Walt Disney faces shifting media landscape amid updated earnings forecasts

Analysts are evaluating the financial trajectory of The Walt Disney Company as it navigates a shifting media landscape. Erste Group Bank recently raised its FY2027 earnings per share (EPS) estimate for the entertainment giant to $7.49, slightly up from a previous forecast of $7.48.

Disney's recent quarterly performance exceeded expectations, reporting $2.06 EPS against a consensus estimate of $1.86. While the company faces headwinds from the decline of linear television and cable subscribers, its direct-to-consumer segment has seen significant growth. As of late September 2025, Disney+ and Hulu combined reached 191 million subscribers.

Several financial institutions have issued positive outlooks for the company. Rosenblatt Securities and Needham & Company LLC have maintained “buy” ratings, while Barclays upgraded its target price to $115.00 with an “overweight” rating. However, the stock currently trades approximately 47% below its all-time high, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding the transition from traditional cable to streaming models.