Free Trial

Disney’s Iger-Led Turnaround Gains Traction

Mickey Mouse at Disney World

Key Points

  • Disney's Iger-led turnaround gains traction and sets the business up for an accelerating profit recovery.
  • Cash flow is improved, and the capital return outlook is robust.
  • Analysts are leading the stock to a fresh multi-year high, which could lead to a sustained rally and double-digit upside potential.
  • MarketBeat previews the top five stocks to own by September 1st.

Walt Disney Today

The Walt Disney Company stock logo
DISDIS 90-day performance
Walt Disney
$115.32 -3.01 (-2.54%)
As of 03:59 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Polygon.io. Learn more.
52-Week Range
$80.10
$124.69
Dividend Yield
0.87%
P/E Ratio
23.58
Price Target
$129.83

The Walt Disney Company NYSE: DIS faces headwinds in 2025, as do most businesses, but the Q2 results reveal the enduring strength of the brand and the impact of Bob Iger’s return. While revenue headwinds persist for this entertainment company, the company continues to grow, and profitability is improving.

The critical detail is that profitability improved across key operating metrics, driving a significant bottom-line outperformance despite the tepid top-line. The takeaway for investors is that this company has regained its lost leverage, is well-positioned for an economic rebound, and the capital return outlook is rapidly improving. 

Disney Sets Up for a Rally in Q3

Disney’s stock price action declined following the FQ3 release, setting it up to rally as the calendar quarter progresses. The move took the market to a critical support level that aligns with prior resistance and key moving averages, and support appears to be present.

The market may consolidate at this level, but assuming no new low is set, a new high is likely to occur soon. The moving averages have formed a Golden Crossover, indicating a shift in market dynamics from a less-bullish to a more-bullish posture, which is a signal to buy

DIS stock chart

Disney’s Diversified Business Supports Growth in Q2

Disney didn’t have an easy time in Q2, but its diversified business model and refocus on quality are paying off. The $23.65 billion in net revenue is up 2.1% compared to last year, with strength in Entertainment and Experiences offsetting Sports.

Entertainment grew by only 1%, led by an 8% increase in Experiences and offset by a 5% decline in Sports. Within the Entertainment segment, DTC and licensing are the standouts, while in Experiences, the domestic parks led the strength.

The only bad news is that the analysts had been expecting a little more. 

The margin news is also mixed, with one segment contracting and the others expanding. The net result is that EBIT grew by 4%, segment operating income by 8%, adjusted earnings by 16%, cash from operations by 41%, and free cash flow by 51%, with adjusted earnings outpacing the consensus by nearly 1200 basis points.

The guidance echoes the clear sign of strength, which is why this stock is a buy in Q3. Given the underlying strengths, the company raised its full-year profit targets to a range above the consensus and may exceed the target. 

The focus on streaming and sports is a reason to bet on Disney’s long-term stock price recovery. The company is integrating Hulu and Disney+, making it a more attractive and comprehensive streaming solution, and rationalizing its ESPS networks. ESPN's focus includes acquiring the NFL’s media assets and integrating them into the streaming portfolio. 

The Iger Impact Is Clearly Seen in Disney’s Balance Sheet

Walt Disney Stock Forecast Today

12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$129.83
12.58% Upside
Moderate Buy
Based on 24 Analyst Ratings
Current Price$115.32
High Forecast$147.00
Average Forecast$129.83
Low Forecast$95.00
Walt Disney Stock Forecast Details

Bob Iger’s impact on the business is visible in the balance sheet. Highlights include reduced cash, which is balanced by steady assets, decreased debt and total liabilities, and a 7% rise in equity.

The increase in equity is especially significant considering the share buybacks, which lowered the share count by 1.2%, effectively using cash while increasing shareholder value.

The buybacks and dividend payments are expected to continue steadily through the end of the year and into next year. The dividend remains reliable at less than 20% of forecasted earnings and is expected to rise in 2026. 

The analyst and institutions are bullish on Disney’s turnaround and capital return. The 24 analysts tracked by MarketBeat rate the stock as Moderate Buy with bullish bias, see it advancing to a multiyear high in 2025, and the institutions are buying on balance.

The institutional activity provides a strong tailwind for the market, owning 66% of the stock and buying at a two-to-one pace in Q3.  

Should You Invest $1,000 in Walt Disney Right Now?

Before you consider Walt Disney, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Walt Disney wasn't on the list.

While Walt Disney currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

7 Stocks to Buy And Hold Forever Cover

Enter your email address and we'll send you MarketBeat's list of seven stocks and why their long-term outlooks are very promising.

Get This Free Report
Thomas Hughes
About The Author

Thomas Hughes

Contributing Author

Technical and Fundamental Analysis, S&P 500, Retail and Consumer Sectors, Dividends

Like this article? Share it with a colleague.

Companies Mentioned in This Article

CompanyMarketRankâ„¢Current PricePrice ChangeDividend YieldP/E RatioConsensus RatingConsensus Price Target
Walt Disney (DIS)
4.8053 of 5 stars
$115.32-2.5%0.87%23.58Moderate Buy$129.83
Compare These Stocks  Add These Stocks to My Watchlist 

Featured Articles and Offers

Recent Videos

Palantir & AMD Earnings: Massive Options Setups Ahead
3 Value Plays Set to Explode
5 Stocks to BUY NOW in August 2025

Stock Lists

All Stock Lists

Investing Tools

Calendars and Tools

Search Headlines