The financial world is closely scrutinizing the movements of major institutional investors, and recent filings reveal significant adjustments in holdings of The Walt Disney Company (DIS) stock. This article delves into the latest shifts in investor activity, offering a comprehensive look at how prominent firms are recalibrating their stakes in the iconic entertainment giant, reflecting broader market sentiments and strategic re-evaluations.
Among the notable changes, Cheviot Value Management LLC significantly reduced its position in Disney shares during the first quarter. According to its recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, the firm decreased its stake by 21.9%, divesting 1,843 shares. Despite this reduction, Cheviot Value Management still maintained a considerable presence, holding 6,584 shares of the entertainment conglomerate’s stock, valued at $606,000 at the close of the most recent reporting period.
This quarter saw not only reductions but also new entrants and increased investor holdings in Walt Disney. Mpwm Advisory Solutions LLC, for instance, established a fresh stake in Disney stock during the fourth quarter, with its new investment valued at $27,000. Similarly, MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc. initiated a new position in the first quarter, acquiring shares worth $26,000, underscoring continued interest from diverse investment entities.
Other financial players demonstrated strong confidence by bolstering their existing portfolios. Kessler Investment Group LLC notably increased its position in Disney by a substantial 274.0% in the first quarter, accumulating an additional 200 shares to bring their total to 273 shares, valued at $27,000. Pilgrim Partners Asia Pte Ltd and Copia Wealth Management also bought new positions in the fourth quarter, valued at $32,000 and $36,000 respectively, further diversifying the institutional investor base.
The overall landscape of Disney’s ownership remains heavily influenced by large institutional investors and hedge funds, which collectively hold a significant 65.71% of the stock. This institutional backing often signals a level of stability and confidence in a company’s long-term prospects. Alongside these ownership trends, major brokerages have been actively issuing updated reports and ratings on DIS, providing critical insights for the broader market.
Several prominent brokerages have recently re-evaluated The Walt Disney Company stock, with many reiterating or upgrading their positive outlooks. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a “buy” rating with a $125.00 target price. Jefferies Financial Group, Rosenblatt Securities, Wolfe Research, and Guggenheim all raised their ratings to “buy” or “outperform,” with increased price targets ranging up to $144.00. This collective optimism from analysts contributes to the stock’s current “Moderate Buy” consensus rating and an average price target of $128.70 based on MarketBeat.com data.
From a financial health perspective, The Walt Disney Company’s shares opened at $116.57 on Friday, reflecting its dynamic market presence. The company exhibits a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.67, and a quick ratio of 0.61, indicating its financial structure. With a 50-day moving average of $118.76 and a 200-day moving average of $107.72, the stock demonstrates stable trends. The firm’s market capitalization stands at $209.56 billion, supported by a P/E ratio of 23.84, a PEG ratio of 1.71, and a beta of 1.56.
The entertainment giant recently reported strong quarterly earnings, surpassing analyst expectations. On Wednesday, May 7th, Walt Disney announced $1.45 earnings per share, outperforming the consensus estimate of $1.21 by $0.24. The company also posted robust revenue of $23.62 billion for the quarter, exceeding analyst projections of $23.15 billion, marking a 7.0% increase year-over-year. Analysts anticipate The Walt Disney Company to post 5.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year, signaling continued growth.
Beyond institutional and analyst movements, insider trading also provides a glimpse into corporate perspectives. A recent transaction saw an EVP sell 1,000 shares of Walt Disney stock, valued at $110,840.00, slightly reducing their overall ownership. The Walt Disney Company, as a global entertainment powerhouse, operates through its Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences segments, encompassing a vast portfolio of media brands including ABC, Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and numerous television channels and film studios, continuously shaping the global entertainment landscape.
