Disney Equity FAQ

Disney RSU vesting schedules vary depending on your grant type and level. Common schedules include 3-year annual vesting (33.3% per year), 3-year semi-annual vesting, or 4-year annual vesting (25% per year). Most vesting events occur in June and December, with semi-annual vesting being the most common frequency.

Disney's ESPP has 6-month offering periods with semi-annual purchases. You can contribute up to 15% of your eligible compensation, with a maximum of $25,000 per year. The plan includes a lookback provision, meaning you'll purchase shares at the lower price between the beginning and end of the offering period.

ESPP enrollment typically occurs in January and July, during specified enrollment periods (usually the month before the offering date begins). Once enrolled, purchases happen semi-annually, allowing you to acquire Disney stock through payroll deductions.

You typically have 90 days after leaving Disney to exercise your vested stock options. Options generally vest 25% per year over 4 years and expire 10 years from the grant date, but the post-termination exercise window is much shorter.

Yes, Disney provides annual refresher grants as part of their Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program. These refresher grants typically vest over the normal schedule, with some sources suggesting initial refreshers may vest around 1.5 years depending on your joining cycle. The amount varies by seniority level (for example, 35% of compensation for senior-level employees).

To qualify for favorable tax treatment on ESPP shares, you must hold them for at least 1 year after the purchase date AND 2 years after the offering date. Selling before meeting both requirements results in a disqualifying disposition, which can result in higher taxes than RSUs or stock options.

Generally, unvested RSUs are forfeited when you leave Disney. However, if you meet specific retirement criteria (age 60 or older with at least 10 years of service), different rules may apply. It's important to review your specific grant agreement for details.

Yes, you may be subject to insider trading restrictions and market abuse laws, which can prevent you from buying or selling shares when you have inside information. Disney also has 10b5-1 trading plans available, which allow you to set up pre-planned trading schedules. Additionally, hedging or pledging Disney securities is prohibited for Board members and certain executives.