The "spun" have delivered a return of 70%.
Since 1972, that approach would have delivered a return of 14.5% a year in dollar terms.
The timberland and forestry portfolio delivered a return of 13% last year.
A 60-40 equity/government bond split would deliver a return that was virtually zero in nominal terms.
And the international rights alone have delivered a return on a chunk of the Penguin advance, regardless of sales.
The parent companies (or "spinners") have delivered a return of 35%, compared with 22% for the S&P 500.
Iger revealed the pressure Abrams has been under to deliver a return on the studio's investment.
EQUITY markets finished 2013 with a bang, with the S&P 500 index delivering a return to investors of more than 30%, once dividends are included.
If you can deliver a return that surpasses the benchmark indexes, you've achieved alpha — and with it, the "ephemeral promise of vast riches".
As a result, you need to be serious about growing the business and recognise your responsibility to deliver a return to stakeholders.
