Walt Disney Co. reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, buoyed by gains at Disney Channel and ESPN and at the Burbank company’s theme parks.
The entertainment giant reported net income of $1.08 billion for the quarter ending Oct. 1, a jump of 30% compared with a year earlier. Revenue also rose 7% to $10.4 billion.
Disney achieved record revenue, net income and earnings per share for fiscal 2011. Net income for the year reached $5.26 billion on revenue of nearly $41 billion.
“Given the challenging economic environment this year, I’m particularly proud of our excellent management team, which has consistently delivered on our strategy of creating high-quality content, expanding our platforms and growing our iconic brands and assets worldwide,” Disney President and Chief Executive Robert A. Iger said on a call with media analysts Thursday.
Disney’s media networks group, which includes the ABC television network, its collection of local TV stations and its cable channels, continues to be a profit engine for the company. Media networks posted operating income of $1.4 billion, a gain of 20% from a year earlier.
The TV group’s results were driven by sales of Disney Channel programming and higher fees paid by cable and satellite distributors, as well advertising growth internationally.
ESPN, which set viewership records for the fourth consecutive year, also benefited from fee increases and ad growth. Even the struggling ABC network is gaining traction with new dramas, including its modern-day take on fairy tales, “Once Upon a Time,” and its comedy about suburban life, “Suburgatory.”
Disney’s parks and resorts saw a 33% surge in operating income, which rose to $421 million for the quarter. The improved results at the company’s domestic parks, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris helped to partially offset costs associated with the September opening of the new Aulani hotel and vacation resort in Hawaii.
Iger said the company is beginning to reap the rewards of five years of investments in Disney’s theme parks. In the coming year, the company will open “Carsland,” which is the centerpiece of its $1-billion overhaul of California Adventure in Anaheim and the opening of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom park in Orlando, Fla.
Walt Disney Studios reported operating income of $117 million in the fourth quarter, up 13% from a year earlier, even though revenue fell 8%.
The studio’s domestic movie ticket sales benefited from this fall’s 3-D re-release of the 17-year-old animated classic “The Lion King,” which grossed about $150 million in worldwide box office receipts, Iger said.
Pixar Animation Studio’s sequel, “Cars 2,” had $559 million in global ticket sales but compared unfavorably to the 2010 summer blockbuster “Toy Story 3.”
Iger said the “Cars” franchise continues to spur consumer product sales, noting that it has surpassed “Star Wars” and “Toy Story” in retail sales of movie-themed merchandise. The consumer products group reported operating income of $207 million for the quarter, up 13% from the same period a year ago.
The upcoming Thanksgiving release of “The Muppets” is expected to “rebuild another beloved franchise,” Iger said. He noted that the film cost “less than $50 million to produce” and illustrates Disney’s strategy of releasing a mix of expensive event films like Marvel Entertainment’s 2012 superhero picture “The Avengers” with lower-cost movies.
Disney’s long-struggling interactive group reported a 19% gain in revenue, which rose to $223 million. Operating losses for the group fell to $94 million, compared with $104 million in the same period last year.
Iger said the interactive unit plans to introduce eight social networking games in the coming year, taking advantage of established Disney and Marvel brands, as well as creating original characters.
The chief executive expects the group to post a profit in 2013.
Here’s a good summary of what to expect at the D23 expo in August.
Of course, they won’t tell us who will be making an appearance yet, though. “Look for special appearances from many of your favorite stars from our biggest shows” is all we get for now.
After nearly two years, the D23 Expo will be returning to the Anaheim Convention Center this August 19 – 21st bringing “celebrity appearances, eye-popping pavilions, fascinating presentations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences”. Here are some of the highlights of the event.
The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, audiences will be treated to an up-close look at select movies from the Studio’s upcoming film slate.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be showcasing its “great big beautiful tomorrow” with a sneak peek at imaginative new experiences in the works for Disney Parks around the world, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club.
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit will offer a unique glimpse into the fantastic world of the Walt Disney Archives as we throw open the vaults and bring out the crown jewels of our amazing collections in an exciting, never-before-seen showcase boasting costumes and props from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Pirates of the Caribbean to Tron and LOST.
The Disney Living pavilion, presented by Disney Consumer Products, will inspire the Disney lifestyle through the worlds of Style, Play, Celebrations and more. From the nursery to the runway, from hot toys to cool book apps, favorite Disney characters will come to life in exclusive and never-before-seen products, collections and experiences for Disney fans. Meet the artists, designers, authors and innovators who create the magic and fun, and join in hands-on demos, activities and immersive environments.
Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior will jump off the screen at this year’s D23 Expo! Look for special appearances from many of your favorite stars from our biggest shows—and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to delight the whole family.
Radio Disney invites you to join the party as we celebrate the ultimate Disney fan event with music, fun, games and the chance to meet some favorite Radio Disney stars!
Disney Interactive Media Group pavilion will bring beloved Disney stories and characters to life digitally though exciting new interactive experiences. Guests will be able to try out new and upcoming games for videogame consoles, mobile and online, as well as fun creative activities from Disney.com.
D23 Expo Dream Store will be filled to the brim and bursting with D23-themed merchandise and other specialty items from Disney Theme Park Merchandise. From souvenirs and upscale logo assortments to Disney-inspired art and collectibles, ear hats, pins, Vinylmation™ and more, it will be a Disney enthusiast’s dream come true.
Disney Fan Art Gallerywill feature the creative talents of D23 Members at D23 Expo 2011, putting the “spot”-light on One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Disney lovers were previously invited to create work inspired by the beloved animated film, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Winners, selected by a panel of Disney’s creative executives, will see their work prominently showcased in the D23 Expo’s Fan Art Gallery, themed to the infamous House of de Vil, inside the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit.
Collectors Forum will be the ultimate Disney marketplace for fans. Collectors, dealers and other vendors will have the opportunity to showcase their collections in this ultimate forum for buying, selling and trading Disney merchandise and memorabilia. This year, in addition to Disney, Pixar and ABC collectibles, the Forum will feature items from the amazing world of Marvel, the newest addition to the Disney family, and Star Wars, in celebration of the reimagined attraction Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort.
Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro’s Trivial Pursuit | Disney Edition is an exciting new addition to D23 Expo 2011. The eccentric, professorial quack-meister Ludwig Von Drake will preside over the festivities as competitors demonstrate their deep knowledge of all things Disney, including park attractions and shows and parades, past and present; films and TV shows through the years; consumer products, games, company history and, of course, Walt and his family. No corner of Disney’s magical kingdom will be left unexplored in this quest to find that uniquely talented individual who knows more about Disney than anyone else. Trials for the Tournament will take place on Thursday, August 18 at the Convention Center, the day before the Expo opens.
D23 Expo2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards—a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy, and a product showcase featuring Disney Pins and Vinylmation in a special area where collectors can swap stories, treasures and meet the artists.
A membership is not required to attend the event (although you get a discount on admission if you are a member). Tickets purchased before June 30th are also discounted.
I for one am very excited about the upcoming 2011 D23 Expo. I had a lot of fun at the 2009 D23 Expo and with any hope the next one will be just as good.
Here’s a preview of the event courtesy of Disney. If you’re gonna be there too, then be sure to say hi if you happen to see me!
Treasures Of The Walt Disney Archives Returns to the D23 Expo
05.26.11 – From Jack Sparrow’s Black Pearl to Walt Disney’s limousine, a 12,000-square-foot exhibit will feature imagery, costumes, props, and more from beloved Disney movies, television shows and characters.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives are proud to announce the return of the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit to the D23 Expo. During the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center, August 19-21, 2011, the 12,000-square-foot exhibit, which has doubled in size since the 2009 Expo, will give fans unprecedented access and insight into more than eight decades of Disney history.
The expansive exhibit will showcase the crown jewels of the Walt Disney Archives Collection, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time. The most memorable props, set pieces, photos, costumes and memorabilia from beloved Disney films such as the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Alice in Wonderland, National Treasure, Tron (1982), The Rocketeer, Pinocchio and Who Framed Roger Rabbit will allow fans to enjoy and explore their favorite movies and characters like never before. In addition, the show floor will feature one-of-a-kind pieces including a 23-foot model of the Black Pearl, used in bothPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the Dharma Initiative Volkswagen van from the ABC television series LOST, and Walt Disney’s limousine.
The D23 Expo 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards — a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy. It also marks the return of the D23 Live Auction, boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; the all-new Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro® Trivial Pursuit: Disney For All Edition, where Disney fans will match wits to win a cruise on the new Disney Fantasy cruise ship; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations and unique experiences from every corner of Disney, from upcoming feature film and television sneak peeks to what’s new and what’s next from our theme parks around the world. “This is truly a one-of-a-kind display that showcases the enormous creativity and imagination of Walt Disney and the artists who have created unforgettable moments in entertainment history,” Steven Clark, head of D23, says. “From Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney to Pirates of the Caribbean and Wizards of Waverly Place, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives will truly be something for Disney fans of all ages.”
The D23 Expo 2011 will also feature the Disney Legends Awards — a tradition that pays tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy; the return of the D23 Live Auction, boasting extraordinary rarities and specially designed items for Disney fans; the all-new Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament Presented by Hasbro® Trivial Pursuit: Disney For All Edition, where Disney fans will match wits to win a cruise on the new Disney Fantasy cruise ship; plus amazing live events, special celebrity appearances, panels and presentations and unique experiences from every corner of Disney ® from upcoming feature film and television sneak peeks to what’s new and what’s next from our theme parks around the world.
Alright, we’re back up and running now. Our traffic here at DC Fans has been off the charts these past couple weeks and it’s been a real challenge just to keep up, not to mention trying to add new content. With that in mind, I am proud to present the professional pics from the Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides Premiere at Disneyland.
As I previously mentioned, my girl Ashley Tisdale was looking amazing in red.
And Vanessa wore that sexy open front dress mere inches away from me.
I barely saw Emma Roberts as she rushed past. She was rocking that little black dress though.
Ashley Benson looks nice. I didn’t much see her either.
Eliza Dushku’s lipstick was very red. o.O
And here’s a nice shot of Eva Longoria too.
As always, click any pic to see the full gallery. I didn’t find any of Chelsea Kane though.
Profits are down slightly mostly due to poor performance in the studio division (Mars Needs Moms anyone?) but actual revenues are still up. The full article follows…
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)–Walt Disney Co.’s (DIS) fiscal second-quarter profit slid 1.2% as strong advertising revenue and an improving parks-and-resorts business were offset by poor results in the studio entertainment division.
Results missed analyst expectations, pushing shares down 2.8% to $42.70 in after-hours trading. The stock is up 17% this year through Tuesday’s close.
Like many of its peers, Disney’s networks have benefited from a rebound in the television advertising market, while its theme-parks division has reported higher attendance and per-person spending. However, overall results were dragged down by the timing of the Easter holiday, which fell in the current quarter, along with the effects from the Japanese earthquake, the timing of certain DVD releases and a disappointing showing for the film “Mars Needs Moms.”
Those factors, along with a charge on last year’s purchase of social-game maker Playdom, combined to cut earnings by more than $170 million.
For the quarter ended April 2, Disney reported a profit of $942 million, down from $953 million, a year earlier. On a per-share basis, earnings rose to 49 cents from 48 cents as Disney had 2% fewer shares outstanding in the latest period. Revenue grew 5.8% to $9.08 billion.
Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a profit of 56 cents on revenue of $9.13 billion.
Revenue from the company’s media networks–its biggest top-line contributor–jumped 12%, while profit increased 17%. ESPN revenue was boosted by the football Bowl Championship Series and high ratings for regular-season NBA games. Chief Executive Robert Iger said on a conference call that early signs suggest “strong” advertising sales during next week’s upfront.
Still, Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo warned that comparisons to the year-ago third fiscal quarter will be difficult, as the prior period included the World Cup, a seven-game playoff between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics and heavy political advertising spending.
Parks-and-resorts revenue rose 7.4% although profit declined 3.3%. Excluding the impact of the Easter holiday timing, attendance at domestic parks would have risen 2%. Per-capita spending rose 6% and per-room spending gained 4%.
In the current quarter, bookings at Disney resorts are about 2.5% below year-ago levels, but booked-room prices are ahead by double digits.
The interactive media segment, which has plagued Disney amid increasing competition from more mobile game platforms, posted 8% revenue growth as its operating loss widened. Still, the company said it sees continued opportunities for that unit.
The studio entertainment segment’s top line fell 13%, while profit slumped 65%. The segment was hurt by lower unit sales of home entertainment after a strong prior-year performance of the first two “Toy Story” films and other movies, as well as the disappointing “Mars Needs Moms.”
However, a strong opening weekend for Marvel Studios’ comic-book adaption of “Thor” bodes well for Disney, which will begin distributing films from the studio beginning with “The Avengers” in 2012.
The company said the upcoming releases of the fourth “Pirates of the Caribbean” installment and “Cars” sequel also will be major factors in the current quarter.
Meanwhile, Disney said it expects to save $350 million to $400 million over five years, beginning in fiscal 2012, after changing certain salary pension plans. The move should cut pension expense by 25% to 30% compared with the prior program.
The stars turned out on the “black carpet” for the Pirates 4 premiere at Disneyland park on Saturday May 7th 2011. They actually built a huge screen on the banks of the Rivers of America.
First up, Jake T. Austin from WOWP with some blond chick that I’m assuming is his girlfriend.
I got a quick glance at Emma Roberts as she dashed past me.
Ashley Benson from Pretty Little Liars was looking very good.
My love Ashley Tisdale was there too. Sadly, I was so excited to see her that this vid was all I got of her.
I was just a few feet from the lovely Vanessa Hudgens as she signed some autographs. She is stunning up close.
The lovely dancer Lacey Schwimmer signed some autographs for fans too.
I did not expect to see Kyle Massey, but I guess he still follows Lacey around everywhere.
Eliza Dushku pretty much ran past as fast as Tizz did, but it was still a real treat to get to see her in person!
After seeing Lacey and Kyle, it was no surprise that Disney would want to have Chelsea Kane come by too.
I guess this Dancing with the Stars thing is popular. It didn’t seem like anyone knows her as “that blond chick from JONAS” besides me.
Eva Longoria is my one cliche older woman crush. So I got a kick out of seeing her in person too.
If you didn’t already know, Penelope Cruz is the female lead in Pirates 4. So of course she was there.
I just barely saw Mitchel Musso before the ushers pushed him along…
… to make way for our final guest of the evening Johnny Depp himself.
It was a lot of fun, and quite a sight to see. Even though the camera didn’t always agree!
In the next day or so I’ll be tracking down some of the professional press pics of Ashley, Vanessa, and the like as I regularly do for premieres. You can find move video from the even on my youtube and as always, click on each picture for a larger version.
Feb 08, 2011 (SmarTrend News Watch via COMTEX) — Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) reported Q1 EPS of $0.68, topping consensus estimates of $0.56 per share. Revenues for the quarter rose to $10.72 billion, ahead of consensus estimates of
$10.52 billion.
“We had an excellent first quarter, driven by strong creative content and our unique ability to leverage great entertainment across the many platforms, businesses and markets in which we operate,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO. “With net income up 54%, it’s a great start to a new fiscal year.”
Walt Disney has a potential upside of 4.8% based on a current price of $41.19 and an average consensus analyst price target of $43.16.
Walt Disney is currently above its 50-day moving average (MA) of $38.37 and above its 200-day of $35.39.
In the last five trading sessions, the 50-day MA has climbed 0.64% while the 200-day MA has risen 0.17%.
The Walt Disney Company, an entertainment company, conducts operations in media networks, studio entertainment, theme parks and resorts, consumer products, and Internet and direct marketing. The Company produces motion pictures, television programs, and musical recordings, as well as publishes books and magazines. Disney also operates ABC radio and television and theme parks.
I found myself sipping coffee outside of an AMC theater in downtown Disneyland at 5:30 AM yesterday morning, surrounded by grown men and women dressed as the pirates of lore. Had I stumbled upon the last stragglers from an all night swashbuckling shindig? No. This was Disney’s “Pirates Fans First” event – a morning devoted to whetting the appetites of only the most ardent Jack Sparrow devotees with the world premiere of the Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides trailer in vivid, jump-out-at-you-and-pull-you-back-in 3D.
The 2D trailer was released online yesterday afternoon, but the winners of the ‘Fans First’ contest had the opportunity to catch the first glimpse of the 3D footage that theater goers will be able to see later this week. The trailer will screen at the head of TRON: Legacy beginning this Friday, December 17th.
After the trailer, participants were invited to ride the inspirational Pirates ride; swear and oath to the scandalous and seafaring way of life, enjoy breakfast at Disneyland, and take photos with “Jack” and his crew. We will have footage from the event, and the fans response to the trailer soon.
In the interim, we have some thoughts on the look of the film, as well as the short chat that we were able to participate in with On Stranger Tides director, Rob Marshall.
The 3D format of the trailer differed a bit from the more subtle, immersive 3D of TRON: Legacy and Avatar. It felt like a more finely-tuned version of classic 3D – the type that was originally created to pop out at the audience at opportune moments, giving them the sense that they are witnessing a cinematic pop-up book; something with all of the elements of the standard, and a little something extra.
The lush mountains and jungles all but surround you; swords thrust and parry towards the audience, and Jack all but sits in your lap to deliver his genuinely pithy one-liners.
Marshall himself introduced the trailer, much to the fans’ delight, and gave an insider’s look at the production and everyone’s favorite thief with a heart of gold and tongue of silver — Captain Jack Sparrow. When he was later asked to fill in the blank of the following sentence “Johnny Depp is___” Marshall replied simply “the best.”
The director had already assured fans of the popular actor’s virtues, citing his kindness, humor and wit, saying “Johnny Depp is, exactly everything that you would hope he would be” as a fan – going so far as to say the reason he did this film can be summed up in two words: “Johnny — Depp.”
It was Depp who approached Marshall to direct the film. When asked what method he used to direct the actor in a role that is already so solid and flushed out, Marshall said that Depp, “like any actor is looking for guidance, and is a real collaborator in that way.” Though the director did emphasize that he (Marshall) “is smart enough to let him (Depp) do his thing.”
Marshall described the filmmaking process for Pirates as an adventure unto itself – particularly in terms of their use of 3D in the exotic locations that serve as the backdrop for the film.
We were actually pretty pioneering in that way; because not many movies have actually taken 3D equipment into real locations. You know, stages, and green screen and that kind of thing. We were taking them into caves and into waterfalls, and jungles and swamps…. Some pretty amazing places. So we were experiencing an adventure, while we were also making an adventure.
For Marshall, 3D needs to be restricted to stories that depict and rely on “a world you need to enter.” In the case of this film, the director feels that the 3D serves to transport the viewer “inside the world of the Pirates, and there’s nothing like that, you get to actually get to experience the journey of the adventure with Jack Sparrow, with him. So it’s really cool for this movie, specifically, to be in 3D.”
There is a whole new element added to the adventure with the introduction of Penelope Cruz as “the first female pirate” who serves as both “fierce competitor” and violently inclined romantic interest for Jack. Marshall says “there is a real love hate thing between them; you know, they try and kill each other the whole time.”
The film is rounded out with what the director describes as “the most evil villain” yet in the series, Blackbeard (played by Ian Mcshane) and a Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) that is now playing on the other side of the law, which is, as Marshall says “really, really shady.”
When asked if the film would make any further nods to the ride, he replied simply, “there are two… but I’m not going to tell you which ones.”
Though he did admit that is is becoming fairly challenging to find ride references that have not already been utilized in the films.
On Saturday October 23rd, Webmaster Greg returned to Disney’s Burbank studios for a special D23 member event.
It was part of their “50 and Fabulous” series of classic film screenings at the studio. I actually ended up going because my mom is a huge Zorro fan, but I certainly had a good time as well. Guy Williams (Zorro) is no longer with us, but I did get a photo with his son (far left), wife (center), and daughter when they came out for the event.
I also got a picture of something else really cool. Being the huge Sonny with a Chance fan that I am, I instantly recognized the exterior shot of the “Condor Studios” Commissary…
… as actually being the Walt Disney Studios commissary building!
It’s not exactly the same shot, but you get the idea. They wouldn’t let me get any closer. Like I was gonna steal the squirrels or something? LOLz
I did get one really great pic, as you can see, with the iconic street sign at the corner of Mickey Avenue and Dopey Drive. It was actually built as a prop for a behind the scenes special, but it was so popular that Walt decided to leave it up.
I also noticed that they changed the Sorcerer’s Hat at the Roy E. Disney Animation building in support of Tangled. Pretty cool, huh?
