Tag: The Walt Disney Company (DIS)

Streaming Wars Continue: Why fuboTV (FUBO) Could Surprise Investors

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The transition from traditional cable to digital streaming has transformed media consumption. As consumers cut the cord, competition in the streaming market has intensified, with platforms battling for subscribers through content exclusivity and pricing strategies. Amid this competitive landscape, fuboTV (FUBO) has emerged as a key player in live sports streaming.

Unlike Netflix (NFLX), Disney+, or Hulu, which focus on on-demand content, fuboTV has built its brand around live sports coverage. This differentiation has allowed the company to attract a loyal subscriber base looking for a robust alternative to cable sports networks. By combining live sports with news and entertainment, fuboTV aims to position itself as a comprehensive streaming solution.

Recent Growth Trends: Subscriber Gains and Strategic Moves

Despite challenges in the broader streaming market, fuboTV closed 2024 on a high note. The company reported record revenue of $1.59 billion in North America, marking a 19% year-over-year increase. The subscriber count also reached 1.676 million, a 4% year-over-year growth, solidifying its presence in the live TV sector.

One of the most significant developments in 2024 was fuboTV achieving its first-ever quarter of positive free cash flow in Q4, a crucial milestone for long-term sustainability. Additionally, the platform expanded its advertising revenue and enhanced its average revenue per user (ARPU), which hit an all-time high of $87.90.

Strategic partnerships have also played a pivotal role in fuboTV’s growth. The company’s recently announced agreement with The Walt Disney Company (DIS) to combine Hulu + Live TV with fuboTV could be a game-changer, increasing its content depth and market reach. Furthermore, the introduction of standalone sports and entertainment bundles reflects its effort to cater to a broader audience while maintaining its core sports focus.

A Niche Challenger to Giants

While major streaming platforms dominate the entertainment market, fuboTV’s strength lies in its sports-first strategy. This approach places it in direct competition with services like ESPN+ and traditional sports networks rather than with Netflix or Disney+.

However, fuboTV also faces competition from Roku (ROKU) and YouTube TV, both of which offer live TV solutions. Roku’s dominance in device distribution and YouTube TV’s robust channel lineup present challenges. But fuboTV’s unique interactive features—such as MultiView streaming, where users can watch multiple games simultaneously, and its growing FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channel portfolio—give it a competitive edge.

Another notable development is fuboTV’s push into sports betting integration, despite shutting down its previous betting operations. The potential return of in-platform sports betting could serve as a revenue driver in the future, complementing its core streaming business.

Financial Outlook & Stock Considerations

While fuboTV has demonstrated revenue growth and operational improvements, profitability remains a challenge. The company reported a net loss of $40.9 million in Q4 2024, an improvement from $71 million in Q4 2023. This reduction in losses, along with over $100 million in year-over-year improvements in Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, suggests a path toward financial stability.

Key risks for investors include high content licensing costs and the potential impact of subscriber losses due to the recent non-renewal of its TelevisaUnivision agreement. The company expects Q1 2025 revenue to range between $400 million and $410 million, reflecting a moderate 3% year-over-year growth. However, its subscriber base is projected to decline by approximately 4%, highlighting the competitive pressures in the industry.

Investor Takeaway: High-Risk, High-Reward Play?

fuboTV presents a compelling yet high-risk investment opportunity. The company’s record revenue, positive cash flow milestones, and strategic partnerships position it as a potential disruptor in the live sports streaming space. However, profitability concerns, content costs, and subscriber fluctuations remain key risks.

For investors with a high-risk tolerance, fuboTV could offer significant upside if it successfully executes its growth strategies and improves profitability. Conversely, those seeking stability might prefer more established players in the streaming sector. As the streaming wars continue, fuboTV’s ability to sustain its growth and navigate industry challenges will determine whether it becomes a long-term winner.

Will the Disney-DirecTV Deal Drive New Growth?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) and DirecTV recently reached a deal that restores college football and other programming to the satellite TV providers over 11 million subscribers. The agreement offers enhanced choice, value, and flexibility to their mutual customers.

Consequently, Disney’s complete linear suite of networks has been restored for DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse subscribers as both companies work toward finalizing a new, multi-year deal. As the entertainment landscape shifts, DIS’ multi-channel approach could unlock new revenue streams and drive future growth.

Expanding Reach Through Traditional and Streaming Platforms

The renewed partnership between Disney and DirecTV comes at a critical time when consumer viewing habits are increasingly split between traditional linear TV and streaming services. As part of the deal, DirecTV will now offer customers more flexibility with multiple genre-specific packages, including those focused on sports, entertainment, and kids & family programming.

For instance, the agreement includes continued carriage of Disney’s entertainment, sports, and news programming from its linear portfolio, comprising the ABC Owned Television Stations, the Disney-branded channels, Freeform, the FX networks, and the National Geographic channels. Certain DirecTV packages will also include Disney’s leading streaming services—Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

In a joint statement, the companies said: “DIRECTV and Disney have a long-standing history of connecting consumers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the evolving preferences of DIRECTV’s customers.”

This strategic agreement bridges the gap between traditional and digital viewing preferences. DirecTV’s subscriber base, which has been slowly declining due to the rise of cord-cutting, now has access to a broader array of content options through Disney’s streaming services. For customers still tethered to satellite TV, this hybrid model offers them a reason to stay while granting Disney access to an audience that may not have subscribed to its streaming services independently.

Bundling linear TV programming with streaming services offers DIS a competitive advantage, especially as the entertainment giant looks to capitalize on both sides of the evolving content landscape. The inclusion of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ in DirecTV’s packages serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides a gateway for traditional TV subscribers to explore Disney’s streaming offerings, potentially converting them into long-term streaming customers.

Secondly, this bundling strategy solidifies Disney’s position in the streaming wars, where competition from platforms like Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Amazon.com, Inc.’s (AMZN) Amazon Prime, and Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) Apple TV+ is fierce.

DIS can leverage its expansive content library to meet different viewer preferences. Families may gravitate toward the kid-friendly programming on Disney+, sports enthusiasts will value the breadth of ESPN+, and fans of original series and award-winning content can indulge in Hulu’s offerings. The diversity of content will allow the company to capture a wider audience, which could drive subscriber growth and retention across its platforms.

Potential Financial Gains and a Case for Disney Stock

For investors, DIS’ multi-channel strategy is an encouraging sign. Disney has long been a dominant player in the entertainment industry, and this renewed partnership with DirecTV further underscores its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. As Disney continues diversifying its revenue streams—balancing traditional TV and the increasingly lucrative streaming business—its future earnings potential looks robust.

The inclusion of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ in DirecTV’s packages provides Disney with a more sustainable and diversified revenue model, which could be particularly important as the company faces intense competition in the digital streaming segment. Disney’s unique blend of original programming, sports content, and lids & family entertainment gives it a distinct edge in attracting and retaining subscribers.

Moreover, DIS’ streaming and linear programming continues to captivate audiences and critics, with the company garnering an impressive 183 nominations at this year’s Primetime Emmy® Awards—a record high for Disney and more than any competitor.

DIS delivered an outstanding financial performance in the third quarter, beating analyst estimates for revenue and earnings as the company’s combined streaming businesses turned a profit earlier than anticipated. For the quarter that ended June 29, 2024, the company reported revenues of $23.16 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $23.09 billion.

Disney’s total segment operating income grew 19% year-over-year to $4.23 billion, led by solid results for its entertainment unit, especially streaming. The entertainment segment's operating income nearly tripled year-over-year due to better performance in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Content Sales/Licensing and Other.

The company’s combined streaming business, which comprises Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, reported an operating profit of $47 million, compared to an operating loss of $512 million in the same period of 2023. Further, the company posted an adjusted EPS of $1.39, up 35% from the previous year’s quarter. That compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $1.19.

Due to robust financial performance in the third quarter and supported by its balanced portfolio of assets, DIS set a new full-year adjusted EPS growth target at 30%. The company added that it remains on track for the profitability of its combined streaming businesses to improve in the fourth quarter, with both Entertainment DTC and ESPN+ expected to be profitable.

Bottom Line

The renewed Disney-DirecTV deal is poised to unlock new growth opportunities by expanding Disney’s reach across both traditional linear TV and streaming platforms. By bundling Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with DirecTV packages, Disney will effectively tap into untapped audiences, diversify its revenue streams, and strengthen its position in the competitive streaming market.

With the company’s robust financial performance, improving profitability in the combined streaming business, and diverse portfolio, this multi-channel strategy positions Disney for continued subscriber and earnings growth, making DIS stock an attractive option for investors.

Disney’s $60 Billion Bet: Will Theme Park Expansion Drive Stock Growth?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) plans to invest $60 billion in theme parks and cruises over the next ten years, marking a transformative chapter for the entertainment giant. However, the question looms: Will this massive outlay drive stock growth and solidify Disney’s financial health, or does it present a high-stakes gamble fraught with potential pitfalls?

Financial Health and Stock Performance: Analyzing the Impact

Disney’s theme parks have emerged as a robust profit engine in recent years. The entertainment segment, which includes parks, cruise ships, and consumer products, contributed 60% of the company’s operating income in the most recent quarter, up from 30% a decade ago. The parks have become a crucial buffer against the challenges faced by Disney’s traditional television and video streaming business.

The new $60 billion investment plan on theme parks reflects Disney’s commitment to further capitalizing on this profitability. By enhancing attractions and increasing cruise line capacity, Disney aims to drive higher guest attendance, extended stays, and greater spending per visitor. These factors collectively contribute to revenue growth, which could bolster stock performance in the long run.

Long-Term Benefits and Risks

The capital infusion will lead to new and upgraded attractions, potentially increasing visitor satisfaction and drawing larger crowds. These investments will build upon recent attractions such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by Disney’s animated film The Princess and the Frog; the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster; and Tron Lightcycle/Run.

Moreover, upgraded parks and expanded cruise lines will likely generate more revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and food services. This expanded capacity can lead to improved financial performance and, consequently, stock growth for Disney.

With intensified competition in central Florida from rival Universal Studios, which plans to open Epic Universe the following year and other emerging attractions, Disney’s investments could help maintain its market leadership and appeal, safeguarding its share of the theme park revenue.

However, potential pitfalls, including economic downturns or shifting consumer preferences, could impact the company’s financial health and stock performance. Generally, large-scale investments are vulnerable to economic shifts. An economic downturn could reduce consumer spending on leisure and travel, impacting theme parks’ attendance and profitability.

Changes in consumer tastes and expectations might also impact the success of new attractions. If DIS’ investments do not align with evolving customer preferences, the anticipated returns could fall short. Further, the maintenance and operational costs associated with new attractions and expanded facilities could strain Disney’s finances if not matched by proportional increases in revenue.

Thus, the timing of Disney’s massive investment in its theme parks is crucial. Economic indicators, such as consumer spending trends and global economic stability, will influence the success of these investments. If economic conditions deteriorate, DIS might face challenges in achieving its financial targets. Conversely, Disney’s investments could yield substantial returns if the economy remains robust or improves.

Additionally, macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rates could affect financing costs and operational expenses. Disney’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its investment plans will be a critical factor in determining the success of this expansion strategy.

Bottom Line

Disney’s $60 billion investment in its theme parks and cruises represents a bold strategy and a high-risk venture. On one hand, it aligns with a long-term vision of growth and innovation, enhancing the company’s competitive positioning. The parks have historically been a vital revenue source, and expanding them can be seen as a strategic move to ensure sustained profitability.

On the other hand, the substantial capital required for such projects introduces enhanced financial risk, particularly if macroeconomic conditions become unfavorable. With the global economy facing uncertainties, including inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions, the timing of Disney’s investment might be seen as a gamble. The success of this strategy depends heavily on DIS’ ability to effectively execute its plans and adapt to changing economic conditions or consumer preferences.

Therefore, investors should weigh the potential for growth against the inherent risks, keeping a close eye on both economic trends and Disney’s operational performance.

Walt Disney (DIS) Pre-Earnings Analysis – What to Expect

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The Walt Disney Company (DIS), a leading media and entertainment company, posted mixed results for its fiscal 2023 third quarter. The company reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.03, beating analysts’ expectations of $0.98. Its revenue came in at $22.33 billion, lower than the consensus estimate of $22.53 billion.

The company is set to report its fourth quarter and fiscal full year 2023 financial results on November 8, 2023, after the market closes. Analysts expect DIS’ revenue and EPS for the fourth quarter (ended September 2023) to increase 6.2% and 137.6% year-over-year to $21.41 billion and $0.71, respectively.
For the fiscal year 2023, the company’s revenue and EPS are expected to grow 7.7% and 4.2% from the prior year to $89.09 billion and $3.68, respectively.
Shares of DIS have plunged more than 18% over the past six months and 5% year-to-date.

Let’s review in detail what has happened over the past few months and discuss the key factors that could influence DIS’ performance in the near term:

Recent Developments to Further Streaming Objectives

On November 1, DIS announced that it would acquire the remaining 33% stake in Hulu, LLC held by Comcast Corp.’s (CMCSA) NBC Universal (NBCU) for at least $8.60 billion, a deal that would give DIS complete control of the streaming service. Disney had run Hulu since 2019, when Comcast gave up its authority to Disney and effectively became a silent partner.

On September 11, DIS and Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) announced a transformative, multi-year distribution agreement that maximizes consumer value and supports the linear TV experience as the industry evolves. As part of the agreement, the majority of DIS’ networks and stations will be restored to Spectrum’s video customers.

Under this deal, Disney+ Basic ad-supported offering will be included in Spectrum TV Select Video packages. Also, ESPN+ will be included in the Spectrum TV Select Plus Video package, and ESPN’s flagship direct-to-consumer Service will be made available to Spectrum TV Select subscribers upon launch.
In a joint statement, Robert A. Iger, DIS’ CEO and Chris Winfrey, President and CEO at CHTR, said, “Our collective goal has always been to build an innovative model for the future. This deal recognizes both the continued value of linear television and the growing popularity of streaming services, while addressing the evolving needs of our consumers.”

Also, on August 9, Disney+ announced that an ad-supported offering will be available in select markets across Europe and Canada starting November 1 after the successful ad-tier launch in the U.S.

Plans to Double Investment in Parks and Cruises Business

DIS said in a securities filing it will nearly double its planned investment in its parks segment to more than $60 billion over 10 years. With all other divisions struggling, Disney’s theme parks, experiences and products segment has been a bright spot in the third quarter. The division saw a 13% rise in revenue to $8.30 billion, mainly driven by strength from its international parks.

But the company’s domestic parks, particularly Walt Disney World in Florida, have witnessed a slowdown in attendance and hotel room occupancy.

Bleak Financial Performance in the Last Quarter

For the third quarter that ended July 1, DIS reported revenues of $22.33 billion, up 3.8% year-over-year, primarily driven by growth in its parks, experiences and products division. However, its top-line numbers came short of analysts’ expectations.

Revenues and operating income from the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution segment dropped 1% and 18% year-over-year to $14 billion and $1.13 billion, respectively.

The company reported $2.65 billion in restructuring and impairment charges, dragging it to a rare quarterly net loss. Most of these charges were what DIS called “content impairments” related to pulling content off its streaming platforms and ending third-party licensing agreements. Disney’s net loss was $460 million, or $0.25 per share, compared to net income of $1.41 billion, or $0.77 per share, in the prior year’s quarter.

Excluding those impairments, the company recorded an adjusted EPS of $1.03, compared to $1.09 during the year-ago period.

Subscriber losses also continued, with the company reporting 146.1 million Disney+ subscribers during the third quarter, a decline of 7.4% from the prior quarter. Most subscriber losses were from Disney+ Hotstar, where Disney witnessed a 24% drop in users after it lost the rights to Indian Premier League cricket matches.

Disappointing Historical Growth

Over the past three years, DIS’ revenue grew at a CAGR of 8.7%. However, the company’s EBITDA and net income declined at CAGRs of 5.7% and 28.5%, respectively. Its EPS decreased at a CAGR of 31.1% over the same period.

Also, the company’s tangible book value and levered free cash flow declined at respective 4.6% and 6.5% CAGRs over the same time frame.

Streaming Division Faces Several Challenges

Global media and entertainment conglomerate DIS’ streaming division lost $512 million in the fiscal 2023 third quarter, compared to $1.06 billion during the same quarter of 2022. It brings its total streaming losses since 2019, when Disney+ was introduced, to more than $11 billion.

To make the streaming business more profitable, DIS’ CEO Bob Iger has shifted the focus at Disney+ from quick subscriber growth, which requires expensive market campaigns, to making more money from the existing Disney+ subscribers. The price for access to an ad-free version of Disney+ increased to $13.99 per month beginning October 12, previously $10.99 per month.

The company also increased the price of Hulu without ads to $17.99 per month, a 20% price hike. However, the monthly price of Disney+ and Hulu’s ad-based tiers and the annual price of ad-based Hulu remained unchanged.

“We’re obviously trying with our pricing strategy to migrate more subs to the advertiser-supported tier,” Mr. Iger told analysts on a conference call.
Along with this pricing news, the company announced it will roll out tactics to mitigate password sharing.

A primary challenge Disney faces is heightened competition in the streaming industry. Among various video streaming giants, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and emerging entrants such as HBO Max and Apple TV+, DIS must differentiate itself in terms of content quality and pricing to stand out in this crowded market.

Further, as consumers continue to feel the pressure of increasing prices and persistent inflation, they will cut back on their media and entertainment spending.

Continued Issues in Media Business

The company still relies on old-line channels such as ESPN, its flagship sports brand, and ABC for approximately a third of its operating profits. Cord-cutting, sports programming costs, and a soft advertising market hurt these outlets. DIS’ traditional channels had $1.90 billion in third-quarter operating income, a decline of 23% from a year earlier.

It was the second straight quarter in which Disney’s traditional TV business reported a sharp drop in operating income. The company cited lower ad sales at ABC, partially due to viewership declines, lower payments from ESPN subscribers, and increased sports programming costs.

Bottom Line

While DIS’ turnaround plan, including a mix of price hikes across its streaming operations, increasing ads, cutting costs, and other strategic initiatives, could drive long-term growth, the company grapples with several challenges. In August, Disney’s shares hit a new nine-year low below $84 as investors were unconvinced with CEO Iger’s turnaround plan.

The media and entertainment giant posted mixed financial results in the last reported quarter, plagued by streaming woes and increased restructuring costs resulting from pulling content from its platforms.

Further, DIS’ short-term prospects seem uncertain as the company continues to struggle with making its streaming business profitable, improving the quality of its films, and the slowdown in the traditional media business, which is challenged by declining subscribers and a soft advertising market.
Disney also faces heightened competition. The streaming industry is exceptionally competitive, and Disney must strike a proper balance between content quality and prices to stand out in this crowded market and be profitable.

Given its deteriorating financials, decelerating profitability, and uncertain near-term prospects, it could be wise to avoid this stock now.

4 Streaming Stocks to Buy Instead as Netflix Faces Lawsuit

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Streaming giant Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) finds itself in the center of a lawsuit over the upcoming Zack Snyder sci-fi epic Rebel Moon. NFLX has been sued for axing a gaming development contract based on filmmaker Snyder’s much-anticipated franchise, originally created as a “Star Wars” movie.

On September 28, 2023, Evil Genius Games filed a lawsuit against NFLX at the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California. Evil Genius Games is a popular developer and publisher of tabletop role-playing games based on major motion picture franchises.

The plaintiff has claimed that it had begun working with NFLX earlier this year to develop a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) based on Snyder’s “Rebel Moon,” and the game’s release was supposed to have coincided with the release of the first film’s streaming release on December 22, 2023.

According to the plaintiff, when the two parties started working on the project earlier this year, NFLX had a Rebel Moon movie script, a rough idea about the Rebel Moon universe, and a few cursory graphical assets. However, the script was missing background information vital to the story.

In the court documents, Evil Genius claimed that they not only did the work they were required to do but also supplied all the missing pieces and created a well-integrated backstory for the whole franchise. The plaintiff came up with a 228-page World Bible, a 430-page Player’s Guide, and a 337-page Game Master’s Guide.

Evil Genius had paid NFLX for a license and agreed to share profits from the licensed articles with NFLX. Despite having collaborated for months, NFLX decided to pull the plug on the project on May 25, weeks after the work was finalized and turned over to the streamer.

NFLX alleged that Evil Genius had violated the confidentiality agreement for “Rebel Moon” and violated its trust by sharing artwork at an industry trade show in March 2023. However, the plaintiff maintains that they had acquired NFLX’s permission to show artwork from the game at the 2023 Game Manufacturers Associate Exposition to “create some industry buzz” for the project.

According to the court documents, Evil Genius alleged that two NFLX employees were present at the event and helped hand out materials to retailers at the show. The legal filing states that “It became clear that Netflix was simply using the alleged breach and termination to hijack (Evil Genius’) intellectual property and prevent (Evil Genius’) from releasing the game.”

Evil Genius CEO David Scott said, “Our aim is to ensure our team is recognized for their fantastic work, and that we can release this game for millions of enthusiasts to enjoy. It’s disheartening to see Netflix backpedal on content that was jointly showcased and had received their prior consent. We urge our supporters to contact Netflix and Zack Snyder to push for the release of this game.”

While the allegations on NFLX are severe, the streamer has yet to comment on the lawsuit. In this scenario, investors could look to buy streaming stocks Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Roku, Inc. (ROKU), and Paramount Global (PARA) as they are likely to benefit from NFLX’s bad press.

Let’s delve into the fundamentals of these stocks.

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA)

CMCSA is a media and technology company. Its segments include the Cable Communications segment, Media, and the Studios segment, which includes film and television studio production and distribution operations. The company has three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky.

CMCSA’s revenue grew at a CAGR of 4.6% over the past three years. Its EBITDA grew at a CAGR of 4.1% over the past three years. In addition, its EBIT grew at a CAGR of 4.7% in the same time frame.

CMCSA’s revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023, increased 1.7% year-over-year to $30.51 billion. Its adjusted EBITDA rose 4.2% over the prior-year quarter to $10.24 billion. The company’s adjusted net income increased 4.8% year-over-year to $4.72 billion. Also, its adjusted EPS came in at $1.13, representing an increase of 11.9% year-over-year.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2023, CMCSA’s EPS and revenue are expected to decline 1.4% and 0.4% year-over-year to $0.95 and $29.73 billion, respectively. It surpassed consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

The Walt Disney Company (DIS)

DIS operates as an entertainment company worldwide. The company engages in film and episodic television content production and distribution activities. It operates through two segments, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution; and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

On September 11, 2023, DIS and Charter Communications (CHTR) announced a transformative, multiyear distribution agreement to maximize value for consumers and support the linear TV experience. Due to the deal, most DIS networks and stations will be restored to Spectrum’s video customers.

DIS’ revenue grew at a CAGR of 8% over the past three years. Its EBIT grew at a CAGR of 4.6% over the past three years. In addition, its EBITDA grew at a CAGR of 2.5% in the same time frame.

For the third quarter ended on July 1, 2023, DIS’ revenues increased 3.8% year-over-year to $22.33 billion. Its net loss attributable to DIS came in at $460 million, compared to a net income attributable of $1.41 billion in the prior-year quarter.

The company’s loss per share came in at $0.25, compared to an EPS of $0.77 in the prior-year quarter. Also, its cash provided by continuing operations increased 45.8% year-over-year to $2.80 billion. In addition, its free cash flow increased 775.4% year-over-year to $1.64 billion.

Analysts expect DIS’ EPS and revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, to increase 153.2% and 6.4% year-over-year to $0.76 and $21.44 billion, respectively.

Roku, Inc. (ROKU)

ROKU operates a TV streaming platform. The company operates in two segments: Platform and Devices. Its streaming platform allows users to find and access TV shows, movies, news, sports, and others. The company also provides digital advertising and related services. In addition, it offers billing services; and brand sponsorship and promotions, as well as manufactures, sells, and licenses smart TVs under the Roku TV name.

On August 31, 2023, ROKU and TV Azteca announced a strategic partnership that will enable brands and agencies to purchase TV streaming advertising on the Roku platform in Mexico through TV Azteca.

ROKU’s International Advertising Vice President Mirjam Laux said, “The collaboration with TV Azteca increases our reach in the market and is a significant step to expand our growing ad sales business in Mexico. Working with TV Azteca, a trusted media group with deep connections to brands and advertisers, helps us to accelerate our advertising business and create more impactful marketing.”

ROKU’s revenue grew at a CAGR of 33.6% over the past three years. Its Tang Book Value grew at a CAGR of 32.3% over the past three years. In addition, its Total Assets grew at a CAGR of 31.1% in the same time frame.

ROKU’s total net revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023, increased 10.8% year-over-year to $847.19 million. Its total gross profit rose 6.5% year-over-year to $378.27 million. The company’s net loss narrowed 4.2% year-over-year to $107.60 million. Also, its loss per share narrowed 7.3% year-over-year to $0.76.

Street expects ROKU’s revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, is expected to increase 11.6% year-over-year to $849.38 million. Its EPS for the same quarter is expected to decline 124.5% year-over-year to $1.98. It surpassed the Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

Paramount Global (PARA)

PARA operates as a media and entertainment company worldwide. The company operates through TV Media, Direct-to-Consumer, and Filmed Entertainment segments.

On August 7, 2023, PARA and KKR announced signing an agreement pursuant to which KKR will acquire Simon & Schuster. PARA’s President and CEO Bob Bakish said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement on a transaction that delivers excellent value to Paramount shareholders while also positioning Simon & Schuster for its next phase of growth with KKR.”

“The proceeds will give Paramount additional financial flexibility and greater ability to create long-term value for shareholders while also delivering our balance sheet,” he added.

PARA’s revenue grew at a CAGR of 5.7% over the past three years. Its levered FCF grew at a CAGR of 2.3% over the past three years. In addition, its Total Assets grew at a CAGR of 2.7% in the same time frame.

For the fiscal second quarter ended June 30, 2023, PARA’s revenue declined 2.1% year-over-year to $7.62 billion. Its adjusted OIBDA declined 37% over the prior-year quarter to $606 million.

The company’s adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to PARA declined 81.4% year-over-year to $80 million. Its adjusted EPS from continuing operations attributable to PARA came in at $0.10, representing a decline of 84.4% year-over-year.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2023, PARA’s revenue is expected to increase 4.2% year-over-year to $7.21 billion. Its EPS for the same quarter is expected to decline 70.9% year-over-year to $0.11.