Paramount Global, a major player in the media and entertainment landscape, is currently at the center of investor attention following a significant uplift in its earnings per share forecasts. Investment analysts at Barrington Research have recently signaled a bullish outlook for the company’s Q2 2025 performance, significantly raising their estimates in a closely watched report. This revised projection offers a fresh perspective on the PARA Stock and its potential trajectory in the competitive market.
Specifically, Barrington Research analyst P. Sholl now anticipates Paramount Global will achieve earnings of $0.33 per share for the upcoming quarter, a substantial increase from their previous forecast of just $0.08. This optimistic adjustment not only affects the immediate quarter but also influences broader financial expectations. The consensus estimate for Paramount Global’s current full-year earnings estimates stands at a robust $1.77 per share, with Barrington Research also providing projections for Q3 2026, Q4 2026, and a full-year 2026 estimate of $1.53 EPS, painting a comprehensive financial picture.
However, the Wall Street Ratings landscape for Paramount Global is far from monolithic. Several other prominent brokerages have weighed in with varying assessments. JPMorgan Chase & Co., for instance, lowered its price target and issued an “underweight” rating, while UBS Group also reduced its target price and set a “sell” rating. Conversely, Morgan Stanley subtly upped their price target, though maintaining an “underweight” stance. This divergence highlights the complex analytical environment surrounding the media stocks giant.
This mixed sentiment is reflected in the overall analyst consensus, which, according to data from MarketBeat.com, currently rates Paramount Global as a “Hold.” The average target price across these firms hovers around $11.70, suggesting that while some see growth potential, others advise caution or outright divestment. This spectrum of investment ratings underscores the nuanced challenges and opportunities the company faces.
From a stock market analysis perspective, Paramount Global shares recently opened at $13.01. The company exhibits solid financial health markers, including a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 1.18. Despite a recent 1-year low of $9.95, the stock has seen a high of $13.59 within the same period, with its 50-day moving average priced at $12.52. Its market capitalization stands at $8.77 billion, alongside a P/E ratio of -433.52, indicating unique financial characteristics.
The company’s recent operational performance provides further context. Paramount Global last reported its earnings on July 31st, posting $0.46 earnings per share. This figure significantly topped analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.37, demonstrating stronger-than-expected profitability. While revenue for the quarter was $6.85 billion, slightly below the $6.88 billion consensus, the positive earnings beat signals resilience in its media company performance.
In addition to earnings, Paramount Global recently announced a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share, paid on July 1st. This translates to an annualized dividend of $0.20 and a dividend yield of 1.5%. Such distributions are often a key indicator for investors, reflecting the company’s commitment to returning value to its shareholders, despite a negative dividend payout ratio.
Large institutional investors have also been actively adjusting their positions in Paramount Global stock. Firms like Vanguard Group Inc., Invesco Ltd., and Geode Capital Management LLC have either grown or significantly maintained their substantial holdings, collectively representing a significant portion of the company’s ownership. This continued institutional confidence provides a crucial underpinning for the financial analysis of the stock’s stability and future prospects.
Paramount Global itself operates as a diverse media, streaming, and entertainment company globally, segmented into TV Media, Direct-to-Consumer, and Filmed Entertainment. Its vast portfolio includes networks like CBS, MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon, alongside international free-to-air networks. This broad operational base underpins its market presence and future potential in the evolving media landscape.
