Walt Disney posted better-than-expected quarterly results and raised its annual profit forecast on Wednesday, led by gains in streaming business, which is expected to be the centerpiece of its growth strategy in coming years.
In the last 24 hours, the media and entertainment company entered two major deals with the National Football League and WWE as it readies its $29.99-per-month ESPN streaming service that will give viewers access to sporting events, including the NFL and National Basketball Association.
Adjusted earnings per share rose 16% from a year ago to $1.61 for Disney’s fiscal third quarter. Analysts had expected $1.47, according to the LSEG data.
The WWE deal will bring exclusive rights to major wrestling events, including WrestleMania and Royal Rumble to the streaming s