Mattel Post 2nd-Quarter Profit

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Mattel Inc., the world’s largest toy maker, said it swung a second-quarter profit despite slips in sales for core Barbie and Hot Wheels brands.


The company posted quarterly earnings of just more than $37 million, or 10 cents per share, compared with a loss of $94 million, or 23 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue rose 8 percent to $958 million from $887 million a year ago.


The El Segundo-based toy maker said that worldwide gross sales for its Barbie brand slipped 1 percent, along with Hot Wheels sliding 7 percent. However, Fisher Price sales rose 10 percent while the company’s American Girl brand, which opened its third U.S. store in L.A. four months ago, saw sales climb 5 percent. The company’s entertainment division, which includes puzzles and games, also saw sales rise 38 percent, helped mostly by strong sales of “Cars” and “Superman Returns” merchandise, the company said.