The Walt Disney Company Shares Surge As Streaming, Theme Parks Boost Earnings

Shares of The Walt Disney Company climbed more than 5 per cent in premarket trading after the entertainment giant posted stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, driven by growth in its streaming platforms and theme park business.

For the January to March quarter, Disney reported adjusted earnings of $1.57 per share on revenue of $25.2 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $1.49 per share and $24.78 billion in revenue.

The earnings report marks an important moment for the company as new chief executive Josh D’Amaro settles into the role following Bob Iger’s departure in March.

In his first major message to shareholders, D’Amaro projected about 12 per cent adjusted earnings growth for fiscal 2026 and reaffirmed expectations for double-digit growth in 2027. He said Disney sees strong opportunities to expand fan engagement through both digital platforms and physical experiences.

Disney’s parks and experiences division recorded a 5 per cent rise in operating income, fuelled by increased guest spending at its US parks and stronger cruise demand.

Meanwhile, the entertainment segment benefited from higher streaming subscriptions, advertising revenue, and box-office successes, including Zootopia 2 and Avatar: The Way of Water.