Tuesday, May 6, 2014

'Frozen,' 'Thor' fuel Disney earnings growth

Anna and Elsa continue to deliver for Disney.

The media giant said Tuesday its fiscal second quarter earnings rose 27% from a year ago to $1.9 billion as Frozen and other popular movie titles fueled box office sales.

Earnings per share of $1.08 beat analysts' estimate of 96 cents, as compiled by Bloomberg.

Quarterly revenue totaled $11.6 billion, up 10% from a year ago.

Shares of Disney rose 0.6% in after-hours trading Tuesday to $81.52.

Its studio entertainment unit, which releases Disney movies, was the company's star for the quarter, with revenue up 35% to $1.8 billion.

Frozen, the Oscar-winning film that became one of Disney's most popular animated titles, was released in November. Sales of the DVD and Blu-ray began on March 17, and, in just two days, it became Amazon.com's bestselling children's movie since 2001.

Disney also credited Marvel's Thor: The Dark World for the boost in the movie business.

Disney's media networks unit, which includes ESPN, Disney Channels and ABC, registered a 4% hike to $5.1 billion in quarterly revenue.

Operating income at cable networks rose $250 million to $2 billion as ESPN and Disney cable channels continue to generate higher affiliate revenues while trimming production costs.

The broadcasting business' operating income rose by $21 million to $159 million as higher affiliate revenue helped offset a drop in primetime advertising sales.

The parks and resorts segment, including Disney World and Disney-theme cruises, brought in $3.6 billion in revenue, up 8%.

Operating income totaled $457 million, up 19%, as guests spent more at Walt Disney World Resort and attendance at Disneyland Resort rose.

No comments:

Post a Comment