Disney’s blockbuster earnings and announcement of exciting new projects have sent the company’s stock soaring, prompting questions about activist investor Nelson Peltz’s next move. The entertainment giant’s strong performance, including surpassing profit expectations and cutting streaming losses, has bolstered its case against Peltz, who is seeking two board seats. However, it’s unclear how Peltz will counter Disney’s recent moves. The activist investor is expected to release a white paper soon, outlining his case to investors, but his spokesman has declined to comment on its timing.
In addition to Disney’s strong quarter, the company made a series of surprise announcements, including securing an exclusive cut of Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert movie for Disney+, investing in Epic Games and creating a Disney-themed universe connected to Fortnite, and confirming the introduction of the flagship streaming version of ESPN and a sequel to the popular movie “Moana.”
The news of Disney’s performance and announcements has sparked a heated discussion about the company’s future, with executives accusing the White House’s move to pause authorizing new liquefied natural gas export plants as a political ploy at a time when the race for the Republican nomination is ongoing and promises to increase fossil fuel production if re-elected. The move could offer clues about how President Biden will calibrate his approach to big business and voters ahead of the election and will come under renewed scrutiny in a Senate hearing.
In an opinion on the topic, some executives argue that the Biden administration’s decision to pause authorizing new liquefied natural gas export plants is a political maneuver. They claim that the move could hurt allies and boost rivals, suggesting that it is being made at a time when the Republican nomination race is ongoing, and promises to increase fossil fuel production if re-elected. This move has led to increased political heat, fueling a debate about energy security, the economy, and the environment.