Enormous success of the “Barbie” film drives business for Mattel

Sales rose by nine percent year-on-year to 1.9 billion dollars (1.78 billion euros), as Mattel announced after the US stock market closed on Wednesday. The bottom line is that profits fell from $290 to $146 million. However, this was due to a $212 million tax provision.

The “Barbie” film, which was released in the summer, grossed more than a billion dollars worldwide – and Mattel also makes money from it. The attention also boosted toy sales. Mattel boss Ynon Kreiz pointed out that the “Barbie” film had become a “cultural phenomenon”.

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The Mattel share price temporarily fell by around seven percent in after-hours trading. Observers pointed out that Mattel only increased its annual earnings per share forecast by five US cents despite the strong quarter – this could indicate skepticism for the Christmas business.