The Walt Disney Company has reached an agreement to sell its 50 percent stake in the A&E Global Media television network to Hearst, its existing joint venture partner, for approximately 1.2 billion US dollars in an all-cash deal. The transaction is expected to close by September 2026, making Hearst the full 100 percent owner and giving it complete control over channels including A&E, The History Channel, and Lifetime. The sale aligns with Disney's strategy to reduce investments in traditional television and focus more on streaming and ESPN. For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the market expects total revenue of 25.48 billion US dollars and earnings per share of 1.88 US dollars, with the streaming and entertainment segment remaining a key driver thanks to films like Toy Story 5 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, while the sports segment may see profit decline 14 percent due to higher licensing costs. Webull rates Disney stock a Strong Buy with a price target of 159.95 US dollars.
Walt Disney CompanyDisney sells A&E stake for $1.2B, aligning with strategy to focus on streaming and ESPN.
Hearst acquires full ownership of A&E networks, gaining control and strategic value.
