Walt Disney Co. (DIS) will be the latest media company to publish its first-quarter results after the market closes Tuesday, with analysts projecting earnings of $0.39 per share and revenues of $9.63 billion. In the year-ago period, the company earned $0.45 per share on revenues of $9.59 billion.
Disney, which runs the ABC Television Network and ESPN Radio and Radio Disney networks, has been grappling with the pins and needles of recession that reduced attendance at Disney theme parks and led the company's entertainment operations suffer from declining advertising, viewership and DVD sales.
Meanwhile, Thomas Rooney, Entertainment & Media Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers' Transaction Services, said, "Continuing signs of gradual economic recovery and an anticipated easing of credit markets point to a potential uptick in E&M deal activity. While Entertainment & Media companies and investors are currently focusing on driving efficiencies by zeroing in on their core competencies, in 2010, we believe there will also be a renewed focus on new media opportunities as the industry's tolerance for risk rebounds and attention shifts towards higher growth."
While announcing fourth-quarter results, President and CEO of Robert Iger, commented, "Although last year was a difficult one due in part to the weak global economy, I'm pleased with the way our businesses have responded to the downturn.
For the preceding fourth quarter, the Burbank, California-based company reported higher profit, totaling $895 million or $0.47 per share, compared to $760 million or $0.40 per share a year-ago, helped mainly by strong results at its cable networks due to growth at ESPN and, to a lesser extent, the worldwide Disney Channels. Revenue for the quarter improved 4% to $9.87 billion from $9.45 billion in the previous year.
Further Iger said, "We've stayed focused on our long-term strategy, efficiently managed costs, and continued to invest in initiatives to deliver future growth. We also have adapted our organization to respond to and take advantage of the changes taking place in our businesses and will continue to do so as we position Disney to thrive for years to come."
Among other players in the field, Time Warner Inc. (TWX) posted fourth-quarter net income of $627 million or $0.53 per share, compared to a loss of $16.03 billion or $13.41 per share in the prior-year period. Quarterly total revenues were up 2% to $7.32 billion from $7.16 billion in the in the year-earlier period.
Another peer, News Corp. (NWS,NWSA) reported a profit of $254 million or $0.10 per share for the second quarter, over a net loss of $6.4 billion or $2.45 per share last year, driven by double-digit revenue growth at majority of its business segments, as well as the absence of hefty impairment and restructuring charges recorded in the previous year. Revenue increased 10% to $8.68 billion from $7.87 billion in the previous year.
Walt Disney shares, which have been trading between $15.14 and $32.75 in the past 52 weeks closed Monday's trading session at $29.48, on a volume of 10.6 million shares.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.