Disney CEO Bob Iger returned to his job in 2022 and has since been busy working on several key priorities he has for the company before he departs again in 2026.
©Disney
Although his job includes working with everything going on with the theme parks and Disney movies, he stated then that his number one priority was making Disney’s streaming profitable. On May 7th, the Walt Disney Company held its second quarter 2024 financial earnings call and we learned more about how streaming is working out for the company.
During Disney’s Q1 2024 earnings call, the company still seemed on track to reach profitability with streaming by the fourth quarter of 2024.
First, we can take a look at the growth in subscribers overall. Compared to the end of 2023, paid Disney+ subscribers in the United States and Canada have increased to 54 million, resulting in a 17 percent growth between December and March. Internationally, Disney+ and Hotstar subscriptions decreased to 63.6 million from 65.2 million — resulting in a 2 percent drop. Disney+ Core subscribers increased by more than 6 million in the second quarter, and Disney+ Core ARPU increased sequentially by 44 cents.
©Disney
Now, let’s see what Disney’s average monthly revenue per paid subscriber looks like. This number decreased by 2 percent domestically. Internationally, on the other hand, average monthly revenue increased by 13 percent. International monthly revenue (excluding that from Hotstar) increased from $5.91 to $6.66 due to “increases in retail pricing and a lower mix of subscribers to promotional offerings.”
©Disney
On the Hulu side, in Q1 2024, Hulu subscribers were up 1.2 million from the previous quarter. Now, Hulu subscribers have increased by a total of one percent if looking at both live television and streaming. Subscribers for both now sit at 50.2 million.
©Hulu
Disney also said, “Sports operating income declined slightly versus the prior year, reflecting the timing impact of College Football Playoff games at ESPN, offset by improved results at Star India.” Making ESPN the preeminent sports streaming service is one of Bob Iger’s most ambitious goals, so it’ll be interesting to see if these numbers turn themselves around during the second half of the year.
©DIsney
Now, let’s take a closer look at what all these numbers mean, especially going forward. Huh Johnston, Disney CFO said, “Results exceeded guidance primarily due to expense savings. We’re pleased with the progress we’re making in streaming although…the path to long-term profitability is not a linear one.”
That being said, the company is expecting a loss in the third quarter due to Disney+ Hotstar’s cricket rights. Further, Disney+ core subscriber growth is not expected in the third quarter.
©Disney
Johnston also shared that the linear decrease in operating income was largely driven by lower advertising revenue. Content sales, licensing, and other lower results from the second quarter are likely due to not having any major movie releases this quarter.
Disney CEO Bob Iger also stated that the recent crackdown on Disney+ password sharing was necessary in taking revenue to the next level, and that they feel quite bullish in their decision. He expects this to help, as password crackdowns will begin in the next month. Further, ESPN will be bundled into Disney+ by the end of the year, where subscribers can watch live content from the main app.
Wow! There are a lot of exciting updates as far as streaming goes, but there’s plenty more where that came from with today’s news. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more big Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Everyone Thought Streaming Would Fix This Problem…But It Only Made Things WORSE
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think about this news? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I’m not renewing this time around. I’m done after looking at their program offering lately.
Disney+ increased because Hulu subscribers have been added to the numbers. Heads up for anyone who wants live streaming on Hulu. DO NOT subscribe through Disney+ because HUlu live streaming is not included. Found out the hard way when I reupped with Disney+. Had to wait for a month until I could unsubscribe and then, it’s a major pain. I had to call the Hulu customer service number because my HUlu account was now part of Disney+. Major FUBAR