Key Takeaways
- Disney is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday.
- Wall Street analysts said they’ll be particularly focused on growth in Disney’s streaming business.
Walt Disney Co. is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday, with Wall Street analysts looking for growth from its streaming business and theme parks, as well as sports.
Citi analysts, who recently raised their price target for Disney stock (DIS) to $145 from $140, said they expect investors to be particularly focused on updates to the firm’s streaming outlook through its direct-to-consumer segment, given a hike in prices that took effect in October, and the potential impact of consumer responses to Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary cancellation.
Investors and consumers alike may also be watching for updates on a potential deal between YouTube TV and Disney. ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels have been dark for YouTube TV subscribers since the end of last month amid a dispute over fees.
Shares of Disney have had a relatively weak year so far. The stock is up about 5% for 2025 as of Wednesday’s close near $117, lagging the S&P 500’s nearly 17% gain.
Why This Is Significant
A stronger-than-expected earnings report from Disney could help boost enthusiasm for the stock despite challenges earlier in the year.
The entertainment giant is projected to report adjusted earnings per share of $1.04 on a less than 1% year-over-year rise in revenue to $22.75 billion, according to estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. Its direct-to-consumer and experiences segments are seen driving the gains, along with sports, while revenue from Disney’s linear networks business—home to its traditional broadcast business of networks such as ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel—could shrink from a year ago.
Heading into the results, Wall Street analysts are overwhelmingly bullish on the stock, with all of the six analysts with current ratings compiled by Visible Alpha calling it a “buy.” Their mean target of $146 would suggest 25% upside from Wednesday’s close.
This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect analysts’ consensus estimate for adjusted earnings per share.
