DIS vs WBD: The Walt Disney Company vs Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This DIS vs WBD comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 21-year comparison period, The Walt Disney Company outperformed Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. in 12 years, while Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. outperformed The Walt Disney Company in 9 years.
DIS - The Walt Disney Company
WBD - Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
Overall Winner: WBD with an average annual return of 14.97% (vs 12.94% for DIS)
Understanding DIS vs WBD Performance
When comparing The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in The Walt Disney Company grew to $466,604, compared to $30,913 for Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | DIS Return | DIS Cumulative | WBD Return | WBD Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | +54.40% | $15,440.06 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | +32.51% | $20,460.19 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | +6.29% | $21,746.27 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | +71.23% | $37,235.24 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | -11.68% | $32,884.58 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +14.05% | $37,504.75 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | +49.29% | $55,990.45 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | +0.29% | $56,151.36 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1995 | +7.41% | $60,312.69 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1996 | +27.09% | $76,649.67 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1997 | +15.20% | $88,297.86 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1998 | +47.91% | $130,603.92 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1999 | -9.10% | $118,723.36 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2000 | +0.01% | $118,737.43 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2001 | -2.47% | $115,803.84 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2002 | -25.05% | $86,797.93 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2003 | -23.01% | $66,822.33 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2004 | +36.45% | $91,181.05 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2005 | +18.50% | $108,047.44 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2006 | -13.02% | $93,983.01 | -0.98% | $9,901.96 | -12.04% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2007 | +41.72% | $133,195.35 | +6.56% | $10,551.16 | +35.17% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2008 | -3.29% | $128,814.78 | +52.46% | $16,085.88 | -55.74% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2009 | -27.67% | $93,172.71 | -37.05% | $10,125.43 | +9.38% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2010 | +36.38% | $127,068.19 | +109.35% | $21,197.73 | -72.97% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2011 | +18.24% | $150,248.28 | +34.52% | $28,514.37 | -16.27% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2012 | +0.82% | $151,478.69 | -2.48% | $27,808.47 | +3.29% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2013 | +31.96% | $199,894.07 | +55.32% | $43,192.60 | -23.36% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2014 | +51.36% | $302,552.83 | +38.09% | $59,643.78 | +13.27% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2015 | +25.07% | $378,388.08 | -24.33% | $45,130.23 | +49.40% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2016 | +13.46% | $429,318.70 | -22.62% | $34,920.95 | +36.08% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2017 | +2.72% | $441,017.21 | +3.79% | $36,243.22 | -1.06% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2018 | +2.92% | $453,909.66 | -19.96% | $29,010.13 | +22.88% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2019 | -0.37% | $452,240.04 | +7.05% | $31,056.28 | -7.42% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2020 | +34.35% | $607,569.37 | +26.75% | $39,364.40 | +7.59% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2021 | +22.25% | $742,776.15 | -6.61% | $36,762.10 | +28.86% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2022 | -12.83% | $647,504.55 | -23.15% | $28,252.69 | +10.32% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2023 | -44.58% | $358,861.91 | -62.57% | $10,573.84 | +18.00% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2024 | +1.81% | $365,373.05 | +19.29% | $12,613.24 | -17.47% (WBD) | WBD |
| 2025 | +23.87% | $452,575.15 | -9.35% | $11,434.13 | +33.21% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2026 | +3.10% | $466,603.92 | +170.36% | $30,912.92 | -167.26% (WBD) | WBD |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means DIS outperformed WBD that year.
Company Profiles
The Walt Disney Company
DIS
The Walt Disney Company is a premier global entertainment and media enterprise that operates through three primary business segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. Known for its iconic storytelling, Disney manages a portfolio of world-class brands including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and ABC. The company is a leader in the 'streaming wars' with its Disney+ and Hulu platforms and maintains a dominant global presence in the theme park and cruise industry. Under the leadership of CEO Bob Iger, Disney is currently focused on an enterprise-wide transformation emphasizing streaming profitability, creative excellence, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and spatial computing into its storytelling ecosystem.
Key Innovations
- ✓Steamboat Willie: First cartoon with fully synchronized sound (1928).
- ✓Multiplane Camera: Innovative camera system that created a sense of three-dimensional depth in 2D animation.
- ✓Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The first full-length, cel-animated feature film in history (1937).
- ✓Audio-Animatronics: Groundbreaking mechanical robotics used in theme park attractions like 'Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln'.
- ✓Circle-Vision 360°: A film technique using nine cameras to create a seamless 360-degree theater experience.
- ✓Stuntronics: Advanced autonomous robotic actors capable of performing complex aerial stunts in theme parks.
- ✓OpenAI Partnership (2025): Historic deal licensing 200+ characters for AI-generated video and image experiments via Sora and ChatGPT.
Business Segments
- Disney EntertainmentThis segment encompasses the company's global film and episodic television content production and distribution. It includes Linear Networks (ABC, Disney Channel, FX, National Geographic), Direct-to-Consumer streaming services (Disney+, Hulu), and Content Sales/Licensing (theatrical distribution and home entertainment).
- ESPN (Sports)Focused exclusively on sports media, this segment includes the ESPN television networks, the ESPN+ streaming service, and domestic and international sports programming rights. It serves as Disney's central hub for live sports broadcasting and sports-related digital content.
- Disney ExperiencesFormerly Parks, Experiences and Products, this segment operates Disney's world-renowned theme parks and resorts in Florida, California, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. It also includes the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and the licensing of Disney intellectual property for consumer products, toys, and publishing.
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company. It creates and distributes content through brands like Warner Bros., Discovery Channel, HBO, CNN, HGTV, and Eurosport.
Key Innovations
- ✓Max streaming platform
- ✓Harry Potter franchise
- ✓Game of Thrones franchise
Business Segments
- StudiosFeature films and TV production.
- NetworksDomestic and international TV networks.
- DTCStreaming services (Max, discovery+).
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.