The Walt Disney Company announced significantly increased
earnings for 4th quarter 2007 as well as the year as a whole. For
the year, earnings per share (profit divided by shares outstanding) grew from
$1.64 in ’06 to $2.25 in ’07. This included one times benefits from the sale of
E! Entertainment and Us Weekly. Excluding one times benefits, earnings per
share was $1.94 in ’07 compared to $1.55 in ’06. Revenue in ‘07 increased 5% to
$35.5 billion, bolstered by gains in the Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, and
Consumer Products divisions. Operating income increased 23%, led by a 65%
increase in the Studio Entertainment division as well as a 23% increase in the
Media Networks operating income.
At the resort side of
things, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris all contributed to
a 7% increase in revenue and 11% increase in operating income. This was
partially offset by lower performance at Hong Kong Disneyland due to lower
attendance.
Direct Link to Press Release and Financial Information (pdf)