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Disney's Stock Jumps 7% Before Market On Strong Earnings And Epic Games Partnership

Discover why Disney's stock jumps 7% pre-market as earnings beat expectations and strategic partnerships propel the company forward. Read about Disney's latest ventures and investor confidence.

Author:Dexter Cooke
Reviewer:Darren Mcpherson
Feb 08, 2024
9K Shares
171.6K Views
Disney's stock jumps 7%in premarket trading early Thursday following the company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings beat and a series of significant announcements.
In its most notable news, CEO Bob Iger unveiled Disney’s ambitious step into the gaming industry, announcing a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, the creator of the popular game Fortnite. Iger emphasized the partnership's potential to leverage Disney's extensive intellectual property, spanning Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar, to develop new gaming experiences.
"We're excited about the potential to create a transformative games and entertainment universe," Iger remarked, highlighting the integration of Disney's storytelling with Epic's gaming platform.
Additionally, Disney revealed several upcoming ventures, including the launch of an ESPN streaming service in 2025, an exclusive streaming release of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour movie on Disney+, and the announcement of a sequel to the beloved animated film "Moana."
Despite revenue slightly missing estimates and remaining relatively flat year-over-year, Disney surpassed earnings expectations with adjusted earnings per share of $1.22 for the first quarter, compared to the forecast of 99 cents. The company also announced a substantial dividend increase of 50%, boosting shareholder confidence.
Ben Barringer, a technology analyst at investment manager Quilter Cheviot, commented on Disney's financial performance, stating, "The results demonstrate stable revenue and effective cost management." Barringer highlighted the significance of the Epic Games partnership while cautioning that its impact might unfold gradually.
"Disney anticipates modest revenue growth while maintaining a focus on cost discipline to ensure returns for shareholders," Barringer noted, acknowledging ongoing challenges in Disney's Parks business and the decline in linear television.

Activist Pressure And Strategic Moves

Disney's proactive measures come amidst pressure from activist investor Nelson Peltz, who has urged the company to enhance its performance. Peltz's investment firm expressed dissatisfaction with Disney's previous performance, stating, "We saw this movie last year, and we didn’t like the ending."
The announcement of a 50% increase in the cash dividend, alongside promising earnings guidance for fiscal 2024, reflects Disney's commitment to addressing investor concerns. The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.22 per share for the first quarter, surpassing analyst expectations, and projected full-year earnings growth of at least 20% compared to the previous year.
However, Disney continues to grapple with challenges in its traditional linear TV business and slower growth in its parks division. CEO Bob Iger has implemented cost-cutting measures to mitigate these challenges, aiming to achieve at least $7.5 billion in annualized savings by the end of fiscal 2024.

Focus On Streaming And Future Initiatives

Streaming remains a focal point for Disney's growth strategy, with the company reporting narrowed losses in its streaming division. Despite a decline in core Disney+ subscribers following price increases, Disney expressed confidence in its streaming business's long-term profitability.
The company outlined plans to crack down on password sharing, aiming to bolster subscriber revenue in the coming quarters. Additionally, Disney provided an update on its streaming services' performance, highlighting sequential growth in average revenue per user (ARPU) and projecting further subscriber additions in the second quarter.

Looking Ahead

Disney aims to capitalize on its iconic brands and intellectual property to drive innovation and expand its presence in the gaming and streaming industries. The strategic partnership with Epic Games signals Disney's commitment to leveraging its storytelling expertise in new digital realms, while upcoming content releases underscore the company's focus on delivering compelling entertainment experiences across multiple platforms.
Disney's strong earnings performance, coupled with strategic investments and forward-looking initiatives, positions the company for continued growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
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Dexter Cooke

Dexter Cooke

Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide. He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all. Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Darren Mcpherson

Darren Mcpherson

Reviewer
Darren Mcpherson brings over 9 years of experience in politics, business, investing, and banking to his writing. He holds degrees in Economics from Harvard University and Political Science from Stanford University, with certifications in Financial Management. Renowned for his insightful analyses and strategic awareness, Darren has contributed to reputable publications and served in advisory roles for influential entities. Outside the boardroom, Darren enjoys playing chess, collecting rare books, attending technology conferences, and mentoring young professionals. His dedication to excellence and understanding of global finance and governance make him a trusted and authoritative voice in his field.
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