Strategic Priorities
D’Amaro also took the opportunity to walk investors through his strategic priorities.
“Looking at the first half of the fiscal year and our expectations for the second half, we are executing with focus, delivering against our stated commitments, and investing in areas that we believe will drive long-term value,” he said. “As we look ahead, my strategic priorities as CEO build directly on that foundation.”
According to D’Amaro, those strategic priorities are:
- “First, creative excellence, it will remain at the center of everything that we do. Disney’s greatest competitive advantage has always been the quality of our storytelling and the enduring connection our brands have with audiences all around the world.”
- “Second, we have a real opportunity to deepen our direct relationship with our fans by creating a more connected Disney experience across streaming, sports, games and Experiences — with Disney+ playing an increasingly central role.”
- “Third, technology, it can be a powerful accelerant for Disney — improving the consumer experience across our business lines, driving operational efficiency, and unlocking new possibilities for creativity, growth, and returns.”
Streaming
Speaking on Disney’s streaming business, D’Amaro noted that “our focus remains consistent: improve the consumer experience, deepen engagement, and continue building a healthy and more durable growth business.”
He added that the company is also exploring the “meaningful opportunity for growth internationally” when it comes to streaming.
“We are focused on scaling outside the US. We are increasing our local content investments and early results — they’re encouraging,” he said. “While more work remains, we are pleased with the progress we are making in both the consumer experience and underlying economics.”
Entertainment
D’Amaro then turned to the company’s IP saying that Disney continues to invest in the “great storytelling, franchises, and talent that define Disney and fuel our film and television content.” He pointed to several standout examples from the quarter that reflected this strategy, including High Potential and the new limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
“And we of course see the potential of this strategy in films like Zootopia 2, which not only generated $1.9 billion in global box office, but the franchise has now surpassed 1 billion hours streamed on Disney+,” he said.
D’Amaro added that the company is excited about its upcoming film slate.
“When you look at our upcoming slate of franchise films, each has the potential to resonate with our fans well beyond its initial release, moving across platforms, experiences, and products in a way that deepens engagement and extends reach over time,” he said.
