Disney's Streaming Business Turns a Profit for the First Time

A Major Milestone

The Walt Disney Company has reached a significant milestone in its streaming business. For the first time, its Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ services have collectively turned a profit.

Profitability Details

• Disney+ and Hulu: Combined operating profit of $47 million in the third quarter.
• ESPN+: Profitability not explicitly disclosed, but contributed to the overall streaming profit.

Surpassing Expectations

Disney's streaming profitability came sooner than expected. The company had initially projected profitability in 2024, but achieved it a quarter early.

Factors Contributing to Success

• Growing Subscriber Base: Disney+ has surpassed 164 million subscribers, Hulu has over 45 million, and ESPN+ has over 7.9 million.
• Original Content Success: Hit shows like "The Mandalorian" and "Loki" on Disney+ have attracted and retained subscribers.
• Bundling of Services: Disney offers a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, making it a more attractive value proposition for consumers.

Strategic Significance

Disney's streaming profitability is a major win for the company. It demonstrates the growing importance of streaming to the entertainment industry and reinforces Disney's position as a leader in the space.

Impact on the Market

Disney's success in streaming is likely to put pressure on other streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It also highlights the competitive landscape of the streaming industry, where established players like Disney are facing challenges from emerging players like Apple TV+ and Peacock.

Looking Forward

Disney is well-positioned to continue its growth in streaming. The company has a strong pipeline of original content and plans to expand its international presence.

Additional Sources

CNBC: Disney reports first-ever profit from streaming

The Hollywood Reporter: Disney beats its streaming profit target