Barbie helps boost Mattel profit

El Segundo: Toy giant Mattel Inc reported on Friday that second-quarter profit rose 56 per cent.

Company executives hinted that the company's long-running battle with rival MGA Entertainment Inc over the Bratz doll line wasn't over despite Mattel's recent loss in federal court.

The company said that for the three months ended June 30, profit totalled $80.5 million (Dh295 million), or 23 cents a share, compared with $51.6 million, or 14 cents, a year earlier. Sales increased 14 per cent year-over-year, to $1.16 billion from $1.02 billion. Chief Executive Bob Eckert said in a call with analysts that he was "very pleased" with the company's performance, which was fuelled by strong sales of Cars 2 products and Barbie and other doll lines.

Well positioned

"Despite the mixed econ-omic news, I am encouraged by our strong operating results and continue to believe we are well-positioned for the all-important second half of the year," he said.

Among the company's major brands, sales grew 12 per cent for Barbie, 9 per cent for core Fisher-Price products and 13 per cent for American Girl brands.

Eckert said it was the largest second-quarter increase for Barbie in more than a decade.

Mattel's "other girls brands" unit rose 29 per cent, driven by the Monster High and Disney Princess dolls.

Its entertainment business shot up 41 per cent thanks to its Cars 2 and Green Lantern merchandise.

The world's largest toy company was also busy in the courtroom last quarter.