Key Takeaways
- The number of Disney+ subscribers came in about 4.6 million above estimates.
- Disney+ is Disney’s video streaming service and has grown rapidly since it first launched in late 2019, but the pace of growth has slowed dramatically.
- Revenue also beat analyst predictions.
Source: Predictions based on analysts’ consensus from Visible Alpha
Disney (DIS) Financial Results: Analysis
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) reported Q3 FY 2022 earnings results that solidly beat analysts’ consensus estimates. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) excluding certain items came in above analyst forecasts, climbing by 36.3% year-over-year (YOY). Disney’s revenue also surpassed expectations, rising by 26.3% YOY. Disney Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bob Chapek said that strong performance at its domestic theme parks as well as increases in live-sports viewership and streaming-services subscriptions fueled growth. Disney+ subscribers also beat analyst predictions for the quarter.
Disney+ Subscribers
Disney’s total Disney+ subscribers reached 152.1 million for the quarter, growing by 31.1% YOY. While this figure beat analysts’ predictions, it was nonetheless the slowest pace of growth in this key area in at least seven quarters. The streaming service offers Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic-branded content in the U.S. and a number of other countries throughout the world. Disney+ still comprises just a small share of Disney’s total revenue but has grown rapidly in the short time it has been available. That rapid growth has given investors something to be optimistic about during the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut some of Disney’s core businesses, including its theme parks, cruises, and theatrical productions. However, growth in subscriptions for Disney+ has been gradually slowing amid intense competition from other streaming services, such as those offered by Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), and Apple Inc. (AAPL).
Disney Outlook and Stock Performance
Disney did not provide forward guidance in its earnings letter.
Disney shares climbed by about 5.8% in extended-hours trading after the company posted its earnings release. Still, shares have significantly trailed the broader market in the past year. Disney stock has provided a 1-year trailing total return of -36.5% compared with -5.1% for the S&P 500 as of Aug. 10, 2022.
Disney’s next earnings report (for Q4 FY 2022) is expected to be released on Nov. 10, 2022. The company’s last fiscal year ended on Oct. 2, 2021.