The Walt Disney Company Reports First Quarter Earnings for Fiscal 2021

BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today reported earnings for its first fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2021. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the quarter decreased 98% to $0.02 from $1.17 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items,(1) diluted EPS for the quarter decreased 79% to $0.32 from $1.53 in the prior-year quarter. Results in the quarter ended January 2, 2021 were adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The most significant impact was at the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment where since late in the second quarter of fiscal 2020, our parks and resorts have been closed or operating at significantly reduced capacity and our cruise ship sailings have been suspended.

“We believe the strategic actions we’re taking to transform our Company will fuel our growth and enhance shareholder value, as demonstrated by the incredible strides we’ve made in our DTC business, reaching more than 146 million total paid subscriptions across our streaming services at the end of the quarter,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re confident that, with our robust pipeline of exceptional, high-quality content and the upcoming launch of our new Star-branded international general entertainment offering, we are well-positioned to achieve even greater success going forward.”

The following table summarizes the first quarter results for fiscal 2021 and 2020 (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Revenues

$

16,249

 

$

20,877

 

(22) %

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

46

 

$

2,626

 

(98) %

Total segment operating income(1)

$

1,332

 

$

3,996

 

(67) %

Net income from continuing operations(2)

$

29

 

$

2,128

 

(99) %

Diluted EPS from continuing operations(2)

$

0.02

 

$

1.17

 

(98) %

Diluted EPS excluding certain items(1)

$

0.32

 

$

1.53

 

(79) %

Cash provided by continuing operations

$

75

 

$

1,630

 

(95) %

Free cash flow(1)

$

(685)

 

$

292

 

nm

(1)

 

Diluted EPS excluding certain items, total segment operating income and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. The comparable GAAP measures are diluted EPS from continuing operations, income from continuing operations before income taxes, and cash provided by continuing operations, respectively. See the discussion on page 2 and on pages 9 through 11.

(2)

 

Reflects amounts attributable to shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, i.e. after deduction of income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

SEGMENT RESULTS

The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management uses total segment operating income as a measure of the performance of operating businesses separate from non-operating factors. The Company believes that information about total segment operating income assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing separate insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results.

The following is a reconciliation of income from continuing operations before income taxes to total segment operating income (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$

46

 

 

$

2,626

 

 

(98) %

Add (subtract):

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses

232

 

 

237

 

 

2 %

Restructuring and impairment charges

113

 

 

150

 

 

25 %

Interest expense, net

324

 

 

283

 

 

(14) %

Amortization of TFCF and Hulu intangible assets and fair value step-up on film and television costs

617

 

 

700

 

 

12 %

Total Segment Operating Income

$

1,332

 

 

$

3,996

 

 

(67) %

Since late in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 and continuing into fiscal 2021, COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread have impacted our segments in a number of ways, most significantly at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. In the current quarter, our theme parks were closed or operating at significantly reduced capacity and cruise ship sailings and guided tours were suspended. In addition, we have delayed, or in some cases, shortened or canceled, theatrical releases, and stage play performances have been suspended. We have experienced disruptions in the production and availability of content, including the cancellation or shift of key live sports programming from fiscal 2020 into fiscal 2021, as well as the suspension of production of most film and television content. Although most film and television production resumed beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we continue to see disruption of film and television production depending on local circumstances. We have incurred, and will continue to incur, additional costs to address government regulations and implement safety measures for our employees, talent and guests. The timing, duration and extent of these costs will depend on the timing and scope of our operations as they resume. We currently estimate these costs may total approximately $1 billion in fiscal 2021. Some of these costs may be capitalized and amortized over future periods.

The most significant impact on operating income in the current quarter from COVID-19 was an estimated detriment of approximately $2.6 billion at the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment due to revenue lost as a result of the closures and reduced operating capacities. The impacts of COVID-19 on our Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution segment were less significant. Higher sports programming costs reflecting the shift of key sporting events from prior quarters to the current quarter were largely offset by higher advertising revenue related to broadcast of the events. Lower revenues due to the deferral or cancellation of significant film releases as a result of theater closures were largely offset by the related reduction in film cost amortization, marketing and distribution costs.

The following table summarizes the first quarter segment revenue and segment operating income for fiscal 2021 and 2020 (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution

$

12,661

 

 

$

13,297

 

 

(5) %

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

3,588

 

 

7,580

 

 

(53) %

Total Revenues

$

16,249

 

 

$

20,877

 

 

(22) %

Segment operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution

$

1,451

 

 

$

1,474

 

 

(2) %

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

(119)

 

 

2,522

 

 

nm

Total Segment Operating Income

$

1,332

 

 

$

3,996

 

 

(67) %

Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution

Revenue and operating results for the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution segment are as follows (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

Change

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Linear Networks

$

7,693

 

 

$

7,536

 

 

2 %

Direct-to-Consumer

3,504

 

 

2,025

 

 

73 %

Content Sales/Licensing and Other

1,702

 

 

3,910

 

 

(56) %

Elimination of Intrasegment Revenue(1)

(238)

 

 

(174)

 

 

(37) %

 

$

12,661

 

 

$

13,297

 

 

(5) %

Operating income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Linear Networks

$

1,729

 

 

$

1,808

 

 

(4) %

Direct-to-Consumer

(466)

 

 

(1,110)

 

 

58 %

Content Sales/Licensing and Other

188

 

 

776

 

 

(76) %

 

$

1,451

 

 

$

1,474

 

 

(2) %

 

(1) Reflects fees received from other DMED businesses for the right to air the linear networks and related services.

Linear Networks

Linear Networks revenues for the quarter increased 2% to $7.7 billion, and operating income decreased 4% to $1.7 billion. The following table provides further detail of the Linear Networks results (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

Change

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Supplemental revenue detail

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic Channels

$

6,070

 

$

5,993

 

1 %

International Channels

1,623

 

1,543

 

5 %

 

$

7,693

 

$

7,536

 

2 %

Supplemental operating income detail

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic Channels

$

1,120

 

$

1,206

 

(7) %

International Channels

375

 

388

 

(3) %

Equity in the income of investees

234

 

214

 

9 %

 

$

1,729

 

$

1,808

 

(4) %

Domestic Channels

Domestic Channels revenues for the quarter increased 1% to $6.1 billion and operating income decreased 7% to $1.1 billion. The decrease in operating income was due to lower results at our cable business, partially offset by an increase at our broadcasting business.

The decrease at cable was due to higher programming and production costs and lower advertising revenue, partially offset by affiliate revenue growth. The increase in programming and production costs was due to the timing of the College Football Playoffs (CFP) relative to our fiscal periods and higher NBA programming costs. The current quarter included six CFP bowl games compared to three in the prior-year quarter. As a result of delays due to COVID-19, four NBA Finals games were played in the current quarter, whereas these games would have normally occurred in the third quarter of the prior year. Lower advertising revenue was due to lower average viewership, partially offset by an increase in rates. Affiliate revenue growth was due to an increase in contractual rates, partially offset by fewer subscribers.

The increase at broadcasting was due to higher political advertising revenue at the owned television stations, partially offset by a decrease at the ABC Television Network. The decrease at the Network was due to lower advertising revenue and higher marketing costs, partially offset by affiliate revenue growth. The decrease in advertising revenue was due to lower impressions, reflecting lower average viewership, and lower rates, partially offset by a benefit from airing New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in the current quarter, whereas in the prior fiscal year it aired in the second quarter. Affiliate revenue growth was due to an increase in contractual rates.

International Channels

International Channels revenues for the quarter increased 5% to $1.6 billion and operating income decreased 3% to $375 million. The decrease in operating income was due to higher programming and production costs and lower affiliate revenue, partially offset by advertising revenue growth and a reduction in non-programming costs. Higher programming and production costs and advertising revenue reflected a shift in the timing of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches from the third quarter of fiscal 2020 to the first quarter of fiscal 2021 as a result of COVID-19. IPL cricket matches generally occur during our third fiscal quarter. The decrease in affiliate revenue was primarily due to channel closures.

Equity in the Income of Investees

Income from equity investees increased $20 million, to $234 million from $214 million, driven by higher income from A+E Television Networks due to higher program sales, partially offset by lower advertising revenue.

Direct-to-Consumer

Direct-to-Consumer revenues for the quarter increased 73% to $3.5 billion and operating loss decreased from $1.1 billion to $466 million. The decrease in operating loss was due to improved results at Hulu, and to a lesser extent, at Disney+ and ESPN+.

The increase at Hulu was due to subscriber growth and increased advertising revenues driven by higher impressions, partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs due to higher subscriber-based fees for programming the live television service.

The improvement at Disney+ was driven by an increase in subscribers, partially offset by higher programming and production cost amortization and increased marketing and technology costs. The increases in subscribers and costs reflected the ongoing expansion of Disney+ including launching in additional markets. The current quarter included three months of Disney+ operations whereas the prior-year quarter included two months.

Higher results at ESPN+ were driven by subscriber growth, partially offset by higher sports programming costs.

The following table presents the number of paid subscribers(1) (in millions) for Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu as of:

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Disney+(3)

94.9

 

 

26.5

 

 

>100 %

ESPN+

12.1

 

 

6.6

 

 

83 %

Hulu

 

 

 

 

 

SVOD Only

35.4

 

 

27.2

 

 

30 %

Live TV + SVOD

4.0

 

 

3.2

 

 

25 %

Total Hulu

39.4

 

 

30.4

 

 

30 %

The following table presents the average monthly revenue per paid subscriber(2) for the quarter ended:

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Disney+(3) (4)

$

4.03

 

$

5.56

 

(28) %

ESPN+(5)

$

4.48

 

$

4.44

 

1 %

Hulu

 

 

 

 

 

SVOD Only

$

13.51

 

$

13.15

 

3 %

Live TV + SVOD

$

75.11

 

$

59.47

 

26 %

(1)

 

A subscriber for which we recognized subscription revenue. A subscriber ceases to be a paid subscriber as of their effective cancellation date or as a result of a failed payment method. A subscription bundle is considered a paid subscriber for each service included in the bundle. Subscribers include those who receive the service through wholesale arrangements in which we receive a fee for the distribution of Disney+ to each subscriber to an existing content distribution tier. When we aggregate the total number of paid subscribers across our direct-to-consumer services, whether acquired individually, through a wholesale arrangement or via the bundle, we refer to them as paid subscriptions.

(2)

 

Revenue per paid subscriber is calculated based upon the average of the monthly average paid subscribers for each month in the period. The monthly average paid subscribers is calculated as the sum of the beginning of the month and end of the month paid subscriber count, divided by two. Disney+ average monthly revenue per paid subscriber is calculated using a daily average of paid subscribers for the period. The average revenue per subscriber is net of discounts offered on bundled services. The bundled discount is allocated to each service based on the relative retail price of each service on a standalone basis. In general, wholesale arrangements have a lower average monthly revenue per paid subscriber than subscribers that we acquire directly or through third party platforms like Apple.

(3)

 

Disney+ Hotstar launched on April 3, 2020 and September 5, 2020 in India and Indonesia, respectively, (as a conversion of the preexisting Hotstar service) and is included in the number of paid subscribers and average monthly revenue per paid subscriber. The average monthly revenue per paid subscriber for Disney+ Hotstar is significantly lower than the average monthly revenue per paid subscriber for Disney+ in other markets.

(4)

 

Excludes Premier Access revenue.

(5)

 

Excludes Pay-Per-View revenue.

The average monthly revenue per paid subscriber for Disney+ decreased from $5.56 to $4.03 due to the launch of Disney+ Hotstar.

The average monthly revenue per paid subscriber for ESPN+ increased from $4.44 to $4.48 due to an increase in retail pricing, partially offset by a higher mix of subscribers to the bundled offering available in the U.S.

The average monthly revenue per paid subscriber for the Hulu SVOD Only service increased from $13.15 to $13.51 due to higher per-subscriber advertising revenue, a lower mix of wholesale subscribers and an increase in per-subscriber premium and feature add-on revenue. These increases were partially offset by a higher mix of subscribers to the bundled offering. The average monthly revenue per paid subscriber for the Hulu Live TV + SVOD service increased from $59.47 to $75.11 due to increases in retail pricing, higher per-subscriber advertising revenue and an increase in per-subscriber premium and feature add-on revenue. These increases were partially offset by a higher mix of subscribers to the bundled offering.

Content Sales/Licensing and Other

Content Sales/Licensing and Other revenues for the quarter decreased 56% to $1.7 billion and segment operating income decreased 76% to $188 million. The decrease in operating income was due to lower theatrical, TV/SVOD distribution and home entertainment results.

Theatrical distribution was lower as there were no significant worldwide theatrical releases in the current quarter compared to Frozen II, which was released in the prior-year quarter. The current quarter was negatively impacted by COVID-19 as many theaters globally were either closed or operating at reduced capacity.

Lower TV/SVOD distribution results were driven by the shift from licensing our content to third parties to distribution on our direct-to-consumer services.

The decrease in home entertainment results was due to lower unit sales, partially offset by lower marketing costs. The prior-year quarter reflected the performance of Toy Story 4, The Lion King and Aladdin compared to no significant titles in the current quarter.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products revenues for the quarter decreased 53% to $3.6 billion, and segment operating results decreased $2.6 billion to a loss of $119 million. Lower operating results for the quarter were due to decreases at both the domestic and international parks and experiences businesses.

As a result of COVID-19, Disneyland Resort was closed and our cruise business was suspended in the current quarter. Disneyland Paris closed on October 30, 2020 and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort closed on December 2, 2020. Walt Disney World Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort were open in the current quarter. Our parks and resorts that were open during the quarter operated at significantly reduced capacities.

At our consumer products business, operating income growth was driven by an increase in games licensing revenue reflecting the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

We estimate the total net adverse impact of COVID-19 on segment operating income in the quarter was approximately $2.6 billion.

The following table presents supplemental revenue and operating income (loss) detail for the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment:

 

Quarter Ended

 

% Change
Better
(Worse)

(in millions)

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Supplemental revenue detail

 

 

 

 

 

Parks & Experiences

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

$

1,489

 

 

$

4,939

 

 

(70) %

International

378

 

 

950

 

 

(60) %

Consumer Products

1,721

 

 

1,691

 

 

2 %

 

$

3,588

 

 

$

7,580

 

 

(53) %

Supplemental operating income (loss) detail

 

 

 

 

 

Parks & Experiences

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

$

(798)

 

 

$

1,572

 

 

nm

International

(262)

 

 

51

 

 

nm

Consumer Products

941

 

 

899

 

 

5 %

 

$

(119)

 

 

$

2,522

 

 

nm

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

During the current and prior-year quarters, the Company recorded charges totaling $113 million and $150 million, respectively. The current quarter charges were due to severance. The charges in the prior-year quarter were due to severance in connection with the acquisition and integration of TFCF.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net was as follows (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Interest expense

$

(404)

 

 

$

(362)

 

 

(12) %

Interest, investment income and other

80

 

 

79

 

 

1 %

Interest expense, net

$

(324)

 

 

$

(283)

 

 

(14) %

The increase in interest expense was due to higher average debt balances, partially offset by lower average interest rates.

Interest income, investment income and other was comparable to the prior-year quarter as higher pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than service cost were offset by higher investment gains.

Equity in the Income of Investees

Equity in the income of investees was as follows (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Amounts included in segment results:

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution

$

235

 

 

$

235

 

 

— %

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

(8)

 

 

(3)

 

 

>(100) %

Amortization of TFCF intangible assets related to equity investees

(3)

 

 

(8)

 

 

63 %

Equity in the income of investees

$

224

 

 

$

224

 

 

— %

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was as follows:

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Effective income tax rate – continuing operations

34.8%

 

17.4%

 

(17.4)

 

ppt

 

The increase in the effective income tax rate was due to higher foreign losses for which we are unable to recognize a tax benefit, partially offset by higher excess tax benefits on employee share-based awards. An excess tax benefit arises when the value of an employee share-based award on the exercise or vesting date is higher than the fair value on the grant date.

Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was as follows (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests

$

(1)

 

$

(40)

 

98 %

 

The decrease in net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests was due to lower operating results at ESPN.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is determined on income after royalties and management fees, financing costs and income taxes, as applicable.

Cash Flow

Cash provided by operations and free cash flow were as follows (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

 

Change

Cash provided by operations

$

75

 

 

 

$

1,630

 

 

 

$

(1,555

)

 

Investments in parks, resorts and other property

(760

)

 

 

(1,338

)

 

 

578

 

 

Free cash flow(1)

$

(685

)

 

 

$

292

 

 

 

$

(977

)

 

 

(1) Free cash flow is not a financial measure defined by GAAP. See the discussion on pages 9 through 11.

Cash provided by operations for fiscal 2021 decreased by $1.6 billion from $1.6 billion in the prior year to $0.1 billion in the current year. The decrease in cash provided by operations was due to lower segment operating results, partially offset by lower spending for licensed and produced film and television content.

Capital Expenditures and Depreciation Expense

Investments in parks, resorts and other property were as follows (in millions):

 

Quarter Ended

 

January 2,
2021

 

December 28,
2019

Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution

$

177

 

$