The tone is set. Disney is sending more cash back to shareholders and showing where its engine really runs. In the quarter through September, revenue hovered around 22.5 billion dollars while adjusted earnings per share came in at 1.11 dollars. The push came from streaming and the parks, which offset weakness in traditional TV. Direct to consumer took a clear step forward with operating income of 352 million dollars and total subscriptions for Disney plus and Hulu moving to about 196 million. Parks and cruises also improved, with operating income in the experiences segment rising by about thirteen percent.
What is new for shareholders
Disney is raising the annual dividend to 1.50 dollars per share for fiscal 2026 and is lifting its buyback goal to 7 billion dollars. That is a clear sign that cash generation is solid and that leadership is confident in the plan. Management also continues to target double digit growth in earnings per share in 2026 and 2027.
Why now
The mix of profitable streaming and busy parks creates room to return capital. Disney plus and Hulu delivered positive results while visitor traffic across parks and cruises supported cash flow. With that tailwind, the company can keep investing in content and experiences and still reward shareholders. That balance makes the strategy credible without quick fixes.
The pain point is linear TV
The traditional TV businesses remain a drag. Revenue and profit from cable and networks fell and pulled total revenue below what many hoped to see. Entertainment margins took a hit while ESPN and cable faced lower ratings and pressure on ads. The picture is straightforward. The decline in linear TV continues, but the new pillars are doing more of the heavy lifting.
What this means for Bitease readers
For anyone following the stock, the story just got simpler. Streaming and experiences are the drivers, linear TV is being wound down, and capital discipline sits at the center. Use the Disney asset page on Bitease to line up the hard numbers, track upcoming reports with our economic calendar, and keep an eye on the launch of the stock scanner in December to see which companies stand out on fundamentals inside their sector. That is how you focus on the signal and skip the noise.
Conclusion
Disney is clearly playing the long game. More cash to owners, focus on what grows, and an honest acceptance of what no longer works. That is why this news matters for anyone watching the US market and looking for companies that clean up their portfolio and put capital to work with intent. Ready to dig in with straight facts and tools that help in the real world. Check the Disney asset page on Bitease.
