DIS Walt Disney Co

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today reported third quarter earnings, which are a record for any quarter. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter increased 27% to $1.28 from $1.01 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the quarter increased 24% to $1.28 from $1.03 in the prior-year quarter. Diluted EPS for the nine months ended June 28, 2014 increased 30% to $3.40 compared to $2.61 in the prior-year period. Excluding certain items affecting comparability, EPS for the nine months increased 31% to $3.43.

“Our strategy of building strong brands and franchises continues to create great value across our company,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “This quarter we delivered the highest EPS in the company’s history, and we’ve now generated greater EPS in the first three quarters of FY 2014 than we have in any previous full fiscal year. We’re extremely pleased with these results and we are also thrilled with the spectacular performance of Guardians of the Galaxy, which holds great promise as a new franchise for our company and once again reinforces the tremendous value of Marvel.”

The following table summarizes the third quarter and nine-month results for fiscal 2014 and 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts):

  Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended June 28,2014   June 29,2013   Change June 28,2014   June 29,2013   Change Revenues $ 12,466 $ 11,578 8 % $ 36,424 $ 33,473 9 %

Segment operating income (2)

$ 3,857 $ 3,351 15 % $ 10,230 $ 8,240 24 % Net income (3) $ 2,245 $ 1,847 22 % $ 6,002 $ 4,742 27 % Diluted EPS (3) $ 1.28 $ 1.01 27 % $ 3.40 $ 2.61 30 % Cash provided by operations $ 2,936 $ 3,413 (14 ) % $ 6,675 $ 6,717 (1 ) % Free cash flow (2) $ 2,047 $ 2,723 (25 ) % $ 4,427 $ 4,908 (10 ) %  

(1) See reconciliation of reported EPS to EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability on page 8.(2) Aggregate segment operating income and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. See the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures that follows.(3) Reflects amounts attributable to shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, i.e. after deduction of noncontrolling interests.

SEGMENT RESULTS

The following table summarizes the third quarter and nine-month segment operating results for fiscal 2014 and 2013 (in millions):

  Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Revenues: Media Networks $ 5,511 $ 5,352 3 % $ 15,935 $ 15,410 3 % Parks and Resorts 3,980 3,678 8 % 11,139 10,371 7 % Studio Entertainment 1,807 1,590 14 % 5,500 4,473 23 % Consumer Products 902 775 16 % 2,913 2,551 14 % Interactive 266   183   45 % 937   668   40 % $ 12,466   $ 11,578   8 % $ 36,424   $ 33,473   9 %   Segment operating income (loss): Media Networks $ 2,296 $ 2,300 — % $ 5,884 $ 5,376 9 % Parks and Resorts 848 689 23 % 1,976 1,649 20 % Studio Entertainment 411 201 >100 % 1,295 553 >100 % Consumer Products 273 219 25 % 977 765 28 % Interactive 29   (58 ) nm 98   (103 ) nm $ 3,857   $ 3,351   15 % $ 10,230   $ 8,240   24 %  

Media Networks

Media Networks revenues for the quarter increased 3% to $5.5 billion and segment operating income was relatively flat at $2.3 billion. The following table provides further detail of the Media Networks results (in millions):

  Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Revenues:   Cable Networks $ 3,942 $ 3,884 1 % $ 11,334 $ 10,880 4 % Broadcasting 1,569   1,468   7 % 4,601   4,530   2 % $ 5,511   $ 5,352   3 % $ 15,935   $ 15,410   3 % Segment operating income: Cable Networks $ 1,942 $ 2,087 (7 ) % $ 5,193 $ 4,763 9 % Broadcasting 354   213   66 % 691   613   13 % $ 2,296   $ 2,300   — % $ 5,884   $ 5,376   9 %  

Cable Networks

Operating income at Cable Networks decreased 7% to $1.9 billion for the quarter due to a decrease at ESPN, partially offset by an increase at ABC Family. The decrease at ESPN was due to higher programming and production costs, decreased recognition of previously deferred revenue and the absence of ESPN UK, which was sold in the fourth quarter of the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by affiliate fee contractual rate increases and higher advertising revenue. Programming and production costs increases were driven by a contractual rate increase for Major League Baseball and the addition of FIFA World Cup soccer, partially offset by the absence of X Games events in the current quarter. ESPN recognized $98 million less of previously deferred revenue during the quarter as a result of changes in contractual provisions related to annual programming commitments. ESPN advertising revenue increased due to higher rates and more units sold. Higher rates reflected the benefit of FIFA World Cup soccer in the current quarter, partially offset by two less NBA finals games this year. The increase at ABC Family was driven by lower programming costs, reflecting fewer hours of original scripted programming due to the timing of premieres, and higher affiliate fees due to rate increases.

Broadcasting

Operating income at Broadcasting increased 66% to $354 million for the quarter due to an increase in affiliate fees and higher income from program sales. The increase in affiliate revenues was due to contractual rate increases and new contractual provisions. Increased operating income from program sales was driven by a lower average expense amortization rate and higher revenues led by Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Parks and Resorts

Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 8% to $4.0 billion and segment operating income increased 23% to $848 million. Operating income growth for the quarter was driven by an increase at our domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at Disneyland Paris. Parks and Resorts results include a favorable impact due to a shift in the timing of the Easter holiday relative to our fiscal periods.

Higher operating income at our domestic operations was due to increased guest spending and higher attendance, partially offset by higher costs. Guest spending growth reflected higher average ticket prices for admissions at our theme parks and for sailings at our cruise line and increased food, beverage and merchandise spending. Higher costs were driven by MyMagic+ and labor and other cost inflation, partially offset by lower pension and postretirement medical costs.

The decrease in operating income at Disneyland Paris was due to higher operating costs, decreased attendance and occupied room nights and lower special event revenue, partially offset by higher average ticket prices.

Studio Entertainment

Studio Entertainment revenues for the quarter increased 14% to $1.8 billion and segment operating income increased to $411 million from $201 million. Higher operating income was due to increases in worldwide home entertainment and international theatrical distribution, partially offset by a decrease in domestic theatrical distribution.

The increase in worldwide home entertainment was driven by lower per unit costs, higher net effective pricing and unit sales growth reflecting the success of Frozen.

Higher international theatrical distribution results reflected the performance of Frozen, Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier and Maleficent in the current quarter compared to Iron Man 3, Wreck-It-Ralph, Oz The Great and Powerful and Monsters University in the prior-year quarter.

Lower results in domestic theatrical distribution were due to the success of Iron Man 3 and Monsters University in the prior-year quarter compared to Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier, Maleficent and Million Dollar Arm in the current quarter.

Consumer Products

Consumer Products revenues for the quarter increased 16% to $902 million and segment operating income increased 25% to $273 million. Higher operating income was due to increases at our Retail and Merchandise Licensing businesses.

At our Retail business, higher operating income for the quarter was driven by comparable store sales growth in all of our key markets.

The increase in operating income at Merchandise Licensing was due to the performance of merchandise based on Frozen, Disney Channel properties, Spider-Man and Planes partially offset by lower Monsters University revenue. Additionally, Merchandise Licensing results benefited from lower acquisition accounting impacts, which reduced revenue recognition in the prior-year quarter. These increases were partially offset by higher third-party royalties.

Interactive

Interactive revenues for the quarter increased 45% to $266 million and segment operating results improved from a loss of $58 million to income of $29 million. Improved results were due to strong game sales growth, lower product development costs and higher licensing fees from our mobile phone business in Japan. The increase in game sales was driven by Disney Infinity, which was released in the fourth quarter of the prior year, and the success of the Tsum Tsum and Frozen Free Fall mobile games. The decrease in product development costs was due to fewer titles in development and the benefit of restructuring activities.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Corporate and Unallocated Shared Expenses

Corporate and unallocated shared expenses increased $22 million to $137 million primarily due to higher incentive compensation costs, the timing of allocations to operating segments and higher charitable contributions.

Interest Income/(Expense), net

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

  Quarter Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Interest expense $ (74 ) $ (93 ) 20 % Interest and investment income 24   10   >100 % Interest income/(expense), net $ (50 ) $ (83 ) 40 %  

The decrease in interest expense for the quarter was primarily due to lower effective interest rates, partially offset by higher average debt balances. The increase in interest and investment income for the quarter was primarily due to gains on sales of investments.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was as follows:

  Quarter Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Effective Income Tax Rate 34.1 % 34.2 % 0.1   ppt  

Noncontrolling Interests

  Quarter Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 174 $ 187 7 %  

The decrease in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the quarter was driven by a decrease in operating results at ESPN.

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

Cash Flow

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

  Nine Months Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Cash provided by operations $ 6,675 $ 6,717 $ (42 ) Investments in parks, resorts and other property (2,248 ) (1,809 ) (439 ) Free cash flow (1) $ 4,427   $ 4,908   $ (481 )  

(1) Free cash flow is not a financial measure defined by GAAP. See the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures that follows.

Cash provided by operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2014 was comparable to the first nine months of fiscal 2013 at $6.7 billion. The benefit from higher segment operating results was offset by higher television programming and production spending, increased income tax payments and a larger build in receivables at Studio Entertainment and Media Networks. The increase in receivables at Studio Entertainment was driven by higher revenues due to Frozen while the increase at Media Networks was due to the timing of collections.

Capital Expenditures and Depreciation Expense

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

  Nine Months Ended June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Media Networks Cable Networks $ 101 $ 111 Broadcasting 52   43 Total Media Networks 153   154 Parks and Resorts Domestic 809 752 International 1,056   623 Total Parks and Resorts 1,865   1,375 Studio Entertainment 44 41 Consumer Products 23 27 Interactive 3 11 Corporate 160   201 Total investments in parks, resorts and other property $ 2,248   $ 1,809  

Capital expenditures increased from $1.8 billion to $2.2 billion due to higher construction spending for the Shanghai Disney Resort.

Depreciation expense was as follows (in millions):

  Nine Months Ended June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Media Networks Cable Networks $ 101 $ 105 Broadcasting 70   74 Total Media Networks 171   179 Parks and Resorts Domestic 832 781 International 259   242 Total Parks and Resorts 1,091   1,023 Studio Entertainment 37 39 Consumer Products 47 43 Interactive 7 13 Corporate 177   161 Total depreciation expense $ 1,530   $ 1,458  

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release presents EPS excluding the impact of certain items affecting comparability, free cash flow and aggregate segment operating income, all of which are important financial measures for the Company, but are not financial measures defined by GAAP.

These measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as alternative measures of EPS, cash flow or net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability, free cash flow and aggregate segment operating income as we have calculated them may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability – The Company uses EPS excluding certain items to evaluate the performance of the Company’s operations exclusive of certain items affecting comparability of results from period to period. The Company believes that information about EPS exclusive of these impacts is useful to investors, particularly where the impact of the excluded items is significant in relation to reported earnings, because the measure allows for comparability between periods of the operating performance of the Company’s business and allows investors to evaluate the impact of these items separately from the impact of the operations of the business.

The following table reconciles reported EPS to EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability:

  Quarter Ended     Nine Months Ended   June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Change Diluted EPS as reported $ 1.28 $ 1.01 27 % $ 3.40 $ 2.61 30 % Exclude: Restructuring and impairment charges (1) — 0.02 nm 0.03 0.04 (25 )% Favorable tax adjustments related to pre-tax earnings of prior years — — nm — (0.06 ) nm Tax benefit from prior-year foreign earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the United States (2) — — nm — (0.04 ) nm Hulu Equity Redemption charge (3) — — nm — 0.02 nm Other income/(expense), net (4)     —   nm 0.01   0.04   (75 )% Diluted EPS excluding certain items affecting comparability(5) $ 1.28   $ 1.03   24 % $ 3.43   $ 2.62   31 %  

(1) Charges for the current quarter and nine-month period totaled $0 million and $67 million (pre-tax), respectively, driven by severance costs. Charges for the prior-year quarter and nine-month period totaled $60 million and $121 million (pre-tax), respectively, driven by severance costs.(2) The prior-year nine-month period includes a tax benefit due to an increase in prior-year earnings from foreign operations indefinitely reinvested outside the United States and subject to tax rates lower than the federal statutory income tax rate ($64 million).(3) Our share of expense associated with an equity redemption at Hulu LLC ($55 million pre-tax).(4) Significant items in the current nine-month period include a loss from Venezuelan foreign currency translation ($143 million pre-tax and before noncontrolling interest), a gain on the sale of property ($77 million pre-tax) and income related to a portion of a settlement of an affiliate contract dispute ($29 million pre-tax). Significant items in the prior-year nine-month period include the Celador litigation charge ($321 million pre-tax) and a gain on the sale of our interest in ESPN STAR Sports ($219 million pre-tax and before noncontrolling interest).(5) May not equal the sum of the rows due to rounding.

Free cash flow – The Company uses free cash flow (cash provided by operations less investments in parks, resorts and other property), among other measures, to evaluate the ability of its operations to generate cash that is available for purposes other than capital expenditures. Management believes that information about free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments and pay dividends or repurchase shares.

Aggregate segment operating income – The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on segment operating income, and management uses aggregate segment operating income as a measure of the performance of operating businesses separate from non-operating factors. The Company believes that information about aggregate 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.

A reconciliation of segment operating income to net income is as follows (in millions):

  Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended June 28,2014   June 29,2013 June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Segment operating income $ 3,857 $ 3,351 $ 10,230 $ 8,240 Corporate and unallocated shared expenses (137 ) (115 ) (408 ) (367 ) Restructuring and impairment charges — (60 ) (67 ) (121 ) Other income/(expense), net — — (31 ) (92 ) Interest income/(expense), net (50 ) (83 ) 61 (209 ) Hulu Equity Redemption charge —   —   —   (55 ) Income before income taxes 3,670 3,093 9,785 7,396 Income taxes (1,251 ) (1,059 ) (3,406 ) (2,303 ) Net income $ 2,419   $ 2,034   $ 6,379   $ 5,093    

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

In conjunction with this release, The Walt Disney Company will host a conference call today, August 5, 2014, at 5:00 PM EST/2:00 PM PST via a live Webcast. To access the Webcast go to www.disney.com/investors. The discussion will be available via replay through August 19, 2014 at 7:00 PM EDT/4:00 PM PDT.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Management believes certain statements in this earnings release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Management does not undertake any obligation to update these statements.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company, including restructuring or strategic initiatives (including capital investments or asset acquisitions or dispositions), as well as from developments beyond the Company’s control, including:

• changes in domestic and global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences;
• adverse weather conditions or natural disasters;
• health concerns;
• international, political, or military developments; and
• technological developments.

Such developments may affect travel and leisure businesses generally and may, among other things, affect:

• the performance of the Company’s theatrical and home entertainment releases;
• the advertising market for broadcast and cable television programming;
• expenses of providing medical and pension benefits;
• demand for our products; and
• performance of some or all company businesses either directly or through their impact on those who distribute our products.

Additional factors are set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2013 under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and subsequent reports.

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited; in millions, except per share data)

    Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended June 28,2014   June 29,2013 June 28,2014   June 29,2013 Revenues $ 12,466 $ 11,578 $ 36,424 $ 33,473 Costs and expenses (8,968 ) (8,574 ) (27,280 ) (26,182 ) Restructuring and impairment charges — (60 ) (67 ) (121 ) Other income/(expense), net — — (31 ) (92 ) Interest income/(expense), net (50 ) (83 ) 61 (209 ) Equity in the income of investees 222   232   678   527   Income before income taxes 3,670 3,093 9,785 7,396 Income taxes (1,251 ) (1,059 ) (3,406 ) (2,303 ) Net income 2,419 2,034 6,379 5,093 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (174 ) (187 ) (377 ) (351 ) Net income attributable to The Walt Disney Company (Disney) $ 2,245   $ 1,847   $ 6,002   $ 4,742     Earnings per share attributable to Disney: Diluted $ 1.28   $ 1.01   $ 3.40   $ 2.61   Basic $ 1.30   $ 1.02   $ 3.43   $ 2.64     Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Diluted 1,748   1,821   1,767   1,816   Basic 1,732   1,802   1,748   1,794     Dividends declared per share $ —   $ —   $ 0.86   $ 0.75    

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited; in millions, except per share data)

    June 28,2014 September 28,2013 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,090 $ 3,931 Receivables 7,543 6,967 Inventories 1,425 1,487 Television costs and advances 1,095 634 Deferred income taxes 480 485 Other current assets 572   605   Total current assets 15,205 14,109 Film and television costs 5,025 4,783 Investments 2,858 2,849 Parks, resorts and other property Attractions, buildings and equipment 41,934 41,192 Accumulated depreciation (23,615 ) (22,459 ) 18,319 18,733 Projects in progress 3,441 2,476 Land 1,253   1,171   23,013 22,380 Intangible assets, net 7,268 7,370 Goodwill 27,924 27,324 Other assets 2,430   2,426   Total assets $ 83,723   $ 81,241     LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities $ 6,379 $ 6,803 Current portion of borrowings 3,216 1,512 Unearned royalties and other advances 3,756   3,389   Total current liabilities 13,351 11,704   Borrowings 12,920 12,776 Deferred income taxes 4,360 4,050 Other long-term liabilities 4,480 4,561 Commitments and contingencies Equity Preferred stock, $.01 par valueAuthorized – 100 million shares, Issued – none — — Common stock, $.01 par valueAuthorized – 4.6 billion shares, Issued – 2.8 billion shares 34,123 33,440 Retained earnings 52,235 47,758 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,169 ) (1,187 ) 85,189 80,011 Treasury stock, at cost, 1.1 billion shares at June 28, 2014 and1.0 billion shares at September 28, 2013 (39,669 ) (34,582 ) Total Disney Shareholders' equity 45,520 45,429 Noncontrolling interests 3,092   2,721   Total equity 48,612   48,150   Total liabilities and equity $ 83,723   $ 81,241    

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited; in millions)

  Nine Months Ended June 28,2014   June 29,2013 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 6,379 $ 5,093 Depreciation and amortization 1,698 1,633 Gains on sales of investments and dispositions (285 ) (245 ) Deferred income taxes 304 163 Equity in the income of investees (678 ) (527 ) Cash distributions received from equity investees 538 526 Net change in film and television costs and advances (993 ) (357 ) Equity-based compensation 308 305 Other 33 249 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables (543 ) (3 ) Inventories 61 78 Other assets (73 ) (3 ) Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (288 ) (328 ) Income taxes 214   133   Cash provided by operations 6,675   6,717     INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investments in parks, resorts and other property (2,248 ) (1,809 ) Sales of investments/proceeds from dispositions 382 367 Acquisitions (402 ) (2,310 ) Other (24 ) 90   Cash used in investing activities (2,292 ) (3,662 )   FINANCING ACTIVITIES Commercial paper borrowings/(repayments), net 1,253 (2,000 ) Borrowings 2,180 3,900 Reduction of borrowings (1,549 ) (817 ) Dividends (1,508 ) (1,324 ) Repurchases of common stock (5,087 ) (2,694 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 348 518 Other 273   (19 ) Cash used in financing activities (4,090 ) (2,436 )   Impact of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (134 ) (74 )   Increase in cash and cash equivalents 159 545 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3,931   3,387   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 4,090   $ 3,932    

The Walt Disney CompanyZenia MuchaCorporate Communications818-560-5300orLowell SingerInvestor Relations818-560-6601