Disney Expects Strong Adjusted EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow

Image: Disney’s shares have struggled, but management is working hard to get back on track.

By Brian Nelson, CFA

Disney (DIS) reported mixed second quarter results for fiscal 2024 on May 7 that showed revenue coming in a bit lighter than expectations, but non-GAAP earnings per share beating the consensus forecast. The company continues to recover from recent missteps, with the firm generating double-digit percentage growth in adjusted earnings per share in the period. Management had a lot of positive things to say about the quarter:

Our strong performance in Q2, with adjusted EPS up 30% compared to the prior year, demonstrates we are delivering on our strategic priorities and building for the future. Our results were driven in large part by our Experiences segment as well as our streaming business. Importantly, entertainment streaming was profitable for the quarter, and we remain on track to achieve profitability in our combined streaming businesses in Q4.

Looking at our company as a whole, it’s clear that the turnaround and growth initiatives we set in motion last year have continued to yield positive results. We have a number of highly anticipated theatrical releases arriving over the next few months; our television shows are resonating with audiences and critics alike; ESPN continues to break ratings records as we further its evolution into the preeminent digital sports platform; and we are turbocharging growth in our Experiences business with a number of near- and long-term strategic investments. 

Thanks in part to the strength of its fiscal second quarter, Disney expects its adjusted earnings per share to come in at 25% growth for the full year. Management also noted that it remains on track to generate roughly $14 billion in operating cash flow and north of $8 billion in free cash flow during the fiscal year. We think Disney’s turnaround is largely already in its stock price, and we view shares as fairly valued at the time of this writing.

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