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Walt Disney Company Reports Strong Earnings, Bob Iger Returns
Key Points:
* The Walt Disney Company surpassed earnings per share and revenue estimates in its fiscal fourth quarter.
* Revenue growth was driven by the company's streaming services and theme parks businesses.
* Bob Iger returned as CEO on November 20, 2022, after a two-year absence.
In-Depth Analysis:
The Walt Disney Company, one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates, reported strong financial performance for its fiscal fourth quarter. The company's revenue increased by 8% year-over-year to $23.51 billion, exceeding analyst estimates by $2.15 billion. Net income also increased by 11% to $1.28 billion, resulting in earnings per share of $1.09, surpassing estimates by $0.16.
Disney's revenue growth was primarily driven by the success of its streaming services, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Disney+ added 12.1 million new subscribers during the quarter, bringing its total subscriber count to 164.1 million. Hulu also added 1.1 million new subscribers, while ESPN+ added 400,000 new subscribers. The company's streaming revenue increased by 13% year-over-year to $5.27 billion.
The company's theme parks business also performed well during the quarter. Revenue from its domestic parks increased by 34% to $7.4 billion, driven by higher attendance and spending per guest. Revenue from its international parks increased by 21% to $2.4 billion. The company's total parks revenue increased by 26% to $9.8 billion for the quarter.
On November 20, 2022, Bob Iger returned as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, replacing Bob Chapek. Iger previously served as CEO from 2005 to 2020 and is widely credited with leading a period of significant growth and success for the company.
Conclusion:
The Walt Disney Company's strong financial performance and the return of Bob Iger as CEO are positive signs for the company's future. The company's streaming services and theme parks businesses continue to drive growth, and Iger's leadership is expected to help the company navigate the challenges of the evolving media landscape.