Should I buy Disney stock in 2025? A New Zealand Perspective

What is Disney?

*EBITDA is company-estimated based on typical margins and available earnings guidance.

How much is the Disney stock?

The price of Disney stock is rising this week. As of now, Disney shares are trading at $112.02 USD, up $0.50 (+0.45%) in the past 24 hours and showing a 1.41% gain over the past week. The company’s market capitalisation stands at $201.38 billion, with an average three-month trading volume of 11.47 million shares. Disney’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 22.86, its annual dividend yield is 0.89%, and its stock beta is 1.49, reflecting higher-than-market volatility. For New Zealand investors, this combination of a positive weekly trend and dynamic trading activity may present new opportunities, especially with analysts projecting further upside potential.

Our full analysis on the Disney stock

Having rigorously reviewed the latest quarterly and annual results for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), alongside the stock’s trajectory over the past three years, our analysis leverages a diverse blend of financial, technical, and market data—including benchmarking against major competitors—synthesised through proprietary screening algorithms. Disney’s dynamic recovery, its continuous refinement of core businesses, and its pivot to digital ecosystems have reanimated investor optimism. So, why might Disney stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global entertainment and technology sector as we approach 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Disney’s share price as of 30 May 2025 sits at USD $112.02, reflecting a robust move upwards from the 52-week low of $80.10 and approaching resistance at $118.63. Notably, Disney’s performance over the past month (+22.87%) has outpaced broader indices as well as key entertainment peers, indicating strong short-term momentum.

The market has responded positively to recent quarterly earnings that outperformed expectations—highlighted by a 6% increase in Q4 2024 revenue year-on-year to $22.6 billion, and an impressive 79% surge in quarterly EPS to $0.25. Over a rolling year, the stock has gained +11.04%, signalling that investors are recalibrating Disney’s value in light of its operational improvements and future growth pathways.

Macroeconomic conditions have also been conducive: resilient US consumer spending supports Disney’s parks and experiences division, while the digital entertainment sector continues expanding globally, providing tailwinds for Disney’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecosystem.

• Record box office results for “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine”.
• Continued streaming subscriber growth.
• Resumption of meaningful capital return via dividends and a planned $3 billion share buyback programme.

Technical Analysis

Disney’s technical landscape reveals a promising bullish bias:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14 days): Registered at 66.9; while approaching overbought, this historically precedes momentum rallies during structural turnarounds.
• Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD): Currently shows a reading of 4.89, which some may view as a short-term caution, yet it should be weighed alongside broader positive signals.
• Stochastic %K: At 85.16, again bordering overbought, typically confirming a strong trend rather than signalling a reversal in structurally strong names.

A bullish structure is underpinned by key moving averages:

• The 20-day ($105.62), 50-day ($97.22), 100-day ($103.11), and 200-day ($101.28) simple moving averages are all below the current share price, reinforcing a robust upward trajectory and indicating persistent buying pressure.

Immediate technical support is established at $110.71, with a stronger foundational level at $109.06. Resistance levels are closely stacked at $113.45 and $114.54, suggesting that a breakout above these could catalyse further upside. The technical consensus aggregates to a “Buy,” with 14 bullish signals against only 3 bearish, highlighting a favourable short- to medium-term price structure.

Fundamental Analysis

Disney’s fundamental recovery is both broad-based and compelling:

• Revenue growth in 2024 reached $91.4 billion, an annual advance of 3%—noteworthy given the challenging backdrop for global media and leisure.
• Profitability has rebounded sharply, with annual EPS more than doubling to $2.72 and Q4 operating profit in the entertainment segment up $0.8 billion year-on-year.

Valuation remains reasonable relative to the group’s forward prospects:

• P/E ratio (TTM) stands at 22.86—at the upper end of its recent multi-year range, but justified by Disney’s transition into high-margin digital growth, diversified revenue and world-leading intellectual property.
• PEG and Price/Sales: Disney continues to trade at a modest premium to sector averages, reflective of its significant intangible asset base and potential for sustained earnings expansion.
• Free Cash Flow: Forecast operational cash generation for 2025 is $15 billion, providing ample scope for reinvestment, dividends, and buybacks.

Strategically, Disney’s diversified ecosystem—spanning unmatched IP (Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars), global streaming, live events, and physical experiences—remains a key differentiator. The company’s track record for innovation, global market reach (Disney+ now active in over 150 countries), and resilient business model underpins confidence in sustainable cash flow and margin expansion.

Volume and Liquidity

• Average Trading Volume: Over the past three months, Disney shares have traded a healthy 11.47 million shares per day, confirming strong liquidity and investor engagement.
• Market Capitalisation: At over $201 billion, Disney enjoys the benefits of inclusion in global indices—stimulating ongoing passive and institutional flows.
• Float Characteristics: The broad, stable shareholder base facilitates dynamic repricing opportunities and supports robust price discovery, which is particularly attractive for international investors navigating NZD/USD exposure.

Sustained volume at or above these levels is also a sign of market confidence, and supports the thesis of continued active accumulation rather than mere short-term speculation.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

A variety of forward catalysts position Disney for renewed re-rating:

• Content pipeline strength: Record-setting box office performances, especially around bank holidays, underscore continued demand for Disney’s franchises.
• Streaming evolution: Disney’s DTC segment (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) continues to expand, with 174 million paying subscribers and a 14% surge in ad-revenue from entertainment streaming. Management has cited steady improvement towards sustainable profitability in this segment, a threshold that has eluded other streaming giants.
• Parks and Experiences: With global travel rebounding, Disney’s theme parks and cruise lines have delivered record results, particularly across Asia and Europe, and are bolstered by mega-attraction launches and fleet expansion.
• Shareholder returns: The company’s commitment to $3 billion in share repurchases and a growing dividend restores investor trust and appeals to income-oriented mandates.
• ESG and innovation: Disney’s aggressive push into immersive, technology-driven experiences and diverse content targeting multiple global demographics fortifies its relevance for the next generation of consumers and asset owners.

Management guidance for 2025 remains highly constructive: high-single-digit adjusted EPS growth, record operational cash, and escalated capex for both content and technology.

Investment Strategies

Given the composite of technical and fundamental signals, several buy-side strategies are worthy of consideration:

• Short-term traders may find opportunity ahead of key technical resistance ($113.45–$114.54), particularly as the stock has demonstrated the ability to generate strong rallies on positive content or streaming headlines.
• Medium-term investors could look to accumulate on any consolidation near $110—support levels are well-defined, and upside into the consensus target of $124.25 (+10.9%) is validated both by Wall Street and proprietary models.
• Long-term positioning appears highly attractive, supported by improving fundamentals, management’s focus on operational leverage, and a powerful franchise portfolio set to benefit from both cyclical and structural growth drivers.

Notably, entering at technical lows or ahead of known catalysts (new movie releases, streaming milestones, earnings) allows for strategic exposure with meaningful upside—especially given the improving sentiment led by major analyst upgrades and buyback announcements.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Disney?

In summary, Disney combines distinct operational momentum, robust cash flow generation, unique brand equity, and a confirmed shift toward scalable, high-growth digital segments. The technical environment is demonstrably bullish, valuation appears justified by the profit outlook, and a positive consensus amongst global analysts underpins additional room for appreciation.

Disney seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking a rare blend of durability and innovation in one of the world’s most resilient entertainment and technology franchises. As the company enters a new phase of profitability and shareholder returns, anchored by a fresh content cycle and digital expansion, the fundamentals justify renewed interest and may well signal that the stock is entering a new bullish phase. For NZ investors seeking global diversification, market-leading brands, and transparent liquidity, Disney offers both stability and upside potential.

As the convergence of breakthrough content, global platforms, and disciplined financial stewardship drives operational and share price momentum, Disney is exceptionally well placed for the next stage of growth—making its stock a compelling candidate for serious consideration as a strategic investment for 2025 and beyond.

How to buy Disney stock in New Zealand?

Investing in shares like Disney has never been simpler or safer for New Zealanders. By using a regulated online broker, you can access global markets securely from your phone or computer. There are two main ways to buy Disney stock: purchasing shares outright (spot buying) or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which let you speculate on price movements. Whether you're looking for long-term ownership or active trading, both methods are accessible to everyday investors. If you want clarity on fees and features, a full broker comparison is available further down this page.

Spot buying

A cash or spot purchase means you become the legal owner of Disney shares, allowing you to benefit from any price appreciation and potential dividends. Most NZ-friendly online brokers charge a fixed commission per order—typically around NZD $5–$15, depending on the platform. For example, with Disney's current share price at about USD $112.02 (approx. NZD $183*), a NZ$1,000 investment (after a NZ$5 brokerage fee) lets you buy around 5 shares.

Informations importantes

Gain scenario: If Disney’s share price rises by 10%, your shares would then be worth approximately NZ$1,100.
Result: That’s a NZ$100 gross gain (+10% on your investment), before taxes and currency impacts.

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) let you speculate on Disney’s share price without owning the underlying stock. You only need a fraction of the total value to open a position, thanks to leverage. Common fees include a spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and overnight financing if you hold your position for more than a day. For example, if you enter a CFD on Disney shares with NZ$1,000 and use 5x leverage, you’re exposed to NZ$5,000 worth of stock.

Informations importantes

Gain scenario: If Disney’s stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% x 5 = 40%.
Result: That’s a NZ$400 profit on your NZ$1,000 stake (excluding fees and currency movements).

Final advice

Before investing, always compare brokers’ fees, trading platforms, and service levels—these can have a meaningful impact on your returns, especially for non-US stocks like Disney. Your choice between spot buying and CFDs should be guided by your investment horizon and risk appetite. For more details, check out the broker comparison further down this page and choose the option that best matches your goals. Investing in Disney is now accessible, secure, and adaptable to your personal strategy.

*USD/NZD rate used for illustration: 1 USD = 1.63 NZD. Rates may vary.

Our 7 tips for buying Disney stock

The latest news about Disney

Disney stock posted a strong 1.41% gain over the past week, with ongoing momentum driven by solid recent box-office successes and streaming growth. During the last week, Disney shares continued an upward trend, reflecting optimistic sentiment following blockbuster film performances during Memorial Day weekend and ongoing user growth in its streaming platforms, including Disney+, which is widely available to residents in New Zealand. The stock closed at $112.02, with its 1-month gain nearing 23%, highlighting renewed investor confidence.

Analyst sentiment is distinctly optimistic, with a consensus “buy” and a price target 10.9% above current levels. Twenty-nine major financial analysts, including Wolfe Research, now rate Disney a “buy,” with a mean price objective of $124.25 and targets reaching as high as $148. This expert outlook is buoyed by recent operational outperformance, persistent increases in streaming profitability, and robust revenue from globally distributed Disney content, which remains popular in the New Zealand entertainment market.

Technical signals remain predominantly bullish, underpinned by strong moving averages and a constructive global market backdrop. Key technical indicators—especially medium- and long-term moving averages—currently provide clear buy signals, with an overall consensus of 14 bullish indicators out of 22 tracked. These trends are reinforced by Disney’s ongoing strategic expansion, product launches, and continued brand strength in international markets such as New Zealand, where Disney+ and Disney films hold considerable consumer mindshare.

Management guidance for 2025 targets strong earnings per share growth, higher free cash flow, and an ambitious share buyback program. Disney leadership has reiterated a commitment to high single-digit growth in adjusted earnings, aiming for approximately $15 billion in operational cash flow in the coming fiscal year, and has announced $3 billion in targeted share repurchases. This guidance signals management's confidence in sustainable profitability—an important consideration for institutional investors in New Zealand, especially given the steady distribution of Disney content and services in the local market.

Disney’s extensive local presence via Disney+ and robust relationships with New Zealand distributors solidify its regional relevance and revenue streams. Disney+ continues to be a cornerstone in New Zealand’s streaming landscape, offering a content library that appeals to local tastes and supports growth in paid subscriptions. Strategic partnerships with regional telecoms and content licensing agreements ensure Disney’s brand visibility and product accessibility, contributing to positive sentiment among New Zealand-based investors and reinforcing the company’s global resilience.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.