Disney Dives on Earnings Miss

Shares of Disney are plunging lower by 6% in the after-hours, following a tragic earnings report. All in all, the numbers weren’t all that bad.

The ESPN division posted solid results.

The increase at ESPN was due to the benefit of lower programming costs and higher affiliate revenues, partially offset by a decrease in advertising revenue. Results for the quarter benefited from the timing of our fiscal quarter end relative to when College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl games were played, which resulted in a decrease in programming costs and advertising revenue. One CFP game was aired in the current quarter, whereas seven CFP games were aired in the second quarter of the prior year. Affiliate revenue growth was due to contractual rate increases, partially offset by a decline in subscribers. Lower advertising revenue was due to lower ratings and rates, which were negatively impacted by the timing of CFP bowl games, partially offset by higher units sold.

Nevertheless, markets do not like these numbers.

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) today reported quarterly earnings of $2.1 billion for its second fiscal quarter ended April 2, 2016, an increase of $35 million over the prior-year quarter. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter increased 6% to $1.30 from $1.23 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the quarter increased 11% to $1.36. EPS for the six months ended April 2, 2016 increased 22% to $3.04 from $2.50 in the prior-year period. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the six months increased 20%.

“We’re very pleased with our overall results in Q2, which marks our 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in adjusted EPS,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Our Studio’s unprecedented winning streak at the box office underscores the incredible appeal of our branded content, which we continue to leverage across the entire company to drive significant value. Looking forward, we are thrilled with the Studio’s slate and tremendously excited about the June 16th grand opening of the spectacular Shanghai Disney Resort.”

Walt Disney prelim Q2 $1.36 vs $1.40 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; revs $12.97 bln vs $13.20 bln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate

I have no strong opinions on DIS, other than it’s a component of the Dow, so I hate it.