Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) delivered its fiscal first-quarter earnings for 2026 on Monday, showing stronger-than-expected financial performance that reflects positive momentum across its core business segments. The company reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.63, outperforming analysts' consensus estimate, which stood at $1.57. Revenue for the quarter rose 5% compared to the prior year, amounting to $25.98 billion and exceeding the anticipated $25.74 billion.
The detailed segment performance revealed varied but generally positive trends. The Entertainment segment, encompassing traditional television networks, direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services, and film productions, posted a 7% year-over-year increase in revenue, totaling $11.61 billion. Meanwhile, the Sports division, primarily led by ESPN, experienced a more modest 1% increase in revenue, reaching $4.91 billion during the quarter.
A standout contributor was the Experiences segment, which includes Disney’s theme parks and consumer products. This division recorded a 6% year-over-year rise in revenue, hitting $10.01 billion, signaling robust demand and operational strength. Within this segment, domestic theme parks generated $6.91 billion with a 7% rise, while international parks contributed $1.75 billion with similar year-over-year growth. CFO Hugh Johnston noted an increase in attendance at domestic parks, although international visitation showed softness.
Despite these revenue gains, consolidated operating income declined by 9% year over year to $4.60 billion. Breakdown of operating income by segment showed the Experiences segment providing $3.31 billion, followed by the Entertainment segment with $1.10 billion, and the Sports segment contributing $191 million. The decline in operating income was influenced by increased expenses and investments particularly within the Experiences division.
Cash flow dynamics reflected a notable reduction; operating cash flow fell 77% year over year to $735 million, with the company deploying $2.28 billion in free cash flow. These cash outflows were primarily directed toward capital expenditures on parks, resorts, and other property enhancements as Disney continues to invest in long-term growth assets.
Additionally, Disney remains on course to meet its fiscal 2026 share repurchase target of $7 billion, reinforcing a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
In discussing the quarter’s results with CNBC, CFO Hugh Johnston highlighted the Experiences segment achieving over $10 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time. He remarked on the operational vigor, pointing out the sustained growth even in the face of international attendance challenges. Johnston also underscored strategic priorities such as accelerating profitability in streaming, advancing the theatrical business, and enhancing the parks experience – initiatives designed to position Disney favorably for future earnings expansion.
CEO Bob Iger, during the earnings call, expressed optimism about Disney's transformation since his return, stating, “The company is in much better shape today than it was three years ago because we have done a lot of fixing.” He noted that the company’s footprint is now broader than ever and explained plans to introduce Sora clips on Disney+ within fiscal 2026. Iger recognized artificial intelligence (AI) as a vital tool to support productivity improvements across Disney’s operations.
The company also reported that ESPN facilitated the third most-watched NBA season in the first quarter, indicating solid viewer engagement within sports media.
Looking forward, Disney’s board is preparing to select a successor to CEO Bob Iger, with an announcement expected this quarter. The current leader has reiterated confidence in the underlying business strength and strategic direction as the company transitions leadership.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, projections include approximately $500 million in operating income from the Entertainment segment’s direct-to-consumer streaming business. The segment as a whole is expected to see a $200 million increase in operating income. Conversely, the Sports segment anticipates a decline in operating income by $100 million.
The Experiences segment anticipates only modest operating income growth during the next quarter, challenged by several headwinds including softness in international visitation at domestic parks, pre-launch expenses related to the Disney Adventure on the Disney Cruise Line, and pre-opening costs connected to the upcoming World of Frozen expansion at Disneyland Paris.
Full-year 2026 outlooks reaffirm expectations of double-digit operating income growth within the Entertainment segment relative to fiscal 2025, with the majority of gains anticipated in the second half. Disney plans to maintain a 10% operating margin for its direct-to-consumer subscription video on demand (SVOD) business. The Sports segment is projected to deliver low single-digit operating income growth, while the Experiences division targets high single-digit operating income growth, again weighted toward the latter part of the year.
Overall, Disney aims to generate approximately $19 billion in operating cash flow for fiscal 2026 and anticipates double-digit growth in adjusted EPS compared to the previous year.
Despite the strong fundamentals and guidance, Disney’s stock traded lower in early trading Monday, with shares down 5.94% to $106.10 according to Benzinga Pro data. Market fluctuations may reflect investor reaction to mixed elements in the earnings, such as operating income decline and cash flow reduction, balanced against positive revenue trends and forward-looking statements.