NEW YORK — The success of Walt Disney Co. movies, including the animated tale ‘‘Frozen’’ and the Marvel movie ‘‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’’ lifted its fourth-quarter financial results.
Disney Studios has had a string of hits that is likely to continue with its annual ‘‘Star Wars’’ movie launch next year. On Thursday, Disney said the movie will be called ‘‘The Force Awakens.’’
Disney Studios had the strongest results among the media company’s divisions. Revenue in that unit climbed 18 percent to $1.78 billion, with growth in both the theatrical and home entertainment categories. The company said revenue from media and cable networks rose 5 percent to $5.22 billion. Revenue from parks and resorts rose 7 percent to $4 billion. Consumer product revenue rose 7 percent to $1.07 billion.
Overall revenue rose 7 percent to $12.39 billion, ahead of expectations for about $12.36 billion.
Fourth-quarter net income rose 8 percent to $1.5 billion, or 87 cents per share. Excluding one-time items, net income matched analyst expectations of 89 cents per share.