Mattel Inc., the biggest toymaker in the U.S., posted disappointing earnings for the third quarter.  With domestic sales of Barbie dolls down a whopping 30%, Mattel's overall profits declined 12% for the quarter.  A 12% rise in sales of American Girl brands and an 8% rise in sales of Hot Wheels couldn't offset the decline of Barbie, Mattel's key franchise property, which lost more ground to the upstart Bratz dolls.

Sales for Mattel's Entertainment category, which includes games and puzzles and licensed toys fell by 7% for the quarter 'primarily driven by sales declines in the Yu-Gi-Oh! property and JuiceBox,' while sales of the Batman property were higher.  Mattel is the master toy licensor for both the Yu-Gi-Oh! and Batman properties.