"Disney's Hidden Revenue Boost: Potential Fox Deal Insights"

Disney Enjoying Increased Revenue amid Potential Fox Deal

19 May 18
News

While Disney’s fiscal second-quarter earnings and revenue were stronger than expected, the company’s long-term outlook may ultimately depend on its highly-anticipated video streaming service (set to debut in 2019) and whether it can close a deal for assets belonging to Twenty-First Century Fox, according to analysts.

In December 2017, Disney announced its intent to acquire the majority of Twenty-First Century Fox’s properties in film, television, and cable channels – including National Geographic, FX, and regional sports networks – for $52.4 billion in stock.

Although the term’s deals were approved by the Fox board, it was later revealed that Comcast had offered Fox $60 billion in cash for those same assets, an unsolicited offer which reportedly depends on whether regulators will approve the potential merger between AT&T and Time Warner. For “various reasons,” according to reports, it appears that the Murdoch family has chosen to commit to Disney and the two companies are likely to move forward with the original deal.

As for Disney’s strong second-quarter, the company experienced an increase in overall revenue – up 9% from the same time last year to $14.55 billion – which slightly exceeded analysts’ expected revenue of $14.11 billion. Disney’s Media and Networks revenue increased 3%, Parks and Resorts revenue increased 13%, and Entertainment revenue increased by a whopping 21%.

Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, credited success in film for the increases. “Our ability to create extraordinary content like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and leverage it across all business units, the unique value proposition we’re creating for consumers with our [direct-to-consumer] platforms, and our recent reorganization strengthen our confidence that we are very well positioned for future growth,” he said.

“The composition of [Disney’s] revenues was a positive in our opinion and overall the quarter was better than feared, with a stronger than expected bottom-line performance front and center,” says Daniel Ives, head of technology research at GBH Insights.

Phil Hogan, CPA, CA, CPA (Colorado)

Phil Hogan is a Canadian and US CPA working with clients throughout Canada and the US. Phil advises on cross border tax and financial planning matters. Phil can be reached at phil@beaconhillwm.ca or via telephone at 778.433.1314. You can also read more about Phil at www.Beaconhillwm.ca/team/about-phil/

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This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. partner providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. or performance returns of any Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any discussion about taxation is for educational purposes only and should not be viewed as professional advice. Consult your tax professional for tax advice on your particular situation.

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