

—

$

89
771
1

(93)
(544)
(4)
220

48,709

$

$

$

$

—

—
—
—

—
—
—
—

1,249

$

$

$

13

89
771
1

(93)
(544)
(4)
233

49,958

122

Description

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair Value Measurement at September 29, 2018

Assets

Investments
Derivatives

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Other
Liabilities

Derivatives

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Total recorded at fair value

Fair value of borrowings

$

$

$

38

—
—
—

—
—
38

—

$

—

$

—
469
15

(410)
(274)
(200)

19,826

$

$

$

$

—

—
—
—

—
—
—

1,171

$

$

$

38

—
469
15

(410)
(274)
(162)

20,997

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. and European notes and certain foreign currency 

denominated borrowings, are valued based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or identical instruments in 
markets that are not active.

Level 3 borrowings include Asia Theme Park borrowings, which are valued based on the current borrowing cost and 

credit risk of the Asia Theme Parks as well prevailing market interest rates.

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. 

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 28, 2019, 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 and maintains short-term liquidity needs in high quality money market funds. As of 
September 28, 2019, the Company’s balances with individual financial institutions that exceeded 10% of the Company’s total 
cash and cash equivalents were 26% of total cash and cash equivalents. At September 29, 2018, the Company did not have 
balances (excluding money market funds) with individual financial institutions that exceeded 10% of the Company’s total cash 
and cash equivalents.

The Company’s trade receivables and financial investments do not represent a significant concentration of credit risk at 

September 28, 2019 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.

17  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.

123

The Company’s derivative positions measured at fair value are summarized in the following tables: 

Current
Assets

As of September 28, 2019
Other
Current
Liabilities

Other Assets

Other Long-
Term
Liabilities

$

$

$

$

302

—

1

65

—

368
(231)
(55)
82

Current
Assets

166

—

13

38

—

217
(158)
—

59

$

$

$

$

241

89

—

163

—

493
(345)
(6)
142

$

$

(67)
(82)
(3)

(107)
—
(259)
258

—
(1)

As of September 29, 2018
Other
Current
Liabilities

Other Assets

169

—

2

96

—

267
(227)
—

40

$

$

(80)
(329)
—

(95)
—
(504)
254

135
(115)

$

$

$

$

(244)
—
(1)

(126)
(11)
(382)
318

7
(57)

Other Long-
Term
Liabilities

(39)
—

—

(60)
(81)
(180)
131

5
(44)

Derivatives designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Other

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

Interest Rate

Gross fair value of derivatives
Counterparty netting

Cash collateral (received)/paid

Net derivative positions

Derivatives designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Other

Derivatives not designated as hedges

Foreign exchange

Interest Rate

Gross fair value of derivatives
Counterparty netting

Cash collateral (received)/paid

Net derivative positions

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 primarily uses pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps to facilitate its 
interest rate risk 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 28, 2019 and September 29, 
2018, the total notional amount of the Company’s pay-floating interest rate swaps was $9.9 billion and $7.6 billion, 
respectively. 

124

The following table summarizes fair value hedge adjustments to hedged borrowings:

Borrowings:

Current

Long-term

Carrying Amount of Hedged 
Borrowings (1)

Fair Value Adjustments Included 
in Hedged Borrowings (1)

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

September 28,
2019

September 29,
2018

$

$

1,121

9,562

10,683

$

$

1,585

6,425

8,010

$

$

(3)
34

31

$

$

(14)
(290)
(304)

(1)  Includes $37 million and $41 million of gains on terminated interest rate swaps as of September 28, 2019 and

September 29, 2018, respectively.

The following amounts are included in “Interest expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income:

Gain (loss) on:

Pay-floating swaps

Borrowings hedged with pay-floating swaps

Benefit (expense) associated with interest accruals on pay-floating swaps

2019

2018

2017

$

$

337
(337)
(58)

$

(230)
230
(15)

(211)
211

35

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 28, 2019 or at September 29, 2018, and gains and losses related to pay-fixed swaps recognized in earnings for fiscal 
2019, 2018 and 2017 were not material.

To facilitate its interest rate risk management activities, the Company sold options in November 2016, October 2017 and 
April 2018 to enter into future pay-floating interest rate swaps indexed to LIBOR for $2.0 billion in future borrowings. The fair 
values of these contracts were $11 million and $81 million at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, respectively. The 
options are not designated as hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting; accordingly, changes in their fair value are 
recorded in earnings. Gains and losses on the options for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 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, British pound, Chinese yuan and 
Canadian dollar. Cross-currency swaps are used to effectively convert foreign currency-denominated borrowings into U.S. 
dollar denominated borrowings.

125

The Company designates foreign exchange forward and option contracts as cash flow hedges of firmly committed and 

forecasted foreign currency transactions. As of September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, the notional amounts of the 
Company’s net foreign exchange cash flow hedges were $6.3 billion and $6.2 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. Net deferred gains recorded in AOCI for contracts that will mature in 
the next twelve months totaled $254 million. The following table summarizes the effect of foreign exchange cash flow hedges 
on AOCI for fiscal year 2019:

Gain/(loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCI into the Statement of Income (1)

(1)  Primarily recorded in revenue.

$

156

183

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 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 were $3.8 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 by the corresponding line item in which they are recorded in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income: 

Net gains (losses) on foreign

currency denominated assets
and liabilities

Net gains (losses) on foreign
exchange risk management
contracts not designated as
hedges

Net gains (losses)

Costs and Expenses

Interest expense, net

Income Tax Expense

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

2019

2018

2017

$ (188)

$ (146)

$ 105

$ 16

$ 39

$ (13)

$ 50

$ 29

$

3

123

104

$ (65)

$ (42)

(120)
$ (15)

(19)
(3)

$

(46)
(7)

$

11
(2)

$

(51)
(1)

$

(19)
$ 10

24

$ 27

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 of these commodities contracts at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 and 
related gains or losses recognized in earnings were not material for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017.

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 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018 were not material. The related gains or losses recognized in 
earnings were not material for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017.

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 the 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 $65 million and $299 million at September 28, 2019 and September 29, 2018, 
respectively.

126

18  Restructuring and Impairment Charges

The Company has begun implementing a restructuring and integration plan as a part of its initiative to realize cost 

synergies from the acquisition of TFCF. During fiscal 2019, we recorded charges of $1.2 billion, including $0.9 billion of 
severance and related costs in connection with the plan and $0.3 billion of equity based compensation costs, primarily for 
TFCF awards that were accelerated to vest upon the closing of the TFCF acquisition. These charges are recorded in 
“Restructuring and impairment charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Although our plans are not yet finalized, 
we anticipate that the total severance and related costs could be on the order of $1.5 billion. The Company may incur other 
restructuring costs, such as contract termination costs, but we currently expect these will not be material. We currently expect to 
substantially complete the restructuring plan by the end of fiscal 2021. For fiscal 2018 and 2017, restructuring and impairment 
charges were not material. 

The following table summarizes the changes in restructuring reserves related to the TFCF integration plan for fiscal 2019:

Beginning Balance:

Additions:

Media Networks

Parks, Experiences and Products

Studio Entertainment

Direct-to-Consumer & International

Corporate

Total Additions

Payments

Ending Balance:

One-time
Termination
Benefits

Contract
Termination

Total

$

—

$

—

$

57

8

123

349

133

670

(193)

477

$

$

33

3

74

77

49

236

(37)

199

$

—

90

11

197

426

182

906

(230)

676

19  Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

On March 20, 2019, the Company completed its acquisition of TFCF (as described in Note 4), and the Company (referred 
to herein as “Legacy Disney”) and TFCF became subsidiaries of New Disney (referred to herein as “TWDC”). Legacy Disney 
has outstanding public debt that has been fully and unconditionally guaranteed by TWDC. In addition, Legacy Disney has 
provided a full and unconditional guarantee of debt held by TWDC. As of March 20, 2019, Legacy Disney is a 100% owned 
subsidiary of TWDC.

Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the results of operations, financial position 

and cash flows of TWDC, Legacy Disney and non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis along with eliminations 
necessary to arrive at the reported information on a consolidated basis. This condensed consolidating financial information has 
been prepared and presented pursuant to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, “Financial 
Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or being Registered.” This information is not 
intended to present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the individual companies or groups of 
companies in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Eliminations represent adjustments to eliminate investments in subsidiaries and 
intercompany balances and transactions.

TWDC was formed in June 2018, was a subsidiary of Legacy Disney until March 20, 2019, and did not have any balances 

or activities prior to fiscal 2019.

127

(42,018)

(11,541)

(4,160)

(57,719)

(1,183)

—

4,357

(978)

(103)

13,944

(3,031)

—

10,913

671

11,584

(472)

(58)

11,054

8,240

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Year Ended September 28, 2019 
(in millions)

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

$

— $

— $

69,342

$

228

$

69,570

Revenues

Costs and expenses

Operating expenses

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization

Total costs and expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Allocations to non-guarantor subsidiaries

Other income/(expense), net

Interest income/(expense), net

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

Income from continuing operations before income

taxes

Income taxes from continuing operations

Earnings from subsidiary entities

Net income from continuing operations

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

Net Income

Less: Net income from continuing operations
attributable to noncontrolling interests

Less: Net income from discontinued operations

attributable to noncontrolling interests

—

—

—

—

—

(236)

(636)

—

(872)

190

3,026

2,344

671

3,015

—

—

—

(672)

(1)

(673)

—

652

94

(699)

—

(626)

136

12,802

12,312

291

12,603

—

—

(42,018)

(10,869)

(4,159)

(57,046)

(1,183)

(652)

4,727

357

(103)

15,442

(3,357)

—

12,085

671

12,756

(472)

(58)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(228)

—

—

—

—

(15,828)

(15,828)

(962)

(16,790)

—

—

Net income excluding noncontrolling interests

3,015

12,603

12,226

(16,790)

Comprehensive income excluding noncontrolling

interests

$

185

$

9,669

$

11,786

$

(13,400)

$

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Year Ended September 29, 2018 
(in millions)

Revenues

Costs and expenses

Operating expenses

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization

Total costs and expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Allocations to non-guarantor subsidiaries

Other income, net

Interest expense, net

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

Income before taxes

Income taxes

Earnings from subsidiary entities

Consolidated net Income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling

interests

Net income excluding noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income excluding noncontrolling

interests

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

$

— $

— $

59,520

$

(86)

$

59,434

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(615)

(1)

(616)

—

576

41

(698)

—

(697)

79

13,216

12,598

—

12,598

(32,726)

(8,245)

(3,010)

(43,981)

(33)

(576)

474

124

(102)

15,426

(1,742)

—

13,684

(468)

13,216

—

—

—

—

—

—

86

—

—

—

—

(13,216)

(13,216)

—

(13,216)

$

— $

13,029

$

13,037

$

(13,037)

$

128

(32,726)

(8,860)

(3,011)

(44,597)

(33)

—

601

(574)

(102)

14,729

(1,663)

—

13,066

(468)

12,598

13,029

SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 
(in millions)

Revenues

Costs and expenses

Operating expenses

Selling, general, administrative and other

Depreciation and amortization

Total costs and expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Allocations to non-guarantor subsidiaries

Other income, net

Interest expense, net

Equity in the income (loss) of investees, net

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Earnings from subsidiary entities

Consolidated net Income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling

interests

Net income excluding noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income excluding noncontrolling

interests

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

$

— $

— $

54,952

$

185

$

55,137

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(450)

(1)

(451)

—

405

163

(510)

—

(393)

126

9,247

8,980

—

8,980

(30,306)

(7,726)

(2,781)

(40,813)

(98)

(405)

100

125

320

14,181

(4,548)

—

9,633

(386)

9,247

—

—

—

—

—

—

(185)

—

—

—

—

(9,247)

(9,247)

—

(9,247)

$

— $

9,431

$

9,153

$

(9,153)

$

(30,306)

(8,176)

(2,782)

(41,264)

(98)

—

78

(385)

320

13,788

(4,422)

—

9,366

(386)

8,980

9,431

129

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of September 28, 2019 
(in millions)

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

$

$

$

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables, net

Inventories

Television costs and advances

Other current assets

Total current assets

Film and television costs

Investments in subsidiaries

Other investments

Parks, resorts and other property, net

Intangible assets, net

Goodwill

Intercompany receivables

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

Current portion of borrowings

Deferred revenues and other

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term liabilities

Intercompany payables

Total non-current liabilities

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Total Disney Shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

554

499

—

—

83

1,136

—

125,999

—

—

—

—

—

314

127,449

371

5,721

6,092

23,182

—

859

8,439

32,480

—

88,877

—

88,877

$

— $

4,864

$

— $

$

$

1

4

—

4

9

—

281,041

—

8

—

—

—

1,076

282,134

279

3,007

27

3,313

13,061

—

4,626

135,135

152,822

—

125,999

—

125,999

$

$

14,981

1,645

4,597

898

26,985

22,810

—

3,224

31,595

23,215

80,293

143,574

4,541

336,237

17,112

129

4,701

21,942

1,886

9,118

8,275

—

19,279

8,963

281,041

5,012

286,053

—

—

—

(6)

(6)

—

(407,040)

—

—

—

—

(143,574)

(1,216)

5,418

15,481

1,649

4,597

979

28,124

22,810

—

3,224

31,603

23,215

80,293

—

4,715

$

$

(551,836)

$

193,984

— $

—

(6)

(6)

—

(1,216)

—

(143,574)

(144,790)

—

(407,040)

—

(407,040)

17,762

8,857

4,722

31,341

38,129

7,902

13,760

—

59,791

8,963

88,877

5,012

93,889

Total liabilities and equity

$

127,449

$

282,134

$

336,237

$

(551,836)

$

193,984

130

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of September 29, 2018 
(in millions)

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

— $

1,367

$

Receivables, net

Inventories

Television costs and advances

Other current assets

Total current assets

Film and television costs

Investments in subsidiaries

Other investments

Parks, resorts and other property, net

Intangible assets, net

Goodwill

Intercompany receivables

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

Current portion of borrowings

Deferred revenues and other

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Deferred income taxes

Other long-term liabilities

Intercompany payables

Total non-current liabilities

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Total Disney Shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

155

4

—

152

1,678

—

149,880

—

12

—

—

—

911

$

$

— $

152,481

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

688

3,751

115

4,554

15,676

—

3,685

79,793

99,154

—

48,773

—

48,773

2,783

9,179

1,388

1,314

483

15,147

7,888

—

2,899

29,528

6,812

31,269

79,793

3,178

176,514

8,791

39

4,476

13,306

1,408

3,833

2,905

—

8,146

1,123

149,880

4,059

153,939

$

— $

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

(149,880)

—

—

—

—

(79,793)

(724)

(230,397)

$

— $

—

—

—

—

(724)

—

(79,793)

(80,517)

—

(149,880)

—

(149,880)

Total liabilities and equity

$

— $

152,481

$

176,514

$

(230,397)

$

4,150

9,334

1,392

1,314

635

16,825

7,888

—

2,899

29,540

6,812

31,269

—

3,365

98,598

9,479

3,790

4,591

17,860

17,084

3,109

6,590

—

26,783

1,123

48,773

4,059

52,832

98,598

131

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended September 28, 2019 
(in millions)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash provided by operations - continuing

operations

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investments in parks, resorts and other

property

Acquisitions

Intercompany investing activities, net

Other

Cash used in investing activities - continuing

operations

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Commercial paper, net

Borrowings

Reduction of borrowings

Dividends

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Intercompany financing, net

Contributions from / sales of noncontrolling

interest holders

Acquisitions of noncontrolling and

redeemable noncontrolling interests

Other

Cash used in financing activities - continuing

operations

Discontinued operations

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents

and restricted cash

Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted

cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash,

beginning of year

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of

year

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

$

340

$

(1,800)

$

7,764

$

(320)

$

5,984

—

(35,702)

20,396

—

(15,306)

5,328

37,999

(35,100)

(1,585)

234

8,712

—

—

(68)

15,520

—

—

554

—

—

—

(1)

—

(1)

(1,010)

—

(2,750)

(1,470)

84

5,837

—

—

(257)

434

—

—

(1,367)

1,367

(4,876)

25,801

(7,507)

(319)

13,099

—

241

(1,031)

(160)

—

(27,437)

737

(1,430)

(546)

(29,626)

10,974

(98)

2,113

2,788

—

—

(12,888)

—

(12,888)

—

—

—

320

—

12,888

—

—

—

13,208

—

—

—

—

$

554

$

— $

4,901

$

— $

(4,876)

(9,901)

—

(319)

(15,096)

4,318

38,240

(38,881)

(2,895)

318

—

737

(1,430)

(871)

(464)

10,974

(98)

1,300

4,155

5,455

132

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended September 29, 2018 
(in millions)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash provided by operations

$

— $

336

$

14,149

$

(190)

$

14,295

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investments in parks, resorts and other

property

Acquisitions

Intercompany investing activities, net

Other

Cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Commercial paper, net

Borrowings

Reduction of borrowings

Dividends

Repurchases of common stock

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Intercompany financing, net

Contributions from noncontrolling interest

holders

Other

Cash used in financing activities

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents

and restricted cash

Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted

cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash,

beginning of year

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of

year

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(3)

—

(1,327)

—

(1,330)

(1,768)

997

(1,800)

(2,515)

(3,577)

210

10,343

—

(222)

1,668

—

674

693

(4,462)

(1,581)

—

710

(5,333)

—

59

(71)

(190)

—

—

(9,016)

399

(555)

(9,374)

(25)

(583)

3,371

—

—

1,327

—

1,327

—

—

—

190

—

—

(1,327)

—

—

(1,137)

—

—

—

$

— $

1,367

$

2,788

$

— $

(4,465)

(1,581)

—

710

(5,336)

(1,768)

1,056

(1,871)

(2,515)

(3,577)

210

—

399

(777)

(8,843)

(25)

91

4,064

4,155

133

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 
(in millions)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Cash provided by operations

$

— $

753

$

13,461

$

(1,871)

$

12,343

TWDC

Legacy Disney

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
& Eliminations

Total

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investments in parks, resorts and other

property

Acquisitions

Intercompany investing activities, net

Other

Cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Commercial paper, net

Borrowings

Reduction of borrowings

Dividends

Repurchases of common stock

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

Intercompany financing, net

Contributions from noncontrolling interest

holders

Other

Cash used in financing activities

Impact of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents

and restricted cash

Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted

cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash,

beginning of year

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of

year

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(7)

—

(1,856)

15

(1,848)

1,247

4,741

(1,850)

(2,445)

(9,368)

276

8,394

—

(266)

729

—

(366)

1,059

(3,616)

(417)

—

(86)

(4,119)

—

79

(514)

(1,871)

—

—

(6,538)

17

(876)

(9,703)

31

(330)

3,701

—

—

1,856

—

1,856

—

—

—

1,871

—

—

(1,856)

—

—

15

—

—

—

$

— $

693

$

3,371

$

— $

(3,623)

(417)

—

(71)

(4,111)

1,247

4,820

(2,364)

(2,445)

(9,368)

276

—

17

(1,142)

(8,959)

31

(696)

4,760

4,064

20  New Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal 2019

• Revenues from Contracts with Customers - See Note 3
• Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory - See Note 10

• Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost - See Note 11

• Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - See Note 12

• Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities - See Note 12

• Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities - The adoption of the new guidance did not have a

material impact on our consolidated financial statements

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance, 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. The guidance is 
effective at the beginning of the Company’s 2020 fiscal year. We are adopting the guidance without restating prior periods and 
by applying practical expedients in the guidance that allow us to not reassess prior conclusions concerning whether:

• Arrangements contain a lease

• The Company’s lease arrangements are operating or capital leases (financing)
• Initial direct costs should be capitalized

134

• Existing land easements are leases

The Company estimates the adoption of the new guidance will result in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease
liabilities for our operating leases of approximately $4 billion. Additionally, the Company will reclassify a deferred gain of 
approximately $350 million related to a prior sale-leaseback transaction to retained earnings upon adoption.

Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials

In March 2019, the FASB updated guidance for the accounting for film and television content costs. The new guidance 

impacts the capitalization, amortization and impairment of these costs as follows:

• Eliminates the limitation on capitalization of production costs for episodic content, aligning the capitalization model

with film content;

• Requires production costs that are being amortized based on estimated usage to be reviewed and updated each reporting

period, with any changes in estimated usage applied prospectively; and

• Requires produced and acquired programming costs to be tested for impairment using the lowest level of identifiable
cash flows based on the predominant monetization strategy for the content (i.e., monetized individually or in a group)

We currently do not expect the new guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements. The guidance is 
effective at the beginning of the Company’s 2021 fiscal year (with early adoption permitted) and requires prospective adoption. 
The Company plans to adopt the new guidance in fiscal 2020.

135

(unaudited)
2019

Revenues

Income from continuing operations before

income taxes

Segment operating income (9)
Net income from continuing operations

Net income attributable to Disney

Income from discontinued operations, net

of tax

Earnings per share:

Diluted - continuing operations

Diluted - total

Basic - continuing operations

Basic - total

2018

Revenues
Segment operating income (9)
Net income

Net income attributable to Disney

Earnings per share:

Diluted

Basic

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(in millions, except per share data)

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

$

15,303

$

14,922

$

20,245 (8) $

19,100 (8)

3,431

3,655

2,786

2,788

—

1.86

1.86

1.87

1.87

15,351
3,986

4,473

4,423

7,237

3,816

5,590

5,452

21

2,018

3,961

1,623

1,760

359

$

$

3.53 (2) $
3.55

0.79 (4) $
0.97

3.55

3.56

14,548
4,237

3,115

2,937

$

0.80

0.98

15,229
4,189

3,059

2,916

$

1,258

3,436

914

1,054

291

0.43 (6)
0.58

0.44

0.58

14,306
3,277

2,419

2,322

2.91 (1) $
2.93

1.95 (3) $
1.95

1.95 (5) $
1.96

1.55 (7)
1.56

$

$

$

(1)  Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 included an estimated net benefit from the Deferred Remeasurement, partially offset by the Deemed
Repatriation Tax as a result of the Tax Act (Tax Act Estimate), which had a favorable impact of $1.00 on diluted earnings per share, and a gain
from the sale of property rights, which had a favorable impact of $0.03 on diluted earnings per share.

(2)  Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 included a non-cash gain in connection with the acquisition of Hulu (Hulu Gain), which had a
favorable impact of $2.46 on diluted earnings per share. This favorable impact was partially offset by restructuring and impairment charges,
which had an adverse impact of $0.33 on diluted earnings per share, an impairment in our investment in Vice, which had an adverse impact of
$0.18 on diluted earnings per share, and amortization related to TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value step-up on film and television
costs, which had an adverse impact of $0.05 on diluted earnings per share.

(3)  Results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 included a net benefit from updating the Tax Act Estimate, which had a favorable impact of $0.09

on diluted earnings per share.

(4)  Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 included amortization related to TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value step-up on film and
television costs, which had an adverse impact of $0.34 on diluted earnings per share, restructuring and impairment charges, which had a net
adverse impact of $0.09 on diluted earnings per share, equity investment impairments, which had an adverse impact of $0.08 on diluted earnings
per share, and an adjustment to the Hulu Gain, which had an adverse impact of $0.05 on diluted earnings per share.

(5)  Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 included a net benefit from updating the Tax Act Estimate, which had a favorable impact of $0.07 on

diluted earnings per share.

(6)  Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 included amortization related to TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value step-up on film and

television costs, which had an adverse impact of $0.30 on diluted earnings per share, a charge for the settlement of a portion of the debt
originally assumed in the TFCF acquisition, which had an adverse impact of $0.22 on diluted earnings per share, and restructuring and
impairment charges, which had an adverse impact of $0.13 on diluted earnings per share.

(7)  Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 included a gain in connection with the sale of real estate, which had a favorable impact of $0.25 on
diluted earnings per share, partially offset by equity investment impairments, which had an adverse impact of $0.11 on diluted earnings per
share, and the impact of updating the Tax Act Estimate, which had an adverse impact of $0.06 on diluted earnings per share.

(8)  On March 20, 2019, the Company began consolidating the results of TFCF and Hulu (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). As a

result, revenues and operating results in the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 reflected the impact of this transaction.

(9) 

Segment operating results reflect earnings before the corporate and unallocated shared expenses, restructuring and impairment charges, other
income, net, interest expense, net, income taxes and noncontrolling interests.

136

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 26, 2014 (the last trading day of  the 2014 fiscal
year) in the Company’s common stock, the  S&P 500  and  the Media Peers  index.

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

September 26, 2014

October 2, 2015

September 30, 2016

September 29, 2017

September 28, 2018

September 27, 2019

$100

$100

$100

$118

$100

$106

$108

$114

$109

$116

$135

$121

$140

$160

$129

$158

$165

$150

The Walt Disney Company 

S&P 500

Media Peers

20DEC201922343880

The Media Peers index is a custom index  consisting of, in  addition  to  The  Walt Disney  Company, media enterprises
CBS Corporation (Class B), Viacom Inc. (Class B), and Comcast  Corporation (Class A).  In prior years, the index also
included Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., but this year  Twenty-First  Century Fox is  excluded due to it being acquired  by
The Walt Disney Company.

137

BOARD OF DIRECTORS*

SENIOR CORPORATE OFFICERS

PRINCIPAL BUSINESSES

Robert A. Iger
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Alan N. Braverman
Senior Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

Christine M. McCarthy
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Zenia B. Mucha
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Communications Officer

M. Jayne Parker
Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Human Resources Officer

Brent A. Woodford
Executive Vice President
Controllership, Financial Planning and
Tax

Susan  E. Arnold
Operating Executive
The Carlyle Group

Mary  T.  Barra
Chairman and Chief  Executive Officer
General Motors  Company

Safra  A. Catz
Chief Executive Officer
Oracle  Corporation

Francis A. deSouza
President and Chief  Executive Officer
Illumina, Inc.

Michael B.G. Froman
Vice  Chairman  and President, Strategic Growth
Mastercard Incorporated

Robert A. Iger
Chairman  and Chief Executive Officer
The Walt Disney Company

Maria Elena Lagomasino
Chief  Executive Officer and Managing Partner
WE  Family Offices

Mark G. Parker
Chairman,  President and Chief Executive Officer
NIKE,  Inc

Derica W. Rice
Executive Vice President, CVS Health
President,  CVS Caremark

Alan H. Bergman
Co-Chairman
The Walt Disney Studios

Robert A. Chapek
Chairman
Parks, Experiences and Products

Alan F. Horn
Co-Chairman and Chief Creative  Officer
The Walt Disney Studios

Kevin A. Mayer
Chairman
Direct-to-Consumer & International

James A. Pitaro
Co-Chairman
Media Networks,
President
ESPN

Peter J. Rice
Co-Chairman
Media Networks,
Chairman
Walt Disney Television

STOCK EXCHANGE
Disney common stock is listed for trading on
the New York Stock Exchange under the
ticker symbol DIS.

REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Computershare
Attention: Disney Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 505052
Louisville, KY 40233-5052
Phone: 1-855-553-4763

E-Mail:
disneyshareholder@computershare.com

Internet: www.disneyshareholder.com

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.

*Titles  are as of  the end of fiscal 2019. As of January 13, 2020,  Mark  G. Parker’s title changed to Executive Chairman.

138

23NOV201308451837

(cid:2) Disney

3JAN202012014614