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Disney Q4 Preview: Will Investors Overlook YouTube Dispute, Box Office Setbacks For Future Guidance & Growth?
Benzinga· 2025-11-11 19:30
Core Viewpoint - The Walt Disney Company is expected to face scrutiny over various challenges, including the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, tough box office comparisons, and a carriage dispute with YouTube, when it reports its fourth-quarter financial results [1]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts predict Disney will report fourth-quarter revenue of $22.75 billion, an increase from $22.57 billion in the same quarter last year [2]. - Expected earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter is $1.05, down from $1.14 in the previous year [2]. - Disney has surpassed analyst revenue estimates in five of the last ten quarters and has beaten EPS estimates for nine consecutive quarters [2]. Expert Insights - Streaming is anticipated to be a significant topic in the fourth-quarter results, with a focus on the new ESPN streaming platform and price increases for Disney+ [3][4]. - The new ESPN platform is expected to reach around 500,000 subscribers in its first quarter and two million by the end of fiscal 2026, potentially generating nearly $500 million in new revenue [5]. - For Disney+, an addition of approximately 500,000 net new domestic subscribers is expected in the fourth quarter, with a projected 15% increase in average revenue per user due to price hikes [6]. Key Items to Watch - The report comes at a crucial time for Disney, with recent developments including a partnership with FuboTV, the end of ESPN Bet, and ongoing disputes with YouTube affecting subscriber access to key programming [8][10]. - Investors will be keen to see if the Kimmel suspension has led to significant subscriber losses and whether the company has gained subscribers ahead of the price increases [9]. - The fourth quarter may show a decline in box office performance due to tough comparisons with last year's hits, with the combined gross of current films being around 57% of last year's top performers [11]. Upcoming Content and Guidance - Disney is likely to highlight its upcoming content slate, including "Zootopia 2" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash," as well as a Taylor Swift docuseries launching on Disney+ [12]. - The company may provide early guidance for the next fiscal year, which could influence stock performance as the year ends [12].
Disney Stock Has 27% Upside: Analyst Highlights These 2 Areas For Fourth Quarter
Benzinga· 2025-10-17 15:38
Core Viewpoint - The analyst from Rosenblatt maintains a positive outlook on Disney's streaming segment, anticipating strong fourth-quarter results and a boost in stock performance [1][2]. Streaming Segment - The new ESPN streaming platform is expected to reach approximately 500,000 subscribers in its first launch quarter and two million by the end of fiscal 2026, potentially generating nearly $500 million in new revenue in 2026 [3][4]. - Disney+ is projected to add around 500,000 net new domestic subscribers in the fourth quarter, with a potential 15% increase in average revenue per user due to planned price hikes [5]. Financial Performance - The analyst has raised estimates for fourth-quarter earnings per share and fiscal 2026 earnings per share, indicating a positive trajectory for revenue and earnings driven by streaming and parks [3]. - The Experiences segment is expected to see a 7% year-over-year revenue increase in the fourth quarter [6]. Stock Performance - Disney stock has shown positive movement, increasing by 1.2% to $111.15, with a year-to-date increase of 0.3% in 2025 [6].
Disney Stock 'Resilient' In Uncertain Economy As Raised Guidance Signals Confidence
Benzinga· 2025-05-08 16:17
Core Viewpoint - Disney demonstrated strong growth in parks and streaming, leading to raised guidance after a resilient first-quarter performance despite macroeconomic challenges [2][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Revenue, operating income, earnings per share, and free cash flow all exceeded expectations, indicating robust financial health [2]. - Disney raised its full-year earnings per share guidance, which is seen as encouraging amid recent macro volatility [2][5]. - The direct-to-consumer (DTC) segment achieved its fourth consecutive profitable quarter, with full-year DTC operating profit expected to exceed $1 billion [6]. Group 2: Parks and Streaming Growth - Future bookings for Walt Disney World are strong, with bookings up 4% in Q3 and 7% in Q4 [2]. - Analysts highlighted the reacceleration of the Parks business as a near-term catalyst for growth [3]. - The launch of ESPN's flagship streaming platform in Q4 is anticipated to enhance bundled offerings with Hulu and Disney+ [5]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings and Price Action - Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $140, while Guggenheim's Michael Morris lowered his target from $130 to $120, maintaining a Buy rating [1]. - Disney stock rose 3.1% to $105.27, with a 52-week trading range of $80.10 to $118.63, although it is down 5% year-to-date in 2025 [6].