Mattel reported 2014 first quarter financial results, which included a decline in worldwide sales for Barbie, but strength in some of the company’s other girls brands.
For the first quarter, worldwide gross sales for Mattel girls and boys brands were $656.9 million, down 5 percent versus the previous year. This included a decline in worldwide gross sales for the Barbie brand of 14 percent. Worldwide gross sales for Mattel’s other girls brands increased 4 percent on the strength of Disney Princess and Ever After High, partially offset by Monster High.
Looking at Mattel’s other brands, first quarter gross sales worldwide for Fisher-Price Brands were $271.4 million, down 6 percent versus the prior year. Gross sales for American Girl Brands during the same period were $105.9 million, up 5 percent versus the prior year.
Overall, Mattel reported a net loss of $11.2 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to net income of $38.5 million, or $0.11 per share, during the first quarter of last year. Net sales were $946.2 million, down 5 percent compared to $995.6 million last year. On a regional basis, first quarter gross sales decreased 2 percent in North America.