The Walt Disney Company stock closed for the day at $101.13 a share before reporting their earnings for the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal year 2023 which ended on April 1, 2023. According to the earnings report, revenues for the quarter grew 13%.

“We’re pleased with our accomplishments this quarter, including the improved financial performance of our streaming business, which reflect the strategic changes we’ve been making throughout the company to realign Disney for sustained growth and success,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “From movies to television, to sports, news, and our theme parks, we continue to deliver for consumers, while establishing a more efficient, coordinated, and streamlined approach to our operations.”

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the quarter increased to $0.69 from $0.26 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items, diluted EPS for the quarter decreased to $0.93 from $1.08 in the prior- year quarter. EPS from continuing operations for the six months ended April 1, 2023 increased to $1.39 from $0.89 in the prior-year period. Excluding certain items, diluted EPS for the six months ended April 1, 2023 decreased to $1.91 from $2.14 in the prior-year period

The Parks, Experiences and Products segment (which includes Disney Cruise Line) saw revenues for the quarter increase 17% to $7.8 billion and segment operating income increased 23% to $2.2 billion. Higher operating results for the quarter reflected increases at Disney’s international and domestic parks and experiences businesses, partially offset by lower results at our merchandise licensing business.

Higher operating results at Disney’s international parks and resorts were due to growth at Shanghai Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The increase at Shanghai Disney Resort was due to higher volumes and guest spending growth. Higher volumes were attributable to increased attendance while guest spending growth was due to increases in average ticket prices and food, beverage and merchandise spending. The increase in operating results at Disneyland Paris was due to volume growth, which was attributable to higher attendance, and increased guest spending, partially offset by higher costs. Guest spending growth was due to increases in average ticket prices, average daily hotel room rates and food, beverage and merchandise spending. The increase in costs was primarily due to inflation and higher costs associated with new guest offerings. Higher results at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort reflected more operating days in the current quarter due to COVID-19-related closures in the prior- year quarter.

Operating income growth at Disney’s domestic parks and experiences was attributable to an increase at Disney Cruise Line, partially offset by the comparison to a real estate gain in the prior-year quarter. Higher results at Disney Cruise Line were due to an increase in passenger cruise days including the addition of the Disney Wish, which launched in the fourth quarter of the prior year, partially offset by higher costs associated with our ongoing fleet expansion. Results at Disney’s domestic parks and resorts were slightly unfavorable to the prior-year quarter, as a decrease at Walt Disney World Resort was largely offset by growth at Disneyland Resort. The decrease at Walt Disney World Resort was due to higher costs, partially offset by increased volumes. Higher costs reflected cost inflation, increased expenses associated with new guest offerings and higher depreciation. The increase in volumes was due to attendance growth and higher occupied room nights. Increased operating income at Disneyland Resort resulted from growth in attendance and guest spending, partially offset by higher costs. Higher guest spending was due to increases in average ticket prices and average daily hotel room rates. The increase in costs was primarily due to higher operations support costs and increased costs associated with new guest offerings.

The decrease in merchandise licensing operating income included lower revenue from merchandise based on Star Wars, Spider-Man, Frozen and Avengers.

There were no additional details regarding Disney Cruise Line in the press release. We will update this post if we hear anything during the earnings call and Q&A.

For more information and an overall report click over to the Q2-2023 Earnings Report.