
NYSE:DIS
This summary was created by AI, based on 18 opinions in the last 12 months.
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is currently facing a turning point with a new CEO at the helm. Experts highlight the company's strengths, such as its beloved theme parks, growing streaming services, and impressive brand power. However, there are concerns about the company's growth trajectory and the valuation of its assets, particularly in light of increased costs at amusement parks and competition in the media landscape. While some believe the stock is consolidating and has potential for a breakout, others caution against its high valuation and external economic pressures that could impact consumer spending. Overall, many experts see potential for growth and profitability in the long run, especially with expected improvements in streaming and continued success at theme parks, signaling that patience may be rewarded for investors.
There are many deals in the works, nothing has closed and there is regulatory risk. These potential deals are risky reasons to invest in Disney. However, looking at Disney itself, this is the best monetization machine in the industry. For example, when they bought LucasFilm, they turned Star Wars into film, theme parks, TV shows, and consumer products. They’re also working on streaming, but there are risks with this. Aside from the sports franchise, they’re doing everything right. And the sports-related issues are well known by investors. The price consolidated for a while. It’s been rising again, but not too much. Disney is a discipline acquirer, so if the deals do come through, they will be good. However, he can’t buy the company at this time because media, as a group, is not showing market leadership. He will wait until the industry that includes Disney starts to perform better. Much of the recent rally in media is M&A premium, which is not a good basis for a long-term investment.
He likes this long-term. He took profits last fall. Their parks and studios are doing well, but ESPN is a worry with a lot of cord-cutting. That's why the stock has been stock the last few years. Disney is trying to acquire 21st Fox as a response. They had to do this, had to get into streaming. Can they execute well to go against Netflix?
(Past Top Pick, July 4, 2017, Down 1%) They have a high bid for 21st Century Fox and the rumour is they will get it. The biggest worries are ESPN and cable-cutting. So, the Fox purchase would solve many problems: it would make Disney bigger and ESPN smaller. Disney wants to be streaming content and not broadcasting. If Disney wins the right assets, meaning Fox, this will hit $125 in 2019.
(A Top Pick June 15/17, Down 0.4%) Market is focusing on ESPN losing subscribers. Have introduced their own direct-to-consumer product, so they can pull Netflix content and go directly to the consumer. Other divisions are doing incredibly well -- theme park, movies. Attractive at 14x forward earnings. Expecting earnings growth to come through next year. Lots of confidence in the CEO, having bought Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
People are watching content online through streaming. They will compete with Netflix. They also have theme parks, cruise ships and movies, all moving in the right direction. (1.5% dividend, Analysts' price target: $120.00)