Disney CFO Hugh Johnston Talks Rising Shares, Earnings
Feb 5, 2025
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Hugh Johnston, CFO of Disney, shares insights on the company’s impressive first quarter earnings. He highlights the success of Disney’s movie studios and streaming services, while addressing a slight dip in Disney Plus subscribers. Johnston discusses the resilience of Disney's international parks amid global challenges and the active negotiations related to Hulu. He also reveals strategies for streaming growth, including the use of AI in content production, and how Disney caters to stable consumer preferences across different age groups.
Disney's CFO highlighted the impressive growth in their streaming business, fueled by strong content despite a seasonal decline in Disney Plus subscribers.
The company's diverse content strategy, including anticipated releases, positions Disney well in the competitive streaming industry for future growth.
Deep dives
Impact of Open Source AI in Radiology
Open source AI, particularly Meta's LAMA model, is transforming the field of radiology by providing essential tools for radiologists to validate their diagnoses. Startups like Zaron are utilizing this technology to enhance accuracy in medical imaging, allowing for timely corrections of potential errors. Collaborations with academic institutions are also fostering radiology education, which is critical for future professionals in the field. This innovative approach signifies a shift towards more accessible technology for healthcare applications, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.
Disney's Streaming Success and Content Strategy
Disney's streaming business has shown remarkable growth, driven by strong content offerings from both its movie and television divisions. Despite a slight decline in Disney Plus subscribers, the company's CFO emphasized that this was seasonal and did not reflect long-term trends, as the overall content strategy continues to engage viewers effectively. Future projections highlight an expectation of increased subscriber growth and improved profit margins, supported by popular upcoming releases like Moana 2 and Inside Out 2. Additionally, Disney's ability to create a diverse range of content, including news and sports, positions the company favorably in the competitive streaming landscape.
Disney CFO Hugh Johnston discusses rising shares after first quarter earnings, and gains from streaming. He speaks with Bloomberg's Jonathan Ferro and Lisa Abramowicz.