Walt Disney Co Full Year & Q4 2019 Earnings Results

The Walt Disney Company stock closed for the day at $132.96 a share before reporting their earnings for the fourth quarter (Q4) and the full fiscal year 2019 which ended on September 28, 2019.

“Our solid results in the fourth quarter reflect the ongoing strength of our brands and businesses,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We’ve spent the last few years completely transforming The Walt Disney Company to focus the resources and immense creativity across the entire company on delivering an extraordinary direct-to-consumer experience, and we’re excited for the launch of Disney+ on November 12.”

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the fourth quarter decreased 72% to $0.43 from $1.55 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability , diluted EPS for the quarter decreased 28% to $1.07 from $1.48 in the prior year quarter. Diluted EPS from continuing operations for the year decreased 25% to $6.27 from $8.36 in the prior year. Excluding certain items affecting comparability , diluted EPS from continuing operations for the year decreased 19% to $5.77 from $7.08 in the prior year.

The Parks, Experiences & Products (which includes Disney Cruise Line) revenues for the quarter increased 8% to $6.7 billion, and segment operating income increased 17% to $1.4 billion. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to increases from merchandise licensing, Disneyland Resort and Disney Vacation Club.

Higher operating income at Disney’s merchandise licensing business was due to an increase in revenue from sales of merchandise based on Frozen and Toy Story, partially offset by lower sales of merchandise based on Mickey and Minnie.

Growth at Disneyland Resort was primarily due to higher guest spending, partially offset by expenses associated with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened on May 31, and, to a lesser extent, lower attendance. Guest spending growth was primarily due to increases in average ticket prices and higher food, beverage and merchandise spending.

The increase in operating income at Disney Vacation Club was due to higher sales at Disney’s Riviera Resort in the current quarter, which included a timing benefit from the adoption of new revenue recognition accounting guidance, compared to sales of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins in the prior-year quarter.

Results at Walt Disney World Resort were comparable to the prior-year quarter, despite the adverse impact of Hurricane Dorian in the current quarter. Increases in guest spending and, to a lesser extent, occupied room nights and attendance were offset by higher costs. Higher costs were driven by costs associated with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened on August 29, and cost inflation. Guest spending growth was primarily due to increased food, beverage and merchandise spending and higher average ticket prices.

Operating income at Disney’s international parks and resorts was comparable to the prior-year quarter, as growth at Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disney Resort was largely offset by a decrease at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The increase at Disneyland Paris was driven by higher average ticket prices and attendance growth. At Shanghai Disney Resort, higher operating income was due to an increase in average ticket prices, partially offset by lower attendance. Lower results at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort were due to decreases in attendance and occupied room nights reflecting the impact of recent events.

For the fiscal year, higher operating results at Parks, Experiences and Products was due to growth at the domestic theme parks and resorts and merchandise licensing. The increase at Disney’s domestic parks and resorts was due to higher guest spending, partially offset by labor and other cost inflation.

For more information and an overall report click over to the Q4 Fiscal Year 2019 Earnings Report.

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