Mattel Inc.
Demand for Barbie helps push Mattel 4Q profit up
Strong holiday demand for toys including Barbie and Monster High dolls helped push Mattel Inc.'s fourth-quarter profit up a better-than-expected 14 percent. But there were a few lumps of coal in the report, as US sales dipped and weakness continued at its Fisher-Price unit.
The holiday quarter is crucial for toy makers, who can make up to half of their annual sales during the period.
Mattel CEO Eckert to retire; COO Stockton to take over
Mattel Inc. CEO Robert A. Eckert said he will retire at the end of the year, with chief operating officer Bryan G. Stockton taking over the top job at the largest US toy maker.
The transition highlights the next phase of growth at Mattel, as Stockton, 58 years old, spent several years helping to expand the company's international business. Toy makers have broadly benefited from strong growth abroad, particularly in emerging markets.
For Mattel's chief, toys and cheese aren't that different
Mattel Inc., the world's biggest toy maker, is looking for a merry Christmas.
The maker of Barbies, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price products and American Girl dolls has been racking up strong sales and rising profits in recent quarters, despite anaemic economies in the US and Western Europe, its two biggest markets.
"Cars 2" drives up Mattel's profit
Mattel Inc.'s second-quarter earnings rose 56 percent from a year ago, due in part to the strong sales of merchandise tied to the "Cars 2" animated film and aided by favorable foreign currency exchange.
Sales at the largest US toymaker by revenue have risen in recent quarters, aided late last year by goods tied to the film "Toy Story 3" and resilience in its Barbie dolls. However, its Fisher-Price division and Hot Wheels and Matchbox car sales have lagged, and increased marketing and product costs have hurt its bottom line.
Mattel plays responsibly with "Design It, Make It, Live It" sustainability strategy
Mattel, Inc. on Wednesday announced how the company continues to play responsibly with its "Design It, Make It, Live It" sustainability strategy, marking progress in many areas across the global organisation to reduce impacts and instill a mindset of sustainability among its workforce.
Toys "R" Us names former Mattel executive as president, US business
Toys "R" Us Inc. named Neil Friedman, a former Mattel Inc. executive, as president of its US business to oversee the country's 866 stores and online business.
Friedman most recently served as a president at Mattel. In his new role, Friedman will oversee all merchandising, marketing and store operations. He will report to Toys "R" Us chairman and CEO Gerald L. Storch.
Mattel's profit rises 23pc, helped by "Toy Story"
Mattel Inc. shares tumbled on Friday, despite a 23 percent gain in quarterly profit, as the US largest toy maker by revenue sparked fears about holiday sales amid slumping sales at its Fisher-Price division.
The toymaker said third-quarter profit was bolstered by sales of merchandise tied to the animated blockbuster movie "Toy Story 3" and toys based on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. Earnings also were helped by foreign tax credits and cost cuts.
Mattel returns to profit
Toy maker Mattel has released a surprise first-quarter profit on strong sales across the board, helping to boost margins. Sales of Barbies and Hot Wheels brands improved.
For the quarter, the company reported net income of USD 24.8 million, or USD0.07 per share, compared to last year's first quarter net loss of USD51.0 million, or USD0.14 per share.
