'Dark from the Moon' transforms Viacom's fortunes

"Transformers: Dark from the Moon" set Viacom burning last quarter as net gain tripled to $576 million. Revenue for Viacom's 4th quarter led to September increased 22% to $4.05 billion. Shot entertainment profits alone brought by Vital increased to $185 million from $52 million -Up 250%. Division revenue leaped 46% to $1.8 billion, primarily around the shoulders of "Transformers" in theatrical and home video marketplaces, in addition to greater ancillary revenues from digital distribution. Viacom's other core biz, media systems, brought by MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and Wager, saw profits rise 10% to $958 million and revenue grow 8% to $2.3 billion. The uptick originated from a 7% rise in advertising revenue and 11% development in worldwide affiliate costs. Both worldwide and domestic advertising revenues rose 7% within the quarter. Worldwide affiliate revenues elevated of $883 million were driven usually by rate increases. Boss Philippe Dauman reported "consistent purchase of innovative programming at our marquee media systems." And that he stated the studio "is reaping helpful benefits from the disciplined franchise-centric approach which has created an unparalleled quantity of hits within the domestic and worldwide box office." "Our budget is really as strong as ever, which enables us to carry on to purchase the development in our companies, including new top quality television systems within the U.S. and worldwide, and Paramount's lately released animation label," he added. Viacom also introduced a significant growth of its stock repurchase intend to $10 billion from $4 billion. Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com