Disney's Q4 Should Look Healthy. Its 2027 Film Slate Is the Harder Setup, Analyst Says

Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results for fiscal 2026 on Nov. 12. The company’s results are likely to reflect "underlying positive trends" and the impact of an additional 53rd week, according to BofA Securities. The Walt Disney Analyst: Analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich maintained a Buy rating and price target of $125. The Walt Disney Thesis: While the company’s global theme park attendance continues to be positive, the results are also likely to be boosted by the addition of two new cruise ships, Ehrlich said in the note. Check out other analyst stock ratings. Revenues from Walt Disney’s Entertainment segment are likely to be weak, given disappointing performances by Moana and The Dog Stars, she added. Recent press indicates the company has opportunity for cost reductions, and the savings are likely to be largely reinvested into its DTC (direct-to-customer) segment, the analyst stated. "In our view, the key driver for near term share performance will be anticipation regarding FY27 outlook and the potential to re-accelerate Disney’s growth trajectory," with new theme park additions, cruise ships and DTC expected to drive performance in fiscal 2028 and beyond, Ehrlich further noted. Regarding fiscal 2027, the analyst stated the following: There are a "lot of moving parts" into the year. The company is poised to benefit from its cost savings initiatives. Growth is likely to be weighted to the first half of the year. "In Entertainment, a lighter release slate, moderating ARPU tailwinds, and higher content investment create a more challenging setup versus FY26," she wrote. Sports should benefit from the NFL Network acquisition and Super Bowl. Underlying demand for Experiences remains healthy, while the segment will face tougher comps in the back half. Ehrlich maintained projections for revenue at $105 billion and earnings at $7.52 per share for fiscal 2027, while raising the operating income estimate to $20.8 billion, from prior $20.7 billion. DIS Stock Price Activity: Walt Disney shares are trading lower by 0.21% at $105.37 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Read Also: Disney+ Subscription Prices Nearly Doubled Since 2023 as Company Raises Ad-Free Plan Again to $21.49 a Month Photo: JLStock on Shutterstock.com