The Walt Disney Company stock closed for the day at $116.56 a share before reporting their earnings for the third quarter (Q3) of fiscal year 2018 which ended on June 30, 2018.
“We’re pleased with our results in the quarter, including a double-digit increase in earnings per share, and excited about the opportunities ahead for continued growth,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Having earned the overwhelming support of shareholders, we are more enthusiastic about the 21st Century Fox acquisition than ever, and confident in our ability to fully leverage these assets along with our own incredible brands, franchises and businesses to drive significant value across the entire company.”
Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter increased 29% to $1.95 from $1.51 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the quarter increased 18% to $1.87 from $1.58 in the prior-year quarter. EPS for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 increased to $6.81 from $4.55 in the prior-year period. Excluding certain items affecting comparability, EPS for the nine months increased 21% to $5.60 from $4.63 in the prior-year period.
Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 6% to $5.2 billion and segment operating income increased 15% to $1.3 billion. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to increases across key operations. Results include an unfavorable impact due to the timing of the Easter holiday relative to our fiscal periods. One week of the Easter holiday fell in the third quarter of the current year whereas both holiday weeks fell in the third quarter of the prior year.
Higher operating income at our domestic parks and resorts was due to increased guest spending, partially offset by increased costs. Guest spending growth was due to increases in average ticket prices, food, beverage and merchandise spending and average daily hotel room rates. The increase in costs was due to labor and other cost inflation, partially offset by lower marketing costs. At our cruise line, growth was driven by higher passenger cruise days, which was primarily due to the Disney Fantasy dry-dock in the prior-year quarter.
The increased operating income at our international parks and resorts was due to growth at Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Higher operating income at Shanghai Disney Resort was due to lower costs and attendance growth, partially offset by decreased guest spending. The decrease in guest spending was driven by lower average ticket prices, partially offset by higher food and beverage spending. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the increase in operating income was primarily due to higher occupied room nights, average ticket prices and attendance.
For more information and an overall report click over to the Q3-2018 Earnings Report.