THQ has released the publisher’s fourth quarter results which exceed prior expectations and which also suggests that the company could not be troubled as some industry persons have suggested of late.

The publisher’s fourth quarter net sales of $160 million to $170 million is higher that previously expected which was in the range of $130 million to $150 million.

THQ note that the continued strong net sales Saints Row: The Third and “higher-than-expected” digital sales or DLC strongly contributed to the exceeded results. UFC Undisputed 3 also resulted in slightly higher than expected results and THQ believe the “highly-favorable critical reviews” which achieved an average Metacritic score of 85 helped drive the strong sales.

THQ expects to report cash and cash equivalents which will be three times higher than the previous expectation for its year-end cash balance. THQ also state that the publisher is positive in their outlook for the 2013 fiscal year as they will launch into the fiscal year with the promising looking Darksiders II.