Skip to main content

Good quarter for Disney boosts confidence in Fox acquisition

News
epcot disney

The Walt Disney Company has seen a successful third quarter, with an increase in revenue across the company and within the Parks and Resorts segment.

The company saw a 7% rise in revenues for this quarter compared to the same quarter last year. Parks and resorts continue to contribute heavily. Revenues for Disney’s parks and results increased 6% on the same period last year, up to $5.2 billion.

An increased operating income was attributed to increased guest spending as a result of  increases in average ticket prices, food, beverage and merchandise spending and average daily hotel room rates. The company noted an increase in costs – as a result of labour and other cost inflation. However this was partially offset by lower marketing costs. Domestic parks saw a 1% increase in attendance.

disney q3 results

Growth at Shanghai and Hong Kong Resorts has also driven higher operating income at international parks and resorts. These parks saw attendance growth and lower costs. Lower guest spending was noted, caused by lower average ticket prices.

The results were partially offset by the timing of the Easter holiday, since the quarter only included one week of the Easter holiday, whereas in 2017 the quarter included both weeks.

“Despite this headwind,” said Christine McCarthy, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, “the segment once again delivered very strong results with revenue and operating income setting new Q3 records.”

Room refurbishments and conversion at Disney’s domestic hotels had an impact on occupancy. Occupancy was down “about two percentage points” to 86% due to the reduced room inventory due to room refurbishments.

New brands

The properties in the 21st Century Fox portfolio, which Disney is set to acquire, will serve the company’s global growth strategy – says Bob Iger, CEO. Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger to step down in 2019

He said: “The addition of these valuable assets will greatly enhance our position as a global entertainment company with excellent production and distribution businesses in key and emerging markets around the world.”

The company say they will support Fox’s brand such as National Geographic to expand around the world. Particularly on National Geographic, Iger points out: “we see numerous other exciting opportunities for this brand across our entire company, including in the eco-tourism space.”

Iger added: “In this era of unprecedented consumer choice, brands matter more than ever. And our incredible portfolio of high quality, in-demand branded content uniquely positions us to strategically and successfully navigate this increasingly dynamic marketplace.”

Share this
Michael Mander

Michael Mander

I am a journalist from Essex, England. I enjoy travelling, and love exploring attractions around the world. I graduated from Lancaster University in 2018. Twitter @michael_mander.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update