Disney to Acquire Full Ownership of Hulu

The Walt Disney Company has announced that it will acquire Comcast's 33% stake in Hulu, giving it full ownership of the streaming service. This follows Comcast's November 1 exercise of its right under the put/call arrangement between the two companies.

Disney says the acquisition of Comcast's stake in Hulu at fair market value will further its streaming objectives.

Under the terms of the put/call arrangement, by December 1, Disney expects it will pay NBCU approximately $8.61 billion, representing NBCU's percentage of the $27.5 billion guaranteed floor value for Hulu that was set when the companies entered into their agreement in 2019 minus the anticipated outstanding capital call contributions payable by NBCU to Disney. Under the appraisal process agreed to by Disney and Comcast, Hulu's equity fair value will be assessed as of September 30, 2023, and if the value is ultimately determined to be greater than the guaranteed floor value, Disney will pay NBCU its percentage of the difference between the equity fair value and the guaranteed floor value. While the timing of the appraisal process is uncertain, we anticipate it should be completed during the 2024 calendar year.


The news follows numerous price hikes for Hulu subscribers including one last month that increased the cost of Hulu with No Ads to $17.99/month and Hulu + Live TV to $89.99/month.

More details about the acquisition are likely to be presented during Disney's upcoming earnings call.

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