The Walt Disney Company has reported earnings for its second fiscal quarter 2021, ending on April 3.

The results show that diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations increased to $0.50 from $0.26 in the same quarter of 2020.

Excluding certain items, diluted EPS increased 32% to $0.79 from $0.60 in the same quarter of the previous year.

EPS from continuing operations for the six months of the fiscal year ending April 3, 2021 fell 64% to $0.52 from $1.43 in the same period of 2020. Excluding certain items EPS for the six months decreased 48% to $1.11 from $2.12 in the same period of the prior year.

The results confirm that the Walt Disney Company was adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Bob Chapek, chief executive office, commented on the results: “We’re pleased to see more encouraging signs of recovery across our businesses, and we remain focused on ramping up our operations while also fueling long-term growth for the Company.

“This is clearly reflected in the reopening of our theme parks and resorts, increased production at our studios, the continued success of our streaming services, and the expansion of our unrivalled portfolio of multiyear sports rights deals for ESPN and ESPN+,” Chapek added.