Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS, XETRA:WDP) reported stronger-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results on Wednesday, driven by improved profitability at its streaming unit and higher guest spending at its theme parks, sending shares up nearly 8%. The entertainment giant posted revenue of $25.17 billion for the quarter, topping analyst estimates of $24.87 billion and marking a 6.6% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Josh D'Amaro used his first quarterly earnings call to talk up Disney+'s place as the “centerpiece” of the Magic Kingdom's digital future. The Mouse House's new CEO said an ongoing initiative to make Disney+ to first port of call for Disney customers and fans in most scenarios was already taking shape under his leadership.
Unlike some other media partners with the NFL, Disney is not yet negotiating with the league for a renewal of its long-term rights deal. CFO Hugh Johnston delivered that update during the media giant's quarterly earnings call Wednesday.
Walt Disney (DIS) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.57 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.49 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.45 per share a year ago.
Disney has confirmed in a letter to shareholders that its plans to develop a theme park in Abu Dhabi are on track one year after the groundbreaking project was announced.
Shares of Walt Disney surged more than 5% in premarket trading after the entertainment giant reported better-than-expected quarterly results, supported by growth in its streaming business and theme park operations. For the January–March quarter, Disney posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.57 on revenue of $25.2 billion.
In the first earnings report under new CEO Josh D'Amaro, Disney forecast 12% EPS growth for the year.
Disney posted strong results for its fiscal second quarter Wednesday, beginning the Josh D'Amaro era with a bang. Total revenue increased 7% from the year-ago period to reach almost $25.2 billion. Earnings per share, excluding certain items, came in at $1.57. Both metrics topped Wall Street analysts' consensus forecasts.
Shares have tumbled 12% in 2026, dragged down by concerns about slow earnings growth and macro headwinds.
Disney will report its fiscal second-quarter earnings before the bell on Wednesday. It's the first report since Josh D'Amaro took over as CEO in March.
Just weeks after stepping into the corner office, Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro made his first decisive—and controversial—move. He announced the layoff of 1,000 employees, most impacting marketing functions, as it consolidates company-wide brand-building efforts under the recently promoted chief marketing and brand officer, Asad Ayaz.
Investors are watching Disney (NYSE:DIS | DIS Price Prediction) ahead of fiscal Q2 2026 results due before the bell tomorrow, May 6.