DreamWorks posts best revenue growth in nearly a decade

Despite enduring a transitional 2015, DreamWorks Animation closed off the year with a 36.3% rise in Q4 revenues, with surprise hit Home and boosts within TV licensing to thank for it.
February 24, 2016

Despite enduring a transitional 2015, DreamWorks Animation closed out the year with fourth-quarter revenue growth of US$319.3 million, a 36.3% spike versus the same period in 2014.

With increases across all of its core business segments—notably in television series and specials—the company reported adjusted earnings of US$56.5 million and net income of US$48.1 million, or earnings per share of 55 cents, once again beating analysts’ projections.

Surprise hit Home continues to boost DreamWorks’ feature film segment, which posted revenues of US$146.4 million, up from US$131.3 million in the same period a year ago.

Home contributed US$55.3 million to the total, mostly from its global pay-TV and home entertainment sales. DWA’s library titles contributed US$71.2 million, driven by extended SVOD deals, including its deal with Netflix, and worldwide television and home entertainment revenues for various titles including The Croods and Turbo.

For its television series and specials business, the company reported US$104.9 million in revenue, more than doubling its total of US$50.7 million during the prior-year period. DWA attributes the revenue jump to a higher number of episodes delivered under its episodic content licensing deals, as well as extensions of its existing licensing agreements related to SVOD distribution of seasonal TV specials.

On the consumer products front, revenue increased to US$31.7 million, compared to US$22.1 million in Q4 last year.

Meanwhile, new media revenue, which includes DWA’s teen-focused brand AwesomenessTV, came in at US$32.9 million versus US$24.9 million in the same period in 2014 and was driven by licensing and content distribution.

Overall for 2015, the company’s revenue increased by 33.8% to US$916 million, compared to US$684.6 million in 2014.

So far in 2016, DWA’s outlook is positive thanks to a strong opening for its newest feature, Kung Fu Panda 3. To date, the movie has earned nearly US$300 million at the worldwide box office since premiering last month. Its next feature, Trolls, is slated to launch in November.

About The Author
Jeremy is the Features Editor of Kidscreen specializing in the content production, broadcasting and distribution aspects of the global children's entertainment industry. Contact Jeremy at jdickson@brunico.com.

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