The Walt Disney Company reported mixed results for its first quarter of 2025, with Disney+ losing subscribers but still maintaining financial strength across its entertainment platforms.
The streaming service saw a decline of 700,000 subscribers, bringing its total to 124.6 million. Company leaders attributed the drop to recent price increases and the end of promotional offers. This follows a previous quarter where Disney+ had added 4.4 million subscribers.
Despite the streaming challenges, Disney exceeded Wall Street predictions. The company reported adjusted earnings of $1.76 per share on revenues of $24.7 billion, beating analyst estimates of $1.43 EPS and $24.55 billion in revenue.
CEO Bob Iger highlighted the company’s resilience. “Our results this quarter demonstrate Disney’s creative and financial strength,” he said, pointing to successful strategic initiatives implemented over the past two years.
The quarter saw significant box office success. “Moana 2” emerged as a standout performer, crossing the $1 billion mark in global ticket sales. Another theatrical release, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” generated $650 million worldwide, though not matching previous franchise performances.
Streaming content remained robust, with shows like “Bluey” and “Grey’s Anatomy” performing consistently. Nielsen data confirms Disney’s leadership in total TV usage, with only YouTube presenting serious competition.
Strategic moves included integrating an ESPN tile within the Disney+ app, expanding sports content offerings. Hulu gained 1.6 million subscribers, reaching 53.6 million total, while ESPN+ experienced a 700,000 subscriber decline.
Looking forward, Disney anticipates a “modest decline” in Disney+ subscribers for 2025. The company remains focused on profitability in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
The results reflect Disney’s ongoing adaptation to changing media consumption patterns, balancing traditional entertainment with digital streaming platforms.
