Disney Earnings Beat as Box Office Hits Bolster Performance

Investing.com – Walt Disney (NYSE:) reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that topped estimates, led by growth in its studio division thanks to a strong performance at the box office.

The company reported per share (EPS) of $1.07 on revenue of $19.10 billion. Analysts polled by Investing.com forecast EPS of $0.95 on revenue of $19.29 billion. That compared to EPS of $1.48 on revenue of $14.31 billion in the same period a year earlier.

The earnings beat was driven by strong performances in its studio and parks businesses.

Studio entertainment revenues for the quarter increased 52% to $3.3 billion and operating income increased 79% to $1.1 billion, led by the success at the box office of its Marvel, Star Wars and namesake franchises.

The parks, experiences and products division, meanwhile, saw revenues for the quarter increased 8% to $6.6 billion and operating income increased 17% to $1.38.

Its direct-to-consumer business more than doubled revenue to $3.4 billion, with operating losses increasing to $740 million from $553 million.

That was below the previous forecast for operating losses to rise to $900 million even as the company ramped up spending to bolster its direct-to-consumer business ahead of the launch Disney+.

Its cable networks grew revenue 20% to $4.2 billion, but operating income fell $19 million to $1.3 billion, pressured by weakness at ESPN.

Broadcasting revenues for the quarter increased 26% to $2.3 billion and operating income decreased 4% to $377 million.

“We’ve spent the last few years completely transforming Disney to focus the resources and immense creativity across the entire company on delivering an extraordinary direct-to-consumer experience, and we’re excited for the launch of Disney+ on November 12,” CEO Bob Iger said.

Walt Disney (NYSE:) shares gained 4.6% after hours.

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