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Disney profit up 33% on film studio’s ‘Thor’ and ‘Frozen’ successes

Walt Disney Co. corporate headquarters in Burbank.
(Reed Saxon / Associated Press)
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Walt Disney Co. reported a 33% increase in net income for its fiscal first quarter, lifted in part by the performance of its hit movies “Frozen” and “Thor: The Dark World.”

The Burbank company posted net income of $1.84 billion for the quarter that ended Dec. 28, up from $1.38 billion a year earlier. Revenue rose 9% to $12.31 billion.

Disney, the world’s largest entertainment and media company, posted earnings of $1.03 a share, up from 77 cents a year earlier.

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That exceeded the expectations of analysts, who had predicted earnings of 91 cents a share, according to investment research firm Zacks.

“These results reflect the strength of our unprecedented portfolio of brands, a constant focus on creativity and innovation, and the continued success of our long-term strategy,” Walt Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Iger said in a statement.

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Disney shares were up 71 cents, or 1%, to $71.76 in regular trading Wednesday. They rose to $72.85 in after-hours trading. The shares are down 6% on the year.

Disney’s movie studio posted operating income of $409 million in its first quarter, up 75% from a year earlier. Revenue was up 23% to $1.9 billion. Disney attributed the improvement to blockbusters “Thor: The Dark World” and “Frozen.”

“Thor: The Dark World,” which starred Chris Hemsworth in the titular role, has grossed $633 million worldwide since being released Nov. 8, according to Box Office Mojo.

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The animated film “Frozen,” released Nov. 22, has taken in $865 million worldwide.

Disney’s media networks group, which includes ABC and ESPN, posted operating income of $1.5 billion, up 20%. Overall, revenue rose 4% to $5.3 billion for the media networks. The company attributed the improvement partly to growth at ESPN, which experienced increased affiliate and advertising revenues.

Disney’s interactive division reported operating income of $55 million, compared with $9 million a year earlier. Revenue was up 38% to $403 million. Disney attributed the division’s success to its hit action-adventure video game “Disney Infinity,” which has sold more than 3 million copies since launching in August.

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“Disney Infinity,” which was released after a years-long development process that cost Disney about $100 million, incorporates physical toys into the game-play. It is sold in a $75 bundle that includes the game, three figurines and the base that connects the physical toys to the onscreen action.

The Times reported Monday that Disney Interactive, which lost $87 million for its fiscal 2013, is expected to begin a round of layoffs. The division lost more than $200 million a year from 2008 to 2012, and parted ways with Co-President John Pleasants in November.

Disney’s parks and resorts posted operating income of $671 million -- a gain of 16% from a year earlier. Disney said the strong performance was partly because of an increase in guest spending at its Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort properties.

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The company’s consumer products division posted operating income of $430 million, compared with $346 million a year earlier. Revenue was up 11% to $1.13 billion.

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