Disney Q1 Earnings Preview: Can 'Moana 2,' 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Help Continue Streak Of Analyst Beats?

As Disney prepares to release its first-quarter earnings, investors and analysts are eagerly awaiting the results, with a particular focus on the company's streaming services and upcoming original content. Disney+ has been a significant driver of growth for the entertainment giant, and its upcoming slate of original films, including "Moana 2" and "Mufasa: The Lion King," has the potential to continue the platform's momentum.



Disney's recent acquisitions, such as Marvel and Lucasfilm, have contributed significantly to the company's earnings growth and subscriber base for its streaming services. The popularity of these franchises has attracted millions of viewers and contributed to the platform's success. As of 2025, Disney+ has over 157 million paid subscribers worldwide, with a significant portion of that growth attributed to the popularity of Marvel and Star Wars content.



Disney's strategic pricing adjustments, such as the recent increase for ESPN+, have positively impacted subscriber revenue, despite a slight decrease in average monthly revenue per subscriber. This indicates that the company's focus on optimizing its pricing strategy is paying off, as it continues to balance revenue growth with customer satisfaction. By rationalizing content and enhancing viewer engagement, particularly in international markets, Disney is positioning itself for potential growth in the streaming sector.



Disney's focus on original content and sports programming plays a significant role in enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing churn rates. By investing in high-quality, exclusive content, Disney+ can differentiate itself from competitors and provide a compelling reason for subscribers to maintain their subscriptions. The upcoming "Moana 2" and "Mufasa: The Lion King" are prime examples of original films that have the potential to drive subscriber growth and engagement.

In a 2024 earnings call, Disney executives highlighted the importance of original content and sports programming in driving customer satisfaction and reducing churn rates:

* "Our focus on original content and sports programming has been a key driver of customer satisfaction and subscriber growth. We believe that by continuing to invest in high-quality, exclusive content, we can maintain and even increase our competitive advantage in the streaming landscape." (DIS, earning call, 2024/Q2)

By offering a diverse range of original content and sports programming, Disney+ can cater to a broader audience, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce churn rates. This strategy aligns with Disney's overall goal of building a strong and engaged subscriber base for its streaming services.

As Disney prepares to release its first-quarter earnings, investors and analysts will be closely watching the company's streaming services and upcoming original content. With the potential for "Moana 2" and "Mufasa: The Lion King" to drive subscriber growth and engagement, Disney is well-positioned to continue its streak of analyst beats.