disney

5 Stocks for Mother's Day

You could spring for flowers, a sappy card and some decorative soaps for Mother's Day. Or you take a less traditional route and give mom a gift that keeps on giving: stocks.

Market Minute: EU Slaps Microsoft with $733 Million Fine

European regulators have fined Microsoft $733 million for failing to give users of its Windows system a choice of Internet browsers. The company had settled an antitrust dispute four years ago by saying it would offer alternatives to its Internet Explorer, but failed to do so for more than a year.

Market Minute: Disney's Stock Shines Even as Earnings Decline

Disney won over more fans on Wall Street with its latest quarterly performance, despite a slight drop in its earnings. Disney digested higher programming costs at its ESPN television network and dealt with a less appealing line-up of home video releases in its movie studio.

Mickey Mouse Is Watching You: Does MyMagic Know Too Much?

Walt Disney World is about to get a bit more magical, but Mickey Mouse will have to soothe some skeptical privacy advocates along the way. Guests using its new MyMagic wristbands will get a more personalized vacation -- but do you really want Snow White to "magically" know your kid's name without being told?

Disney's Turnstiles Are Clicking Ahead Faster Than Its Studios

Disney posted mixed quarterly results after Thursday's market close. Revenue climbed just 3%, while net income soared 18%. But perhaps the most surprising nugget for Disney is that, of its five segments, theme parks continue to be its fastest growing segment.

Disney to Buy "Star Wars" Producer for $4.05 Billion

Walt Disney has agreed to buy filmmaker George Lucas's Lucasfilm Ltd and the "Star Wars" franchise for $4.05 billion in cash and stock, a blockbuster deal that adds one of the most beloved franchises in entertainment history to Disney's lineup.

ESPN's Big Baseball Deal Will Be a Foul Ball for Your Cable Bill

Disney's eight-year deal with Major League Baseball means ESPN will shell out $5.6 billion for expanded baseball coverage. And whether you're a fan of the national pastime or not, you already pay more than $5 a month for ESPN. Which way do you think that price tag will be headed now?

Meet the Happiest Baristas on Earth

Disney will soon offer Starbucks locations at all six of its domestic theme parks, but don't expect the familiar green-aproned experience in the Magic Kingdom.

7 Things We Learned From Netflix's Quarterly Report

Netflix posted reasonable results Monday, but the video service giant's stock took a big hit due to weak revenue guidance. Concerns about Netflix may be valid, but let's look more deeply at what it revealed in its quarterly report.

Starbucks to Open on Disney Properties

Starbucks is about to perk up "the happiest place on earth." The Seattle-based coffee chain on Monday is announcing a partnership to open a store inside each of the six Disney properties in California and Florida.

'John Carter' of Where? Disney's Bad PR Mars Film Launch

For weeks, movie industry watchers have been commenting about the inadequacy of Disney's marketing campaign for John Carter, and ticket sales lived down to expectations. But the movie's not the Ishtar-level awfulness it's being made out to be.

5 Things You Need to Know About Netflix Right Now

Netflix impressed skeptical investors with better-than-expected results on Wednesday night. If you want to know why the stock rallied on the news but you don't want to get your hands dirty by scouring the report, here are your answers.

Disney and Comcast Reach a Long-Term Deal

The Walt Disney Co. said Wednesday that it reached a long-term agreement with the nation's largest TV signal provider, Comcast Corp., that extends their partnership into the next decade. The deal covers major pay channels ESPN, Disney Channel and ABC Family and the retransmission of free ABC broadcast network programs through seven ABC TV stations. It allows Comcast subscribers to gain greater access to shows on demand over the Internet on multiple devices.

Why Disney Will Never Be Great Again

Disney appears to be in a good groove lately, but we have to hold off on the happily-ever-after finish: The Mouse House, weakened by years of lackluster in-house animation offerings, confronts a series of obstacles unlike anything faced in its past, from Legoland to YouTube.

Amusement-Park Stock Battle: Six Flags vs. Cedar Fair

If you haven't had enough of roller coasters after the ups and downs of the stock market this month, you might consider adding an amusement-park operator to your portfolio. Between Six Flags and Cedar Fair, which stock has the potential to deliver the smoothest ride for investors?

Apple, Ikea Stores: The Ultimate Knockoffs?

Knockoff bags and watches from China are one thing. But the news that whole Apple, Ikea and Disney stores have been faked -- even to the point of duping the employees, in one case -- has shocked many Americans. Why is the U.S. obsessed with Chinese fakes?

Joe Mantegna of Cars 2 Is Driven to Be Money-Smart

Actor Joe Mantegna has made a living at make-believe for more than 40 years. But though he could probably afford to splurge, he swears by a get-real financial credo. "Always live within your means," said Mantegna, the voice of Grem the mobster in Cars 2, which opens Friday.

Where Charlie's Meltdown Is Fuel for Business

While painful (for most folks) to watch, the actor's explosion has created a bonanza for the tabloid mill. But on a broader level, Sheen has also offers a potential shot in the arm for companies across the spectrum, from media to pharmaceuticals. Hey Viacom, how about Charlie's Family?