The house that Barbie and Hot Wheels built reported global net sales of $1.84 billion in the third quarter, a 4% decline versus the same period last year. Sales in North America fell 3%.

“We continue to execute on our multi-year strategy to grow our IP-driven toy business and expand our entertainment offering. In line with our priorities this year, we continue to improve profitability, expand Gross Margin, and generate significant cash flow. We expect topline growth in the fourth quarter driven by a good holiday season, market share gains and a toyetic theatrical slate and are well positioned for long-term growth and shareholder value creation.””
— Ynon Kreiz, Chairman & CEO, Mattel

Reported operating income was $488 million, an improvement of $14 million. Adjusted operating income was $504 million, a decrease of $2 million. Reported earnings per share were $1.09, an improvement versus $0.41 per share. Mattel says its adjusted EBITDA of $584 million is an improvement of $5 million

For the first nine months of 2024, net sales dipped 2%. Looking ahead, the company expects sales for 2024 to be flat to slightly down compared to last year.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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