Shares of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) have received a consensus recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from twenty-six analysts currently covering the firm, according to Marketbeat.com. Among these professionals, one has issued a sell recommendation, six have rated the stock as a hold, while nineteen analysts have given it a buy rating. The average price target over the next year stands at $135.20.
Recent analyses highlight varying perspectives on Disney’s stock performance. On November 12, 2023, Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an “outperform” rating in a research note. Shortly thereafter, on November 14, 2023, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target from $159.00 to $152.00 while maintaining an “overweight” rating. In the same report, Evercore ISI raised its price objective from $140.00 to $142.00, also assigning an “outperform” rating. Meanwhile, Citigroup adjusted their target price from $145.00 to $140.00 with a buy rating, while Cowen reiterated a hold rating.
Further insights into the company’s performance reveal that shares of NYSE:DIS opened at $111.35 on Thursday. Over the past year, Disney’s stock has fluctuated significantly, hitting a low of $80.10 and a high of $124.69. The company’s financial ratios indicate a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.65, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. With a market capitalization of $198.79 billion, Disney has a PE ratio of 16.23 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $109.98, while the 200-day moving average sits at $113.73.
On November 13, 2023, Disney released its quarterly earnings report, showcasing an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.11, which surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.08. The company reported a net margin of 13.14% and a return on equity of 9.37%. The total revenue for the quarter reached $22.46 billion, though this fell short of the consensus estimate of $22.78 billion. Year-over-year, revenue decreased by 0.5%, compared to $1.14 EPS for the same period last year. Analysts expect Disney to post an EPS of 5.47 for the current year.
In addition to earnings, Disney has also declared a dividend to be paid on July 22, 2024. Shareholders on record as of June 30, 2024 will receive a dividend of $0.75, representing a dividend yield of 139.0%. The ex-dividend date is also set for June 30, 2024, with the firm’s payout ratio currently at 21.87%.
Founded in 1923 by Walt and Roy O. Disney, The Walt Disney Company operates as a diversified global entertainment and media conglomerate, headquartered in Burbank, California. It has evolved from an animation studio into a multinational corporation renowned for its iconic intellectual properties and family-oriented storytelling. Disney’s business encompasses film and television production, streaming services, theme parks and resorts, consumer products, and live entertainment.
The company produces and distributes films and television programming through a variety of studios, including Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios. It also operates well-known broadcast and cable networks, including ABC, FX, and National Geographic. As analysts continue to evaluate its performance amidst evolving market conditions, Disney remains a focal point for investors and industry watchers alike.
