Franklin Resources Reduces Stake in Disney

Asset manager cuts holdings in entertainment giant by 3.9% in Q3

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Franklin Resources Inc. has reduced its stake in The Walt Disney Company by 3.9% in the third quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The asset management firm now owns approximately 6.6 million shares of Disney stock, worth around $755 million.

Why it matters

This move by a major institutional investor like Franklin Resources could signal broader shifts in sentiment around Disney's stock. As one of the world's largest entertainment and media conglomerates, changes in Disney's shareholder base can have implications for the company's strategic direction and market performance.

The details

According to the filing, Franklin Resources sold 265,899 Disney shares during the third quarter, reducing its total position to 6,598,660 shares. The firm now owns around 0.37% of Disney's outstanding stock. The sell-off comes as Disney has faced some challenges, including the impact of the pandemic on its theme park and media businesses.

  • The filing covers the third quarter of 2026.

The players

Franklin Resources Inc.

A global investment management organization and one of the largest institutional investors in The Walt Disney Company.

The Walt Disney Company

A diversified global entertainment and media conglomerate known for its iconic intellectual property and family-oriented content.

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The takeaway

This reduction in Franklin Resources' Disney stake reflects broader uncertainty around the entertainment giant's near-term prospects, as it navigates the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on its business. However, Disney remains a major force in global media and entertainment, and changes in its shareholder base bear close watching.