DreamWorks Animation Closes Out Strong Year

“How to Train Your Dragon” continued to add to the bottom line of DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. during the fourth quarter with strong sales of the DVD version of the film. “Dragon” was one of three films released in 2010 by the Glendale animation studio and contributed to $1.6 billion in combined worldwide box office receipts. DreamWorks Animation reported net income of $85.2 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, on revenues of $275.7 million for the quarter ending Dec. 31. For the same period in 2009, the studio reported net income of $43.6 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, on revenues of $194.2 million. For the full fiscal year, the company reported net income of $170.6 million or $1.96 per diluted share, on revenues of $784.8 million. For the previous fiscal year, the studio reported net income $151 million, or $1.73 per diluted share, on revenues of $725.2 million. During the fourth quarter, DreamWorks Animation released “Megamind,” which brought in $26.6 million in revenues primarily from consumer products. The studio is not expecting any meaningful contribution to first quarter 2011 revenues from the home entertainment release of “Megamind.” “Dragon” brought in $80.3 million during the quarter and “Shrek Forever After” brought in $72.2 million through home entertainment sales. Shares in DreamWorks Animation closed up at $28.10. Mark R. Madler