The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today reported third quarter earnings, which are a record for any quarter. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter increased 27% to $1.28 from $1.01 in the prior-year quarter. Excluding certain items affecting comparability(1), EPS for the quarter increased 24% to $1.28 from $1.03 in the prior-year quarter. Diluted EPS for the nine months ended June 28, 2014 increased 30% to $3.40 compared to $2.61 in the prior-year period. Excluding certain items affecting comparability, EPS for the nine months increased 31% to $3.43.
“Our strategy of building strong brands and franchises continues to create great value across our company,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “This quarter we delivered the highest EPS in the company’s history, and we’ve now generated greater EPS in the first three quarters of FY 2014 than we have in any previous full fiscal year. We’re extremely pleased with these results and we are also thrilled with the spectacular performance of Guardians of the Galaxy, which holds great promise as a new franchise for our company and once again reinforces the tremendous value of Marvel.”
