The Disney stock forecast received a boost this week as The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced it will pay roughly $439 million to acquire Comcast’s (NASDAQ:CMCSA) remaining stake in Hulu. This move gives Disney full ownership of the streaming platform and has investors and analysts optimistic about the company’s strategic direction heading into 2025.

Why the Hulu Deal Matters for Disney Stock

Investors had braced for a much higher payout to secure Hulu. Instead, the $439 million price tag came in below expectations, providing welcome relief. The acquisition won’t impact Disney’s fiscal 2025 guidance, meaning the company can continue executing its broader strategy without financial strain.

This clarity, combined with improving fundamentals, has lifted investor sentiment. Disney stock has now gained approximately 45% from its year-to-date low in April—a sharp rebound that reflects optimism around its streaming ambitions and corporate restructuring.

Analyst Takes on the Disney Stock Forecast

Loop Capital’s Alan Gould reaffirmed his Buy rating on DIS stock following the Hulu announcement, raising his price target to $130. That implies another 10% upside from current levels. Gould emphasized that Hulu’s valuation—roughly 3.3x revenue and close to $500 per subscriber—suggests significant potential for Disney to drive monetization and subscriber growth.

This sentiment is echoed across Wall Street. The consensus rating for DIS stock is currently “Strong Buy,” with an average target price of around $126. That suggests additional upside of more than 6% even after the recent rally.

Jim Cramer Endorses Disney’s Turnaround

Famed investor Jim Cramer is also backing the Disney stock forecast, praising CEO Bob Iger’s strategic moves. Cramer believes Disney is “finally getting its feet right” and points to Iger’s leadership as a reason for long-term confidence.

Cramer highlighted Disney’s plans to build a new theme park and resort in Abu Dhabi as a sign the company is reinvesting in its core strengths—immersive experiences and family entertainment. According to Iger, the new park will offer “a lot of new experiences,” signaling the company’s intent to innovate within its legacy business lines.

Disney as a Dividend Stock

While Disney’s dividend yield isn’t high—currently around 0.84%—the company’s financial stabilization could allow for future increases. For long-term investors, this modest yield adds another layer of appeal, especially as Disney strengthens its cash flow through improved streaming and theme park performance.

With streaming profitability in focus and parks continuing to recover, Disney’s balance of growth and income potential makes it an increasingly attractive holding for 2025 and beyond.

What’s Next for Disney Stock?

Disney’s full acquisition of Hulu is more than just a financial maneuver—it’s a strategic pivot. By taking full control, Disney can now fully integrate Hulu into its broader streaming strategy, alongside Disney+ and ESPN+. This could open up new bundling options, drive cost efficiencies, and help the company compete more effectively against rivals like Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN).

As Disney continues to streamline its operations, invest in global expansion, and roll out original content, analysts expect earnings growth to resume in 2025. The Disney stock forecast reflects strong confidence in these efforts, with many pointing to the company’s unique assets—beloved franchises, theme parks, and now full control of a major streaming platform—as key differentiators.

Final Thoughts on DIS Stock

With strong analyst support, renewed leadership focus, and the Hulu deal now finalized, the outlook for DIS stock is positive. The Disney stock forecast suggests the company is well-positioned to regain its former market dominance—not just in entertainment, but as a core component of long-term growth portfolios.

If you’re looking for a blue-chip stock with strong brand equity and evolving growth catalysts, Disney stock forecast trends indicate this could be a solid time to buy in.

Featured Image: Pixabay © Mirco 

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