Walt Disney Company Third Quarter 2018 Earnings report shows gains in the parks and resorts

The Walt Disney Company reported its third quarter earnings yesterday, and Parks and Resorts continue to be a strong earner for the company. Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 6% to $5.2 billion and segment operating income increased 15% to $1.3 billion.

Higher operating income at domestic parks was due to an increase in guest spending. Per-capita spending was up, driven by higher admission costs and an increase in food and merchandise spending. Per room spending at the resorts was up 8%. Attendance at the theme parks was up 1% in the quarter. Resort occupancy was down 2% to 86%, due to reduced room inventory from room refurbishment and conversions. For this quarter Resort reservations are down 2% compared to prior year, while booked rates are pacing up 7%.

“We’re pleased with our results in the quarter, including a double-digit increase in earnings per share, and excited about the opportunities ahead for continued growth,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Having earned the overwhelming support of shareholders, we are more enthusiastic about the 21st Century Fox acquisition than ever, and confident in our ability to fully leverage these assets along with our own incredible brands, franchises and businesses to drive significant value across the entire company.”

Below is the full Parks and Report section from the report, which you can view in its entirety here.

Parks and Resorts

Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 6% to $5.2 billion and segment operating income increased 15% to $1.3 billion. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to increases across key operations. Results include an unfavorable impact due to the timing of the Easter holiday relative to our fiscal periods. One week of the Easter holiday fell in the third quarter of the current year whereas both holiday weeks fell in the third quarter of the prior year.

Higher operating income at our domestic parks and resorts was due to increased guest spending, partially offset by increased costs. Guest spending growth was due to increases in average ticket prices, food, beverage and merchandise spending and average daily hotel room rates. The increase in costs was due to labor and other cost inflation, partially offset by lower marketing costs. At our cruise line, growth was driven by higher passenger cruise days, which was primarily due to the Disney Fantasy dry-dock in the prior-year quarter.

The increased operating income at our international parks and resorts was due to growth at Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Higher operating income at Shanghai Disney Resort was due to lower costs and attendance growth, partially offset by decreased guest spending. The decrease in guest spending was driven by lower average ticket prices, partially offset by higher food and beverage spending. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, the increase in operating income was primarily due to higher occupied room nights, average ticket prices and attendance.