How to Buy Disney (DIS) Stock

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 20, 2024

Investing in Disney (DIS) stock offers the opportunity to be part of a global entertainment powerhouse known for its iconic brands and diverse media ventures. Whether you’re drawn to Disney’s successful theme parks, innovative streaming services, or its rich history in film and television, purchasing DIS stock can be a way to tap into its broad market presence. Understanding the process of buying Disney stock will help you navigate the investment landscape and potentially benefit from the company’s continued growth and success.

Disney at a Glance

Walt Disney Corporation, a global leader in entertainment, offers a captivating portfolio that spans multiple sectors. At its core, Disney is renowned for its extensive media and entertainment assets, including:

  • Disney+: A major player in streaming, offering a vast library of Disney classics, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
  • ABC Television Network: A prominent broadcast network providing a range of programming from news to entertainment.
  • ESPN: A leading sports network with extensive coverage of various sports events and programming.
  • Marvel Studios: Home to blockbuster superhero franchises like the Avengers and Spider-Man.
  • Lucasfilm: The creator of the iconic Star Wars franchise and the Indiana Jones series.
  • Pixar Animation Studios: Known for its innovative and beloved animated films, including Toy Story and Finding Nemo.
  • 20th Century Studios: A major film studio with a rich history and successful films across genres.
  • Disney Channel: A popular cable network targeting children and families with a variety of shows and movies.
  • Theme Parks: Iconic destinations including Disneyland and Walt Disney World, along with international locations such as Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort.

This diverse array of assets positions Disney as a dominant force in global entertainment, combining timeless storytelling with cutting-edge technology and extensive media reach.

How to Buy Disney Stock

You can buy Disney stock directly through a stock purchase plan and can also choose a brokerage firm to purchase DIS. Here are some general guidelines for purchasing stock:

Step 1: Determine How Much You Like to Invest

Generally speaking, you should only invest an amount you could afford to lose. Stocks can be volatile and it’s easy to lose money, even with a stock as seemingly-infallible as Disney.

Step 2: Determine Your Broker

Once you’ve determined how much you’d like to invest, you can call a brick-and-mortar broker, such as Schwab, sign up for an account, fund the account, and then place a “buy” order on the stock. You can also sign up for an online broker such as E*Trade or Interactive Brokers, apply for an account, fund the account, and buy DIS.

Step 3: Buy the Amount of Stock You Want

There are generally two types of “buy” orders: market order and limit order. A market order will execute the purchase at the present market price, while a limit order will only execute if the price falls at or below the limit price. Although a limit price might give you a lower price of entry, there is no guarantee that the limit order will execute.

History of Disney and its Stock

Walt Disney Corporation, founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, has evolved from a small animation studio into a global entertainment conglomerate. The company's journey began with the creation of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, which quickly captured the hearts of audiences and set the stage for Disney's growth.

Over the years, Disney grew significantly with important milestones, such as the release of its first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). The company further solidified its success with the opening of Disneyland in 1955, changing the theme park landscape and setting a new benchmark for family entertainment.

During the second half of the 20th century, Disney expanded its portfolio by acquiring significant assets, including ABC Television Network in 1995, Pixar Animation Studios in 2006, Marvel Entertainment in 2009, Lucasfilm in 2012, and 21st Century Fox in 2019. Each acquisition increased Disney’s presence in various media sectors, such as film, television, and streaming.

Disney's stock, traded on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol DIS, shows the company's growth and presence in the market. What started as a small company has seen substantial appreciation due to successful projects and strategic growth. It has become a favored choice for investors wanting to engage with the entertainment industry's evolving market.

Disney+ was launched in 2019, which significantly changed the landscape for Disney in the streaming industry and increased its online presence. Although the company encountered difficulties due to the global pandemic affecting its theme parks and movie releases, its established brand, varied assets, and ability to adjust have helped maintain its stock performance.

Investors view Disney stock as a valuable investment because of its established history, solid market presence, and continuous innovation in the entertainment sector. The company can capitalize on its well-known franchises and pursue new media opportunities, which suggests good potential for future growth.

Future Outlook for Disney Stock

Disney's future outlook appears promising, bolstered by its recent earnings performance. In Q3 2024, Disney reported an impressive EPS of $1.39, exceeding analysts’ estimates by 16.81%. This robust performance underscores the company's resilience in navigating market challenges and reflects successful initiatives in both its streaming and theme park segments.

Investors are particularly keen on the upcoming earnings report scheduled for 11/06/2024, where analysts estimate an EPS of $1.10. If Disney can meet or exceed this expectation, it may reinforce investor confidence and potentially drive the stock higher.

Overall, Disney's strategic direction, coupled with strong earnings metrics, paints a positive picture for its stock. As the company continues to innovate and adapt in the evolving entertainment landscape, the future outlook for Disney stock remains optimistic, making it a compelling consideration for investors looking at growth potential.

Why Should You Buy Disney Stock?

Investing in Disney stock can be a good opportunity. Disney has a diverse range of well-known entertainment properties. It also has a solid theme park presence and a growing streaming service. These strengths allow Disney to earn from multiple sources. The company is recognized worldwide and has a rich storytelling history. Additionally, Disney is expanding into international markets and creating new content. As the world recovers from the pandemic, Disney shows resilience. This overview will explain why buying Disney stock could be a smart choice for your portfolio.

Strong Brand and Diversified Portfolio

Disney's powerful brand and diverse assets, including theme parks, media networks, and film studios, offer robust growth opportunities and revenue streams.

Content Creation and Streaming Growth

Disney's investments in content creation and its successful streaming platforms, like Disney+, position it well in the expanding digital entertainment market.

Resilience and Market Leadership

Disney has a track record of resilience and market leadership, with a history of innovation and strong performance across various entertainment segments.

Considerations Before Buying Disney Stock

Investing in Disney stock can be attractive. The company has a long history and popular franchises. Its business model includes media, theme parks, and entertainment. However, investors should think carefully. It is important to check the company's financial health and growth potential. Changing consumer preferences and economic factors can impact stock performance. Conducting research is crucial. Investors should also look at external factors like competition and global market trends. Unexpected events, like pandemics, can affect Disney's parks and resorts. By considering these factors, investors can decide if Disney stock aligns with their goals and risk tolerance.

Financial Health

Evaluate Disney's financial statements, including revenue, profitability, and debt levels. Assessing these metrics can provide insights into the company's overall stability and growth potential.

Consider trends in the entertainment and media industry, such as shifts in consumer preferences towards streaming and digital content, and how Disney is positioned to capitalize on these trends.

Operational Risks

Analyze potential risks, including the impact of economic downturns on theme parks, competition in streaming services, and any ongoing regulatory or operational challenges.

Is Disney Stock Right For You?

When deciding if Disney stock is a good investment, consider a few key factors. Look at Disney's historical performance. The company has shown growth but can be affected by market changes and outside events. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic hurt Disney's earnings, especially in parks and entertainment, leading to more volatility. It's also important to compare Disney's volatility to that of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Individual stocks like Disney often have bigger price swings, which can increase risk. If you're worried about sharp price changes, you may want to diversify by investing in ETFs.

It's important to align your investment strategy with your financial goals. If you want long-term growth and can handle market ups and downs, Disney stock could be a good choice. If you prefer stability, consider less volatile options. Understanding these factors will help you see if investing in Disney stock fits your financial plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Can I buy Disney stock directly?

A

No, you cannot buy Disney stock directly from the company. Instead, you need to purchase it through a brokerage firm or an online trading platform.

Q

Is Disney stock worth buying?

A

Disney stock can be worth buying due to its strong brand and diverse assets, but consider its recent performance, industry trends, and associated risks before investing.

Q

Who owns Disney stock?

A

Disney stock is owned by individual investors, institutional investors, mutual funds, and company executives.

Melissa Brock

About Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a versatile freelance writer and financial editor, recognized for her expertise in higher education, personal finance, and investing. With over a decade of experience in online content creation, Melissa has established herself as a trusted source for insightful financial advice and educational resources. Her writing prowess extends to diverse topics, including trading, cryptocurrency, and college savings. Melissa’s commitment to empowering readers with practical knowledge and actionable insights is evident in her contributions to various reputable platforms. As a dedicated financial editor, she meticulously covers the complexities of personal finance, ensuring readers have the tools they need to make informed decisions. Melissa’s work exemplifies her passion for educating and informing audiences on matters of financial literacy and investment strategies.