Josh D'Amaro Lays Out Disney Strategy in First Earnings Call as CEO
The Hollywood Reporter • • general
Key Points:
- Walt Disney Co. CEO Josh D’Amaro presented his long-term vision during the company’s fiscal Q2 earnings report, highlighting a 7% revenue increase to $25.2 billion and a 4% rise in segment operating income to $4.6 billion.
- Disney’s entertainment division led growth with $11.7 billion in revenue (up 10%) and $1.3 billion in operating income (up 6%), followed by the experiences segment and ESPN, which saw mixed results.
- The company raised its share buyback goal to $8 billion and projects 12% adjusted EPS growth for the year, emphasizing three strategic pillars: investing in IP and creativity, enhancing Disney+ as a central streaming platform, and exploring advanced technologies like AI.
- Disney plans to expand its original content, citing successes like Pixar’s Hoppers and franchises such as The Mandalorian, while integrating all creative efforts under Dana Walden.
- The company is focusing on improving Disney+ engagement through personalization and new features like the Verts vertical video product, and is exploring AI applications across content creation, monetization, workforce productivity, guest experiences, and operations, while maintaining a commitment to human creativity and IP protection.
