Disney boosts dividend 15%

The Walt Disney Co. said it would pay dividends twice a year instead of once, and increased its dividend rate.

The company said it will pay a dividend of 66 cents on July 29. The payment will go to shareholders of record as of July 6. At that rate, it would pay $ 1.32 in annual dividends, up almost 15% over a year ago.

The company paid an annual dividend of $ 1.15 in January.

Disney had a strong year in 2014 thanks to “Frozen” and other popular movies, sales of toys and other merchandise, and strong results from its theme parks and media networks. In December it’s set to release “Star Wars: Episode 7 — The Force Awakens,” the f irst “Star Wars” f ilm in a decade, following its acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012.

Shares of Disney have risen 38% over the last year. Its shares f inished down 64 cents, or 0.5%, at $ 113.77 on Wednesday.

The dividend increase was announced after the close. Its shares rose 48 cents to $ 114.38 in afterhours trading.