A Century of Magic 

The illustrious Walt Disney Company is ringing in its 100th birthday, marking a century of whimsical creativity and commercial triumph. 

From the iconic ‘Steamboat Willie’ to the modern-day wonder ‘Moana’, Disney has enchanted audiences across the globe, morphing into a behemoth with a sprawling theme park empire to boast. 

However, the road to a centenary has not been all pixie dust, especially for its stock market performance.

The company, founded by the visionary duo Walt and Roy Disney on October 16, 1923, transitioned from hand-drawn animations to pioneering digital animation, amassing a treasure trove of beloved content. 

Yet, as the company sails through its 100th year, it finds itself amidst choppy stock market waters.

Historical data by Dow Jones Markets showcases a dazzling 6,139% return on Disney’s stock sans dividends since January 21, 1972, and a whopping 9,847% with dividends included. 

This magical growth outshines the 4,075% price return of the S&P 500 during the same period. 

A mere $100 invested in Disney back in 1972 would now stand at a princely sum of $6,238.91 without dividends and a royal $9,946.59 with dividends.

However, the stock’s journey resembles more of a rollercoaster ride at Disneyland than a leisurely cruise. 

The year 1973 saw Disney’s stock plummet by 59%, while 1975 brought cheer with a 140% surge. 

Since 1972, the stock closed higher for 31 years but lost ground for 20.

March 2021 marked a historic peak with shares soaring to $201.91, fueled by the fervor around Disney’s foray into streaming via Disney+. 

Yet, the venture’s steep cost and less-than-stellar performance of recent releases cast a shadow, causing a 58% tumble from the record high. 

The return of Chief Executive Bob Iger in 2022 aimed to trim expenses and refocus on streaming and theme parks, albeit with mixed success.

2023 has been unkind, with the stock dwindling around 2%, marching towards its third yearly dip. 

Should this downtrend persist, it would mark the longest losing streak since the gloomy five-year span ending in 2002.

The tempest of challenges like the suspension of dividends in 2020, Hollywood strikes, sluggish Disney+ subscriber growth, and the menacing inflation beast have gnawed at the stock’s vitality.

But as Disney aficionados would affirm, every story has its trials, yet hope and magic often prevail. 

As the company commemorates a century, the eyes of both young and seasoned investors are fixed on the enchanted kingdom, anticipating the next spell of market magic. 

Disney’s tale is a testament to time, a blend of historical triumph with a dash of recent tribulations, keeping shareholders on the edge of their magic seats.