Disney's Stock Dips 0.09% with $710M in Volume (Rank 144th) as Institutional Investors Boost Holdings Amid Mixed Earnings Outlook

On September 2, 2025, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) fell 0.09% with a trading volume of $0.71 billion, ranking 144th in market activity. Institutional investors including Dark Forest Capital Management LP significantly increased holdings, with the firm boosting its stake by 2,274.3% to 59,406 shares valued at $5.86 million. Vanguard Group and UBS also raised their positions, reflecting growing institutional confidence.

Earnings estimates revised by Zacks Research indicate mixed near-term prospects. For the current quarter, Disney’s EPS is projected at $1.03, a 9.7% decline year-over-year, while the consensus estimate for the current fiscal year stands at $5.86, up 17.9% from the prior year. Forward-looking estimates for the next fiscal year show a 10.7% increase to $6.49. However, the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) suggests limited outperformance potential relative to broader market benchmarks.

Revenue forecasts highlight steady growth, with $22.96 billion expected for the current quarter (+1.7% year-over-year) and $94.91 billion and $101 billion projected for the current and next fiscal years (+3.9% and +6.4%, respectively). Recent financial results included a $1.61 EPS beat and 2.1% revenue growth in the last reported quarter, though the stock trades at a discount to peers based on Zacks’ Value Style Score (Grade B).

Strategic developments include Disney’s push to develop original IP targeting Gen Z audiences and the launch of a new ESPN sports app to compete with streaming services. Leadership changes, such as the departure of studio executives Randi Hiller and Sam Dickerman, may raise concerns about continuity. Meanwhile, institutional ownership now accounts for 65.71% of the float, underscoring long-term investor support.

Backtest results: Over the past 30 days, Disney’s stock returned -0.8% against the S&P 500’s +3.8%. Earnings estimate revisions for the current quarter fell -1.4%, while estimates for the current and next fiscal years rose +1.7% and +2.2%, respectively. The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) aligns with the stock’s neutral performance outlook.