Copenhagen: The world’s largest toy maker Lego yesterday reported a jump in first half profit and sales, underpinned by strong growth in Asia.
Revenue increased 23 percent to 14.1bn kroner ($2.13bn), putting the Danish group ahead of its US-based rivals Mattel — maker of Barbie — and Hasbro, whose products include the Transformers toy line. Stripping out the effects of a strong US dollar, revenue rose 18 percent.
Net profit grew 31 percent to 3.55bn kroner, making it more profitable than its two competitors.
The result was “especially encouraging since we compare (it) to 2014 when The Lego Movie products boosted our performance,” chief executive officer Jorgen Vig Knudstorp said in a statement.
The Lego City, Technic and Starwars lines were among the most popular, while new launches such as Jurassic World and the girl-focused Lego Elves “were received very positively,” the company said.
AFP
