Moana 2' helped float a solid fiscal first quarter for Disney with studio profit riding the strong box office of the animated sequel that’s topped $1 billion worldwide.

There were some oversized expectations for the animated film, but "Moana 2" — originally intended as a series for the company's streaming service before it was produced for the big screen — blew predictions out of the water. Its five-day opening set a new record for Thanksgiving moviegoing.

Walt Disney Co. reported first-quarter earnings as the company faces a number of challenges, despite recent box office success including a hit animated sequel.