Disney benefits grow 33% | Key4Communications | News

The Walt Disney Company has recorded a net profit of $1.84 billion in the first quarter of its fiscal year, 33% more than a year ago. Revenues increased by 8.5% to $12.3 billion, thanks to better sales of its television business (+4%), its consumer products area (+11%), its theme parks (+6%), and the interactive business (+38%).

Furthermore, the studios revenue rose 23% to $1.89 billion, thanks to the box office success of Frozen and Thor: The Dark World. During the same period last year, the company did not released any Marvel movie (although it took Wreck-it Ralph to theaters).

Licensing accounts for almost a quarter of the benefits
The consumer products division recorded revenues of $1.100 billion, up 11% from last year, plus a profit of $430 million, up 24%. This business accounts for 23% of the company's quarterly earnings, even though only 9% of total revenue, which demonstrates the strength and profitability of the company's brands.

For the quarter ended 28 December, the firm explains that revenue growth has been driven by the inclusion of Lucasfilm properties in its portfolio, especially Star Wars, plus the success of Planes, Disney Junior, and Monsters University, which offset lower sales of Cars and Spider-Man.