Core Insights - Bank of America has identified AT&T among 16 stock picks for investors seeking to diversify away from AI-related investments [1][2][9] - The selected stocks are believed to be undervalued, with raised profit estimates in the last three months, trading below broader market multiples, and at least 10% below their 52-week highs [3][9] Consumer-Focused Stocks - Notable companies include AT&T, Walt Disney Co., Dollar General, and Viking Holdings, which are familiar to American consumers [5][9] - Disney is expected to benefit from its sports offerings and theme parks, while AT&T has shown growth potential after exceeding phone subscriber estimates [6] - Viking's unique all-inclusive product offering is driving superior financial performance, and Dollar General is anticipated to perform well as consumers seek value amid inflation [7] Finance and Logistics Stocks - KeyCorp and Progressive are among the finance and logistics firms listed, with Progressive experiencing strong positive revisions in earnings per share estimates [10] - Analysts believe that current estimates for Progressive may be too conservative for upcoming quarters and into 2027 [10]

The market is not giving any sort of optimism here. Why are they beating up so hard on Disney. Yeah.I think after, you know, Caroline, you come off of fiscal 2025 delivering 19% EPS growth, you know, you obviously have some very solid momentum in the business. Yes. Granted, fiscal first quarter of 2026 looks a little light there, dealing with a lot of different cost issues, whether it's on the studio side in terms of launch costs for cruises.So there's a little bit of all of that that they have to contend w ...

Core Insights - The market sentiment towards Disney is currently pessimistic, with a notable 10% drop in stock price, marking its largest decline since November 2022 [2][3] - Despite achieving a 19% EPS growth in fiscal 2025, expectations for fiscal 2026 were not met, as the market anticipated more concrete and specific guidance beyond just double-digit EPS growth [1][2] - Ongoing succession issues within Disney have created uncertainty, with speculation about potential candidates for leadership roles, particularly between Dana Walden and Josh D'Amaro [3][4][5] Financial Performance - Disney delivered a 19% EPS growth in fiscal 2025, indicating solid business momentum [1] - The first quarter of fiscal 2026 is projected to be weaker due to various cost challenges, including studio launch costs and cruise expenses [1] Succession Planning - The succession planning at Disney has been problematic, with questions lingering for nearly a decade [3] - The potential candidates for leadership include Dana Walden, who oversees the creative division, and Josh D'Amaro, who manages the parks, which contribute significantly to the company's profits [4][5] - There is speculation about a possible co-CEO structure similar to that of Netflix and Spotify, but clarity is expected by the end of March [5]

bring in Barton Crockett who's a senior analyst at Rosenblat Securities along with Julia Boren. I always love it when we get to sit at the same table together. Julia, let me ask you, when they're talking about being broad, are they trying to be all things to all people at all times.>> I think it's really about general entertainment that's founded with its sort of origin on this this family brand of Disney. And if you look at the strength of this new bundle, they said of new subscribers to their ESPN app, th ...

Core Insights - Disney is focusing on a broad entertainment strategy that combines family-friendly content with sports, leveraging its brands like ESPN, Disney Plus, and Hulu to attract subscribers [2][3][4] - The company reported a significant increase in subscribers, with 3.8 million new Disney Plus subscribers in the last quarter, driven by strong content and international expansion [8] - Despite some mixed results in theme park performance, Disney remains optimistic about its growth outlook and has reiterated its EPS growth guidance for the next two years [4][7] Streaming and Subscriber Growth - The new ESPN All Access bundle has attracted a substantial number of subscribers, with 80% also subscribing to Disney Plus and Hulu, indicating a successful cross-promotion strategy [2] - Disney Plus saw a 3.8 million increase in subscribers, attributed to content strength and international market expansion [8] Theme Parks and Experiential Offerings - Theme parks continue to be a critical revenue driver for Disney, with strong performance in international markets and new cruise ship bookings showing promising growth [7][13] - The company is launching two new cruise ships in the first half of next year, with strong bookings indicating robust demand for Disney's experiential offerings [13] Market Dynamics and Challenges - The recent sell-off in Disney's stock surprised analysts, who expected a smaller decline, highlighting investor concerns despite the company's positive outlook [6][7] - The blackout of Disney channels on YouTube TV has raised questions about potential costs, but Disney remains confident in its negotiating position and the necessity of its content for platforms like YouTube TV [9][11][12]

Core Insights - Disney's earnings report presents a mixed outlook, showcasing strong growth in direct-to-consumer services while facing challenges with YouTube TV and ESPN [2][4][10] Direct-to-Consumer Strategy - The direct-to-consumer model, particularly through Disney Plus and Hulu, has seen significant growth, with profits increasing from $99 million to over $350 million [2][8] - Both Hulu and Disney Plus have tripled their profits in the latest quarter, indicating a solidified position in the streaming industry alongside competitors like Netflix [7][8] Challenges with YouTube - Disney is currently engaged in a prolonged dispute with YouTube over YouTube TV and ESPN, resulting in losses of approximately $30 million per week [3][4] - The competitive landscape has shifted, with YouTube holding a stronger position due to its ad revenue capabilities, making it a more formidable opponent compared to past conflicts with Direct TV [4][15] Market Performance and Revenue - Despite the positive aspects of the direct-to-consumer strategy, overall revenue has been weak, contributing to a nearly 9% decline in market performance [9][10] - The decline in traditional entertainment linear networks is expected to continue, but this is not seen as a long-term concern for Disney's overall value [11][13] Parks and Experiences Segment - The parks and experiences segment remains a bright spot for Disney, showing resilience against macroeconomic challenges, with expectations of continued strength in the long term [17][20] - Any potential weakness in this segment could present a buying opportunity for investors, as the business fundamentals appear strong [20]

Disney 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, along with sports. https://t.co/539lDMJqjo ...

Core Viewpoint - Disney's revenue fell short of estimates due to linear TV weakness, despite growth in its streaming business, leading to a significant drop in stock price [1] Financial Performance - Disney's shares dropped as much as 10%, breaching the $110 level, which coincides with the 200-day moving average [1] - Despite the earnings-related decline, Disney stock is up over 34% from its year-to-date low in early April [2] Analyst Insights - Bernstein analysts believe Disney stock will rise significantly by 2026, citing growing streaming margins and ad-tier monetization as potential catalysts [3] - Citi analyst Jason Bazinet maintains a $145 price target for Disney, indicating nearly 40% upside from current levels, due to the company's cost discipline and focus on high-growth segments [5] Strategic Initiatives - Disney plans to raise its dividend next year and double its share repurchase plan, reflecting insider confidence in the stock's future performance [4] - The company is reallocating funds to high-growth segments like ESPN direct-to-consumer and advertising to unlock revenue upside [5] - Integration of betting and fantasy features into ESPN is expected to drive new sports partnerships, further enhancing growth prospects [6] Market Sentiment - Wall Street analysts remain positive on Disney shares as they head into 2026, indicating a constructive outlook for the company [8]

Financial Performance - Disney's film studio expenses are weighing on the current quarter [1]

Company Performance - Disney beat earnings expectations but missed on revenue [1] - TV networks and a soft theatrical slate weighed on results [1] Strategic Focus - Discussion of Disney's streaming strategy [1] - Focus on theme parks [1] Industry Issues - Discussion of the YouTube TV blackout [1] - Explanation of rising insurance premiums [1] - Examination of the path ahead for the ACA (Affordable Care Act) [1] - Analysis of what it will take to rein in the country's soaring health care costs [1] Government & Policy - Government starting to reopen after President Trump signed a funding bill, ending the shutdown [1]