Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
This project presents a comprehensive strategic and operational analysis of The Walt Disney Company to identify key gaps within its current business model. Using an integrated management policy approach, the study evaluates external and internal influences on Disney’s competitive position through the application of established analytical frameworks, including PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, and SWOT analysis. Peer-to-peer comparisons of the company’s financial health and capacity for growth were then assessed utilizing liquidity, leverage, efficiency, and profitability ratios. In compiling such strategic and financial insights, this analysis aims to inform the development of a purposeful SMART goal recommendation, addressing both organizational and operational shortfalls.
Research Highlights
The Problem: The Walt Disney Company faces challenges sustaining profitable growth due to its mature stage, an oversaturated streaming market, intense competition from digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and legal hurdles regarding children’s privacy laws.
The Method: The researchers conducted a strategic analysis using Porter’s Five Forces, PESTEL, VRIO, Value Chain, and SWOT frameworks, alongside a financial comparison of Disney's 2022–2025 performance against industry averages.
Quantitative Finding: Disney's net profit margin is projected to reach 14.22% by 2025; the current ratio declined from 1.00 in 2022 to 0.71 in 2025; debt-to-equity decreased from 0.51 to 0.35 over the same period; ROA is forecast to increase to 6.30% in 2025.
Qualitative Finding: Disney utilizes a related diversification strategy and vertical integration to monetize intellectual property across film, theme parks, and streaming; the company occupies the Strengths-Opportunities (SO) quadrant, favoring aggressive global expansion and offensive growth strategies.
Recommended Citation
Finnery, Brendan; Davis, Judah; Mossinghoff, Matt; and Sims, Rebecca, "A Comprehensive Analysis of the World’s Largest Entertainment Conglomerate: The Walt Disney Company" (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 19.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/Posters/1/19
Included in
A Comprehensive Analysis of the World’s Largest Entertainment Conglomerate: The Walt Disney Company
This project presents a comprehensive strategic and operational analysis of The Walt Disney Company to identify key gaps within its current business model. Using an integrated management policy approach, the study evaluates external and internal influences on Disney’s competitive position through the application of established analytical frameworks, including PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, the VRIO framework, and SWOT analysis. Peer-to-peer comparisons of the company’s financial health and capacity for growth were then assessed utilizing liquidity, leverage, efficiency, and profitability ratios. In compiling such strategic and financial insights, this analysis aims to inform the development of a purposeful SMART goal recommendation, addressing both organizational and operational shortfalls.