10-Q 1 mat9301810-q.htm 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
___________________________________________________________
(Mark One)

ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 001-05647
___________________________________________________________
MATTEL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
___________________________________________________________

Delaware |  | 95-1567322
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

333 Continental Blvd. El Segundo, CA |  | 90245-5012
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)

(310) 252-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report):
NONE
___________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer |  | ý |  | Accelerated filer |  | ¨
Non-accelerated filer |  | ¨ |  | Smaller reporting company |  | ¨
|  |  |  | Emerging growth company |  | ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
Number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, as of October 12, 2018:
345,150,787 shares
1

MATTEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

|  | Page
| PART I |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 4
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | 4
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | 5
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss | 6
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 7
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 8
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 34
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 52
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 53
| PART II |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 54
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 54
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 54
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 54
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 55
Item 5. | Other Information | 55
Item 6. | Exhibits | 56
| Signature | 57

2

(Cautionary Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)
Mattel is including this Cautionary Statement to caution investors and qualify for the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act") for forward-looking statements. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. The use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "confident that" and "believes," among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial, economic and other information, and are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual future results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Specific factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) Mattel’s ability to design, develop, produce, manufacture, source and ship products on a timely and cost-effective basis, as well as interest in and purchase of those products by retail customers and consumers in quantities and at prices that will be sufficient to profitably recover Mattel’s costs; (ii) downturns in economic conditions affecting Mattel’s markets which can negatively impact retail customers and consumers, and which can result in lower employment levels, lower consumer disposable income and spending, including lower spending on purchases of Mattel’s products; (iii) other factors which can lower discretionary consumer spending, such as higher costs for fuel and food, drops in the value of homes or other consumer assets, and high levels of consumer debt; (iv) potential difficulties or delays Mattel may experience in implementing cost savings and efficiency enhancing initiatives; (v) other economic and public health conditions or regulatory changes in the markets in which Mattel and its customers and suppliers operate, which could create delays or increase Mattel’s costs, such as higher commodity prices, labor costs or transportation costs, or outbreaks of disease; (vi) currency fluctuations, including movements in foreign exchange rates, which can lower Mattel’s net revenues and earnings, and significantly impact Mattel’s costs; (vii) the concentration of Mattel’s customers, potentially increasing the negative impact to Mattel of difficulties experienced by any of Mattel’s customers, including the bankruptcy and liquidation of Toys "R" Us, Inc., or changes in their purchasing or selling patterns; (viii) the future willingness of licensors of entertainment properties for which Mattel currently has licenses or would seek to have licenses in the future to license those products to Mattel; (ix) the inventory policies of Mattel’s retail customers, including retailers’ potential decisions to lower their inventories, even if it results in lost sales, as well as the concentration of Mattel’s revenues in the second half of the year, which coupled with reliance by retailers on quick response inventory management techniques increases the risk of underproduction of popular items, overproduction of less popular items and failure to achieve compressed shipping schedules; (x) the increased costs of developing more sophisticated digital and smart technology products, and the corresponding supply chain and design challenges associated with such products; (xi) work disruptions, which may impact Mattel’s ability to manufacture or deliver product in a timely and cost-effective manner; (xii) the bankruptcy and liquidation of Toys "R" Us, Inc. or other of Mattel’s significant retailers, or the general lack of success of one of Mattel’s significant retailers which could negatively impact Mattel’s revenues or bad debt exposure; (xiii) the impact of competition on revenues, margins and other aspects of Mattel’s business, including the ability to offer products which consumers choose to buy instead of competitive products, the ability to secure, maintain and renew popular licenses and the ability to attract and retain talented employees; (xiv) the risk of product recalls or product liability suits and costs associated with product safety regulations; (xv) changes in laws or regulations in the United States and/or in other major markets, such as China, in which Mattel operates, including, without limitation, with respect to taxes, tariffs, trade policies, or product safety, which may increase Mattel’s product costs and other costs of doing business, and reduce Mattel’s earnings, (xvi) failure to realize the planned benefits from any investments or acquisitions made by Mattel, (xvii) the impact of other market conditions, third party actions or approvals and competition which could reduce demand for Mattel’s products or delay or increase the cost of implementation of Mattel’s programs or alter Mattel’s actions and reduce actual results; (xviii) changes in financing markets or the inability of Mattel to obtain financing on attractive terms (xix) the impact of litigation or arbitration decisions or settlement actions; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties detailed in Part 1, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in Mattel’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Mattel does not update forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law.
3

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
MATTEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (Unaudited; in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |
Current Assets |  |  |  |  |
Cash and equivalents | $ | 209,150 |  |  | $ | 181,308 |  |  | $ | 1,079,221 |
Accounts receivable, net | 1,312,932 |  |  | 1,506,145 |  |  | 1,128,610 |
Inventories | 726,012 |  |  | 989,995 |  |  | 600,704 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 287,042 |  |  | 352,711 |  |  | 303,053 |
Total current assets | 2,535,136 |  |  | 3,030,159 |  |  | 3,111,588 |
Noncurrent Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant, and equipment, net | 677,030 |  |  | 821,228 |  |  | 785,285 |
Goodwill | 1,388,883 |  |  | 1,397,642 |  |  | 1,396,669 |
Other noncurrent assets | 880,796 |  |  | 950,655 |  |  | 944,961 |
Total Assets | $ | 5,481,845 |  |  | $ | 6,199,684 |  |  | $ | 6,238,503 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |  |  |  |  |
Current Liabilities |  |  |  |  |
Short-term borrowings | $ | 275,000 |  |  | $ | 732,649 |  |  | $ | — |
Current portion of long-term debt | — |  |  | 250,000 |  |  | 250,000 |
Accounts payable | 529,720 |  |  | 713,488 |  |  | 572,166 |
Accrued liabilities | 683,470 |  |  | 568,845 |  |  | 792,139 |
Income taxes payable | 5,813 |  |  | 32,296 |  |  | 9,498 |
Total current liabilities | 1,494,003 |  |  | 2,297,278 |  |  | 1,623,803 |
Noncurrent Liabilities |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt | 2,849,922 |  |  | 1,886,404 |  |  | 2,873,119 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 471,510 |  |  | 576,327 |  |  | 484,126 |
Total noncurrent liabilities | 3,321,432 |  |  | 2,462,731 |  |  | 3,357,245 |
Stockholders’ Equity |  |  |  |  |
Common stock $1.00 par value, 1.0 billion shares authorized; 441.4 million shares issued | 441,369 |  |  | 441,369 |  |  | 441,369 |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,802,556 |  |  | 1,793,036 |  |  | 1,808,391 |
Treasury stock at cost: 96.2 million shares, 97.7 million shares, and 97.6 million shares, respectively | (2,356,836 | ) |  | (2,392,422 | ) |  | (2,389,877 | )
Retained earnings | 1,614,343 |  |  | 2,460,224 |  |  | 2,179,358 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (835,022 | ) |  | (862,532 | ) |  | (781,786 | )
Total stockholders’ equity | 666,410 |  |  | 1,439,675 |  |  | 1,257,455 |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | $ | 5,481,845 |  |  | $ | 6,199,684 |  |  | $ | 6,238,503 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4

MATTEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (Unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts)
Net Sales | $ | 1,437,451 |  |  | $ | 1,560,983 |  |  | $ | 2,986,571 |  |  | $ | 3,271,078 |
Cost of sales | 824,395 |  |  | 913,834 |  |  | 1,901,440 |  |  | 1,945,386 |
Gross Profit | 613,056 |  |  | 647,149 |  |  | 1,085,131 |  |  | 1,325,692 |
Advertising and promotion expenses | 165,308 |  |  | 179,691 |  |  | 318,538 |  |  | 348,752 |
Other selling and administrative expenses | 325,874 |  |  | 381,214 |  |  | 1,110,491 |  |  | 1,065,339 |
Operating Income (Loss) | 121,874 |  |  | 86,244 |  |  | (343,898 | ) |  | (88,399 | )
Interest expense | 48,156 |  |  | 24,646 |  |  | 132,702 |  |  | 68,557 |
Interest (income) | (785 | ) |  | (1,575 | ) |  | (5,631 | ) |  | (6,337 | )
Other non-operating expense, net | 1,911 |  |  | 1,910 |  |  | 4,366 |  |  | 7,532 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | 72,592 |  |  | 61,263 |  |  | (475,335 | ) |  | (158,151 | )
Provision for income taxes | 66,314 |  |  | 664,510 |  |  | 70,571 |  |  | 614,402 |
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 6,278 |  |  | $ | (603,247 | ) |  | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | (1.75 | ) |  | $ | (1.58 | ) |  | $ | (2.25 | )
Weighted average number of common shares | 345,285 |  |  | 343,870 |  |  | 344,774 |  |  | 343,304 |
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Diluted | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | (1.75 | ) |  | $ | (1.58 | ) |  | $ | (2.25 | )
Weighted average number of common and potential common shares | 345,672 |  |  | 343,870 |  |  | 344,774 |  |  | 343,304 |
Dividends Declared Per Common Share | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.15 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.91 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5

MATTEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (Unaudited; in thousands)
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 6,278 |  |  | $ | (603,247 | ) |  | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Currency translation adjustments | (17,132 | ) |  | 36,912 |  |  | (80,870 | ) |  | 142,248 |
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments | 1,762 |  |  | 1,106 |  |  | 4,447 |  |  | 3,185 |
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale security | 424 |  |  | (3,848 | ) |  | (2,365 | ) |  | (7,585 | )
Net unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized holding gains (losses) | 3,215 |  |  | (24,009 | ) |  | 15,548 |  |  | (63,999 | )
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income (loss) | 787 |  |  | 9,241 |  |  | 10,004 |  |  | 6,648 |
| 4,002 |  |  | (14,768 | ) |  | 25,552 |  |  | (57,351 | )
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax | (10,944 | ) |  | 19,402 |  |  | (53,236 | ) |  | 80,497 |
Comprehensive Loss | $ | (4,666 | ) |  | $ | (583,845 | ) |  | $ | (599,142 | ) |  | $ | (692,056 | )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6

MATTEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

| For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (Unaudited; in thousands)
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |  |  |
Net loss | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows used for operating activities: |  |  |
Depreciation | 179,617 |  |  | 179,831 |
Amortization | 29,925 |  |  | 16,264 |
Asset impairments | 13,653 |  |  | 14,942 |
Deferred income taxes | 1,435 |  |  | 2,057 |
Indefinite reinvestment assertion and U.S. Tax Reform | 23,833 |  |  | — |
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets | — |  |  | 561,915 |
Share-based compensation | 36,187 |  |  | 47,582 |
Bad debt expense | 43,617 |  |  | 11,758 |
Inventory obsolescence | 56,586 |  |  | 37,402 |
Decrease from changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired assets and liabilities: |  |  |
Accounts receivable | (255,781 | ) |  | (367,579 | )
Inventories | (210,437 | ) |  | (396,415 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 9,250 |  |  | (19,027 | )
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and income taxes payable | (107,601 | ) |  | 9,893 |
Other, net | (5,830 | ) |  | (66,140 | )
Net cash flows used for operating activities | (731,452 | ) |  | (740,070 | )
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |  |  |
Purchases of tools, dies, and molds | (58,187 | ) |  | (101,428 | )
Purchases of other property, plant, and equipment | (52,945 | ) |  | (133,895 | )
(Payments for) proceeds from foreign currency forward exchange contracts | (10,220 | ) |  | 60,376 |
Other, net | 6,712 |  |  | 38 |
Net cash flows used for investing activities | (114,640 | ) |  | (174,909 | )
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |  |  |
Payments of short-term borrowings, net | — |  |  | (878,937 | )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net | 275,000 |  |  | 1,419,418 |
Payments of long-term borrowings | (750,000 | ) |  | — |
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net | 475,550 |  |  | — |
Payments of dividends on common stock | — |  |  | (311,973 | )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | — |  |  | 1,768 |
Other, net | (11,236 | ) |  | (16,543 | )
Net cash flows (used for) provided by financing activities | (10,686 | ) |  | 213,733 |
Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | (13,293 | ) |  | 13,023 |
Decrease in Cash and Equivalents | (870,071 | ) |  | (688,223 | )
Cash and Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 1,079,221 |  |  | 869,531 |
Cash and Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 209,150 |  |  | $ | 181,308 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
7

MATTEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. | Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") applicable to interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only those of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and interim results of Mattel, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Mattel") as of and for the periods presented have been included. As Mattel’s business is seasonal, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of those that may be expected for a full year. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, as further discussed in "Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Employee Benefit Plans" and "Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Segment Information."
The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements; however, the accompanying interim notes to the consolidated financial statements do not include all the annual disclosures required by GAAP.
The financial information included herein should be read in conjunction with Mattel’s consolidated financial statements and related notes in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2. | Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $23.4 million, $22.4 million, and $25.4 million as of September 30, 2018, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively. As a result of the Toys "R" Us liquidation in the first quarter of 2018, Mattel reversed net sales which occurred during the first quarter of 2018 and related accounts receivable of approximately $30 million. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel recorded bad debt expense, net of approximately $(13) million and $37 million, respectively, related to outstanding Toys "R" Us receivables as of December 31, 2017. As a result of Toys "R" Us filing for bankruptcy in September 2017, Mattel reversed gross sales and accounts receivable of approximately $47 million and reversed net sales of approximately $43 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

3. | Inventories

Inventories include the following:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
Raw materials and work in process | $ | 129,088 |  |  | $ | 130,895 |  |  | $ | 101,690 |
Finished goods | 596,924 |  |  | 859,100 |  |  | 499,014 |
| $ | 726,012 |  |  | $ | 989,995 |  |  | $ | 600,704 |

8

4. | Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, net includes the following:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
Land | $ | 25,064 |  |  | $ | 25,045 |  |  | $ | 25,114 |
Buildings | 298,659 |  |  | 293,024 |  |  | 303,495 |
Machinery and equipment | 873,574 |  |  | 933,967 |  |  | 902,861 |
Software | 387,503 |  |  | 374,934 |  |  | 384,568 |
Tools, dies, and molds | 864,089 |  |  | 923,752 |  |  | 887,442 |
Capital leases | 23,927 |  |  | 23,970 |  |  | 24,279 |
Leasehold improvements | 239,587 |  |  | 263,276 |  |  | 213,238 |
| 2,712,403 |  |  | 2,837,968 |  |  | 2,740,997 |
Less: accumulated depreciation | (2,035,373 | ) |  | (2,016,740 | ) |  | (1,955,712 | )
| $ | 677,030 |  |  | $ | 821,228 |  |  | $ | 785,285 |

5. | Goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are at the operating segment level, for purposes of evaluating whether goodwill is impaired. Mattel’s reporting units are: (i) North America, (ii) International, and (iii) American Girl. Mattel tests its goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value.
In the third quarter of 2018, Mattel performed its annual impairment test and determined that goodwill was not impaired. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is shown below. Brand-specific goodwill held by foreign subsidiaries is allocated to the North America and American Girl operating segments selling those brands, thereby causing a foreign currency translation impact for these operating segments. In the first quarter of 2018, Mattel sold certain assets related to its Corolle business and wrote off approximately $4 million of goodwill.

| December 31, 2017 |  | Dispositions |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact |  | September 30, 2018
| (In thousands)
North America | $ | 733,034 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (1,159 | ) |  | $ | 731,875 |
International | 452,152 |  |  | — |  |  | (2,715 | ) |  | 449,437 |
American Girl | 211,483 |  |  | (4,018 | ) |  | 106 |  |  | 207,571 |
| $ | 1,396,669 |  |  | $ | (4,018 | ) |  | $ | (3,768 | ) |  | $ | 1,388,883 |

6. | Other Noncurrent Assets

Other noncurrent assets include the following:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
Identifiable intangibles (net of amortization of $198.7 million, $166.7 million, and $168.8 million, respectively) | $ | 599,938 |  |  | $ | 189,382 |  |  | $ | 639,203 |
Deferred income taxes | 75,590 |  |  | 75,660 |  |  | 76,750 |
Nonamortizable identifiable intangibles | — |  |  | 462,398 |  |  | — |
Other | 205,268 |  |  | 223,215 |  |  | 229,008 |
| $ | 880,796 |  |  | $ | 950,655 |  |  | $ | 944,961 |

9

Mattel tests nonamortizable intangible assets, including trademarks and trade names, for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may exceed the fair values. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Mattel concluded that a triggering event had occurred related to its remaining nonamortizable intangible asset and determined that it was not impaired, but that the intangible asset was no longer nonamortizable.
Mattel also tests its amortizable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, Mattel discontinued the use of certain brands and products, which resulted in $4.3 million of asset impairments. Mattel's remaining amortizable intangible assets were not impaired during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
During the third quarter of 2017, Mattel established a valuation allowance on certain deferred tax assets, the benefits of which Mattel believes will likely not be realized. Refer to Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Income Taxes" in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

7. | Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities include the following:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
Advertising and promotion | $ | 124,120 |  |  | $ | 81,185 |  |  | $ | 165,572 |
Royalties | 92,998 |  |  | 90,968 |  |  | 111,669 |
Taxes other than income taxes | 52,273 |  |  | 61,318 |  |  | 74,626 |
Other | 414,079 |  |  | 335,374 |  |  | 440,272 |
| $ | 683,470 |  |  | $ | 568,845 |  |  | $ | 792,139 |

8. | Seasonal Financing

On December 20, 2017, Mattel, Inc. and certain of its domestic subsidiaries ("U.S. Borrowers") and a Canadian subsidiary ("Canadian Borrower") entered into a syndicated facility agreement (as amended, the "Credit Agreement"), as borrowers thereunder, with Bank of America, N.A., as global administrative agent, collateral agent, Australian security trustee, and lender, and the other lenders and financial institutions party thereto, providing for $1.60 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior secured revolving credit facilities (the "senior secured revolving credit facilities"), consisting of an asset based lending facility, subject to borrowing base capacity, and a revolving credit facility secured by certain fixed assets and intellectual property of the U.S. Borrowers and certain equity interests in various subsidiaries of Mattel, subject to borrowing base capacity (the "Fixed Asset & IP Facility"). As of September 30, 2018, Mattel had outstanding borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facilities of $275.0 million. There were no amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2017.
On March 28, 2018 and March 29, 2018, Mattel, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into various foreign joinder agreements to the Credit Agreement. The foreign joinder agreements join the relevant foreign borrowers and foreign lenders to the Credit Agreement, as contemplated therein, making portions of the senior secured revolving credit facilities available to other subsidiaries of Mattel, Inc. such that, together with the initial entry into the Credit Agreement, the senior secured revolving credit facilities are available to certain subsidiaries of Mattel, Inc., in their capacity as borrowers, located in the following jurisdictions: (i) the United States (the "U.S. Borrowers"), (ii) Canada (the "Canadian Borrower"), (iii) Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (the "European (GNU) Borrowers"), (iv) Spain (the "Spanish Borrower"), (v) France (the "French Borrower"), and (vi) Australia (the "Australian Borrower"), in each case through subfacilities in each such jurisdiction (each, a "Subfacility"). Through the initial Credit Agreement and the foreign joinder agreements, certain additional domestic and foreign subsidiaries of Mattel, Inc. are also parties to the Credit Agreement as guarantors of various obligations of the borrowers under the Credit Agreement as further described below.
On June 1, 2018, Mattel, Inc. entered into an amendment (the "Amendment") to the Credit Agreement. The Amendment amends certain terms of the Credit Agreement, including, but not limited to, the extension of the maturity date of the Credit Agreement (and the facilities and lending commitments thereunder) from December 20, 2020 to June 1, 2021.
10

Borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facilities (i) are limited by jurisdiction-specific borrowing base calculations based on the sum of specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable, eligible inventory and certain fixed assets and intellectual property, as applicable, minus the amount of any applicable reserves, and (ii) bear interest at a floating rate, which can be either, at the Borrower’s option, (a) an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25% to 3.00% per annum or (b) an alternate base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 2.00% per annum, in each case, such applicable margins to be determined based on the Borrower’s average borrowing availability remaining under the senior secured revolving credit facilities.
In addition to paying interest on the outstanding principal under the senior secured revolving credit facilities, Mattel, Inc. is required to pay (i) an unused line fee per annum of the average daily unused portion of the senior secured revolving credit facilities; (ii) a letter of credit fronting fee based on a percentage of the aggregate face amount of outstanding letters of credit; and (iii) certain other customary fees and expenses of the lenders and agents.
The U.S. Borrowers, as well as certain Mattel U.S. subsidiaries that are guarantors (the "U.S. Guarantors"), are guaranteeing the obligations of all Borrowers under the senior secured revolving credit facilities. Additionally, the obligations of the Canadian Borrower, the French Borrower, the Spanish Borrower, the European (GNU) Borrowers and the Australian Borrower (collectively, the "Foreign Borrowers"), are each guaranteed by the obligations of the other Foreign Borrowers, as well as additional foreign subsidiaries of Mattel, Inc. that are guarantors (the "Foreign Guarantors").
The U.S. Subfacility is secured by liens on substantially all of the U.S. Borrowers’ and the U.S. Guarantors’ accounts receivable and inventory (the "U.S. Current Assets Collateral"). The Canadian Subfacility, the French Subfacility, the Spanish Subfacility, the European (GNU) Subfacility and the Australian Subfacility are each secured by a first priority lien on (i) the accounts receivable and inventory of the applicable Foreign Borrower(s) and Foreign Guarantors under such facility, and (ii) the U.S. Current Assets Collateral. The Fixed Asset & IP Facility is secured by a first priority lien on certain owned real property in the U.S., certain U.S. trademarks and patents, and 100% of the equity interests in the U.S. Borrowers (aside from Mattel) and U.S. Guarantors, as well as 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of the non-voting equity interests in Mattel Holdings Limited. The Fixed Asset & IP Facility is also secured by 65% of the voting equity interests of such additional Foreign Borrowers and Foreign Guarantors that are directly owned by a U.S. Borrower or U.S. Guarantor.
The Credit Agreement contains customary covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the Borrower’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, make acquisitions, loans, advances or investments, pay dividends, sell or otherwise transfer assets outside of the ordinary course, optionally prepay or modify terms of any junior indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates, or change their line of business.
The Credit Agreement requires the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter when excess availability under the senior secured revolving credit facilities is less than the greater of (x) $100 million and (y) 10% of the aggregate amount available thereunder (the "Availability Threshold") and on the last day of each subsequent fiscal quarter ending thereafter until no event of default exists and excess availability is greater than the Availability Threshold for at least 30 consecutive days.
The fixed charge coverage ratio covenant was not in effect based on Mattel's excess availability under the senior secured revolving credit facilities as of September 30, 2018. Mattel was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2018. The Credit Agreement is a material agreement, and failure to comply with the covenants may result in an event of default under the terms of the senior secured revolving credit facilities. If Mattel were to default under the terms of the senior secured revolving credit facilities, its ability to meet its seasonal financing requirements could be adversely affected.
11

9. | Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt includes the following:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
2010 Senior Notes due October 2020 and October 2040 | $ | 500,000 |  |  | $ | 500,000 |  |  | $ | 500,000 |
2011 Senior Notes due November 2041 | 300,000 |  |  | 300,000 |  |  | 300,000 |
2013 Senior Notes due March 2018 and March 2023 | 250,000 |  |  | 500,000 |  |  | 500,000 |
2014 Senior Notes due May 2019 | — |  |  | 500,000 |  |  | 500,000 |
2016 Senior Notes due August 2021 | 350,000 |  |  | 350,000 |  |  | 350,000 |
2017/2018 Senior Notes due December 2025 | 1,500,000 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,000,000 |
Debt issuance costs and debt discount | (50,078 | ) |  | (13,596 | ) |  | (26,881 | )
| 2,849,922 |  |  | 2,136,404 |  |  | 3,123,119 |
Less: current portion | — |  |  | (250,000 | ) |  | (250,000 | )
Total long-term debt | $ | 2,849,922 |  |  | $ | 1,886,404 |  |  | $ | 2,873,119 |

In December 2017, Mattel issued $1.00 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior unsecured notes due December 31, 2025 ("2017 Senior Notes"). The 2017 Senior Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated December 20, 2017, among Mattel, the guarantors named therein, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee (the "Indenture"). Interest on the 2017 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning on June 30, 2018. Mattel may redeem all or part of the 2017 Senior Notes at any time, or from time to time prior to December 31, 2020, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a "make whole" premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the 2017 Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date. Mattel may also redeem up to 40% of the principal amount of the 2017 Senior Notes at any time, or from time to time prior to December 31, 2020, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 106.75% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the 2017 Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of sales of one or more equity offerings by Mattel, or any direct or indirect parent of Mattel. Mattel may redeem all or part of the 2017 Senior Notes at any time, or from time to time on or after December 31, 2020, at its option, at a redemption price including a call premium that varies from 0% to 5.063%, depending on the year of redemption, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the 2017 Senior Notes being redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date.
In March 2018, Mattel repaid $250.0 million of its 2013 Senior Notes in connection with its scheduled maturity.
In May 2018, Mattel issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.75% senior unsecured notes due December 31, 2025 ("2018 Senior Notes"). The 2018 Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a supplemental indenture, dated May 31, 2018 (the "Supplemental Indenture"), to the Indenture, dated December 20, 2017, among Mattel, the guarantors named therein and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as Trustee.
In June 2018, Mattel used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2018 Senior Notes, plus cash on hand, to redeem and retire all of its 2014 Senior Notes due May 6, 2019 at a redemption price equal to the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

10. | Other Noncurrent Liabilities

Other noncurrent liabilities include the following:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
Benefit plan liabilities | $ | 177,289 |  |  | $ | 196,967 |  |  | $ | 168,539 |
Noncurrent tax liabilities | 156,135 |  |  | 218,308 |  |  | 124,330 |
Other | 138,086 |  |  | 161,052 |  |  | 191,257 |
| $ | 471,510 |  |  | $ | 576,327 |  |  | $ | 484,126 |

12

11. | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following tables present changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss), including current period other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
| Derivative Instruments |  | Available-for-sale security |  | Defined Benefit Pension Plans |  | Currency Translation Adjustments |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, as of June 30, 2018 | $ | 452 |  |  | $ | (5,588 | ) |  | $ | (140,528 | ) |  | $ | (678,414 | ) |  | $ | (824,078 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 3,215 |  |  | 424 |  |  | 219 |  |  | (17,132 | ) |  | (13,274 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 787 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,543 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,330 |
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income (loss) | 4,002 |  |  | 424 |  |  | 1,762 |  |  | (17,132 | ) |  | (10,944 | )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 4,454 |  |  | $ | (5,164 | ) |  | $ | (138,766 | ) |  | $ | (695,546 | ) |  | $ | (835,022 | )
| For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
| Derivative Instruments |  | Available-for-sale security |  | Defined Benefit Pension Plans |  | Currency Translation Adjustments |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, as of December 31, 2017 | $ | (21,098 | ) |  | $ | (2,799 | ) |  | $ | (143,213 | ) |  | $ | (614,676 | ) |  | $ | (781,786 | )
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 15,548 |  |  | (2,365 | ) |  | (2,888 | ) |  | (80,870 | ) |  | (70,575 | )
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 10,004 |  |  | — |  |  | 7,335 |  |  | — |  |  | 17,339 |
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income (loss) | 25,552 |  |  | (2,365 | ) |  | 4,447 |  |  | (80,870 | ) |  | (53,236 | )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 4,454 |  |  | $ | (5,164 | ) |  | $ | (138,766 | ) |  | $ | (695,546 | ) |  | $ | (835,022 | )

| For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
| Derivative Instruments |  | Available-for-sale security |  | Defined Benefit Pension Plans |  | Currency Translation Adjustments |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, as of June 30, 2017 | $ | (25,114 | ) |  | $ | (588 | ) |  | $ | (155,625 | ) |  | $ | (700,607 | ) |  | $ | (881,934 | )
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (24,009 | ) |  | (3,848 | ) |  | (103 | ) |  | 36,912 |  |  | 8,952 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 9,241 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,209 |  |  | — |  |  | 10,450 |
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive (loss) income | (14,768 | ) |  | (3,848 | ) |  | 1,106 |  |  | 36,912 |  |  | 19,402 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, as of September 30, 2017 | $ | (39,882 | ) |  | $ | (4,436 | ) |  | $ | (154,519 | ) |  | $ | (663,695 | ) |  | $ | (862,532 | )

13

| For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
| Derivative Instruments |  | Available-for-sale security |  | Defined Benefit Pension Plans |  | Currency Translation Adjustments |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, as of December 31, 2016 | $ | 17,469 |  |  | $ | 3,149 |  |  | $ | (157,704 | ) |  | $ | (805,943 | ) |  | $ | (943,029 | )
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (63,999 | ) |  | (7,585 | ) |  | (303 | ) |  | 142,248 |  |  | 70,361 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 6,648 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,488 |  |  | — |  |  | 10,136 |
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive (loss) income | (57,351 | ) |  | (7,585 | ) |  | 3,185 |  |  | 142,248 |  |  | 80,497 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax, as of September 30, 2017 | $ | (39,882 | ) |  | $ | (4,436 | ) |  | $ | (154,519 | ) |  | $ | (663,695 | ) |  | $ | (862,532 | )

The following tables present the classification and amount of the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statements of operations:

| For the Three Months Ended |  |
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | Statements of Operations Classification
| (In thousands) |  |
Derivative Instruments |
Loss on foreign currency forward exchange contracts | $ | (910 | ) |  | $ | (9,124 | ) |  | Cost of sales
Tax effect of net loss | 123 |  |  | (117 | ) |  | Provision for income taxes
| $ | (787 | ) |  | $ | (9,241 | ) |  | Net income (loss)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |  |  |  |  |
Amortization of prior service credit (cost) (a) | $ | 502 |  |  | $ | (8 | ) |  | Other non-operating expense, net
Recognized actuarial loss (a) | (2,045 | ) |  | (1,860 | ) |  | Other non-operating expense, net
| (1,543 | ) |  | (1,868 | ) |  |
Tax effect of net loss | — |  |  | 659 |  |  | Provision for income taxes
| $ | (1,543 | ) |  | $ | (1,209 | ) |  | Net income (loss)

14

| For the Nine Months Ended |  |
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | Statements of Operations Classification
| (In thousands) |  |
Derivative Instruments |
Loss on foreign currency forward exchange contracts | $ | (10,060 | ) |  | $ | (6,658 | ) |  | Cost of sales
Tax effect of net loss | 56 |  |  | 10 |  |  | Provision for income taxes
| $ | (10,004 | ) |  | $ | (6,648 | ) |  | Net income (loss)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans |  |  |  |  |
Amortization of prior service credit (cost) (a) | $ | 1,505 |  |  | $ | (23 | ) |  | Other non-operating expense, net
Recognized actuarial loss (a) | (6,408 | ) |  | (5,576 | ) |  | Other non-operating expense, net
Settlement loss | (2,443 | ) |  | — |  |  | Other non-operating expense, net
| (7,346 | ) |  | (5,599 | ) |  |
Tax effect of net loss | 11 |  |  | 2,111 |  |  | Provision for income taxes
| $ | (7,335 | ) |  | $ | (3,488 | ) |  | Net income (loss)

_______________________________________

(a) | The amortization of prior service credit (cost) and recognized actuarial loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to "Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Employee Benefit Plans" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding Mattel’s net periodic benefit cost.

Currency Translation Adjustments
Mattel’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The translation of its net investments in subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies subjects Mattel to the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations in its results of operations and financial position. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal period-end exchange rates. Income, expense, and cash flow items are translated at weighted average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Currency translation adjustments resulted in a net loss of $80.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to the weakening of the Euro, Brazilian real, Russian ruble, British pound sterling, and Turkish lira against the U.S. dollar. Currency translation adjustments resulted in a net gain of $142.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the strengthening of the Euro, British pound sterling, and Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar.

12. | Derivative Instruments

Mattel seeks to mitigate its exposure to foreign currency transaction risk by monitoring its foreign currency transaction exposure for the year and partially hedging such exposure using foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Mattel uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts as cash flow hedges primarily to hedge its purchases and sales of inventory denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally have maturity dates of up to 18 months. These derivative instruments have been designated as effective cash flow hedges, whereby the unsettled hedges are reported in Mattel’s consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with changes in the fair value of the hedges reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). Realized gains and losses for these contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the inventory is sold to customers. Additionally, Mattel uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge intercompany loans and advances denominated in foreign currencies. Due to the short-term nature of the contracts involved, Mattel has not designated these contracts as hedging instruments, and, as such, changes in fair value are recorded in the period of change in the consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2018, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, Mattel held foreign currency forward exchange contracts with notional amounts of $936.8 million, $2.46 billion, and $987.7 million, respectively.
15

The following tables present Mattel’s derivative assets and liabilities:

| Derivative Assets
| Balance Sheet Classification |  | Fair Value
|  |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | $ | 7,399 |  |  | $ | 1,951 |  |  | $ | 2,175 |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other noncurrent assets |  | 1,758 |  |  | 764 |  |  | 115 |
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments |  |  | $ | 9,157 |  |  | $ | 2,715 |  |  | $ | 2,290 |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | $ | 619 |  |  | $ | 1,369 |  |  | $ | 5,514 |
Total |  |  | $ | 9,776 |  |  | $ | 4,084 |  |  | $ | 7,804 |
| Derivative Liabilities
| Balance Sheet Classification |  | Fair Value
|  |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Accrued liabilities |  | $ | 5,219 |  |  | $ | 21,624 |  |  | $ | 15,970 |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other noncurrent liabilities |  | 68 |  |  | 7,206 |  |  | 3,159 |
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments |  |  | $ | 5,287 |  |  | $ | 28,830 |  |  | $ | 19,129 |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Accrued liabilities |  | $ | 4,505 |  |  | $ | 1,047 |  |  | $ | 191 |
Total |  |  | $ | 9,792 |  |  | $ | 29,877 |  |  | $ | 19,320 |

The following tables present the classification and amount of gains and losses, net of tax, from derivatives reported in the consolidated statements of operations:

| For the Three Months Ended |  |
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | Statements of Operations Classification
| Amount of Gain Recognized in OCI |  | Amount of (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI to Statement of Operations |  | Amount of (Loss) Recognized in OCI |  | Amount of (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI to Statement of Operations |
| (In thousands) |  |
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | $ | 3,215 |  |  | $ | (787 | ) |  | $ | (24,009 | ) |  | $ | (9,241 | ) |  | Cost of sales

16

| For the Nine Months Ended |  |
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | Statements of Operations Classification
| Amount of Gain Recognized in OCI |  | Amount of (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI to Statement of Operations |  | Amount of (Loss) Recognized in OCI |  | Amount of (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI to Statement of Operations |
| (In thousands) |  |
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | $ | 15,548 |  |  | $ | (10,004 | ) |  | $ | (63,999 | ) |  | $ | (6,648 | ) |  | Cost of sales

The net losses of $0.8 million and $10.0 million reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and the net losses of $9.2 million and $6.6 million reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, are offset by the changes in cash flows associated with the underlying hedged transactions.

| Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in the Statements of Operations |  | Statements of Operations Classification
| For the Three Months Ended |
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In thousands) |  |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | $ | (2,332 | ) |  | $ | 13,624 |  |  | Other non-operating expense, net
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | 15 |  |  | 9 |  |  | Cost of sales
Total | $ | (2,317 | ) |  | $ | 13,633 |  |  |
| Amount of (Loss) Gain Recognized in the Statements of Operations |  | Statements of Operations Classification
| For the Nine Months Ended |
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In thousands) |  |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | $ | (19,196 | ) |  | $ | 64,582 |  |  | Other non-operating expense, net
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | (233 | ) |  | 511 |  |  | Cost of sales
Total | $ | (19,429 | ) |  | $ | 65,093 |  |  |

The net losses of $2.3 million and $19.4 million recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and the net gains of $13.6 million and $65.1 million recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, are offset by foreign currency transaction gains and losses on the related hedged balances.

13. | Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present information about Mattel’s assets and liabilities measured and reported in the financial statements at fair value and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

• | Level 1 – Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access.

17

• | Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

• | Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable, supported by little or no market activity, and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Mattel’s financial assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis include the following:

| September 30, 2018
| Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 9,776 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 9,776 |
Available-for-sale (b) | 6,657 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,657 |
Total assets | $ | 6,657 |  |  | $ | 9,776 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 16,433 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 9,792 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 9,792 |
| September 30, 2017
| Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,084 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 4,084 |
Available-for-sale (b) | 7,354 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7,354 |
Total assets | $ | 7,354 |  |  | $ | 4,084 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 11,438 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 29,877 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 29,877 |
| December 31, 2017
| Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | Total
| (In thousands)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 7,804 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 7,804 |
Available-for-sale (b) | 8,991 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 8,991 |
Total assets | $ | 8,991 |  |  | $ | 7,804 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 16,795 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts (a) | $ | — |  |  | $ | 19,320 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 19,320 |

____________________________________________

(a) | The fair value of the foreign currency forward exchange contracts are based on dealer quotes of market forward rates and reflect the amount that Mattel would receive or pay at their maturity dates for contracts involving the same notional amounts, currencies, and maturity dates.

(b) | The fair value of the available-for-sale security is based on the quoted price on an active public exchange.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Mattel tests its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable or that the carrying value may exceed its fair value. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel fully impaired certain intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment of $1.8 million and $13.7 million, respectively, due to discontinued use.
18

Other Financial Instruments
Mattel’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, accounts receivable and payable, accrued liabilities, and short-term and long-term borrowings. The fair values of these instruments approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature. Cash is classified as Level 1 and all other financial instruments are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
The estimated fair value of Mattel’s long-term debt, including the current portion, was $2.70 billion (compared to a carrying value of $2.90 billion) as of September 30, 2018, $2.17 billion (compared to a carrying value of $2.15 billion) as of September 30, 2017, and $3.01 billion (compared to a carrying value of $3.15 billion) as of December 31, 2017. The estimated fair values have been calculated based on broker quotes or rates for the same or similar instruments and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

14. | Earnings Per Share

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. Prior to June 30, 2018, certain of Mattel’s restricted stock units ("RSUs") were considered participating securities because they contained nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents.
Under the two-class method, net income is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the period for each class of common stock and participating securities. The remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities as if all of the net income for the period had been distributed. Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net income allocable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income allocable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares for the period, as adjusted for the potential dilutive effect of non-participating share-based awards.
The following table reconciles earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) | $ | 6,278 |  |  | $ | (603,247 | ) |  | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Less: Net income (loss) allocable to participating RSUs (a) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Net income (loss) available for basic common shares | $ | 6,278 |  |  | $ | (603,247 | ) |  | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 345,285 |  |  | 343,870 |  |  | 344,774 |  |  | 343,304 |
Basic net income (loss) per common share | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | (1.75 | ) |  | $ | (1.58 | ) |  | $ | (2.25 | )
Diluted: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) | $ | 6,278 |  |  | $ | (603,247 | ) |  | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Less: Net income (loss) allocable to participating RSUs (a) | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Net income (loss) available for diluted common shares | $ | 6,278 |  |  | $ | (603,247 | ) |  | $ | (545,906 | ) |  | $ | (772,553 | )
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 345,285 |  |  | 343,870 |  |  | 344,774 |  |  | 343,304 |
Weighted average common equivalent shares arising from: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Dilutive stock options and non-participating RSUs (b) | 387 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Weighted average number of common and potential common shares | 345,672 |  |  | 343,870 |  |  | 344,774 |  |  | 343,304 |
Diluted net income (loss) per common share | $ | 0.02 |  |  | $ | (1.75 | ) |  | $ | (1.58 | ) |  | $ | (2.25 | )

_______________________________________

(a) | For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, Mattel did not allocate its net loss to its participating RSUs as its participating RSUs are not obligated to share in Mattel's losses. As of July 1, 2018, Mattel no longer has participating RSUs.

19

(b) | Mattel was in a net loss position for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, and, accordingly, all outstanding nonqualified stock options and non-participating RSUs were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because their effect would be antidilutive. Nonqualified stock options and nonparticipating RSUs totaling 22.6 million shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2018 because their effect would be antidilutive.

15. | Revenues

Effective January 1, 2018, Mattel adopted ASU 2014-09 and its related amendments (collectively, the "new revenue standards") using the modified retrospective transition method, which was applied to all contracts not completed as of that date. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new revenue standards, while prior periods were not adjusted.
The cumulative effect of the adoption of the new revenue standards on January 1, 2018 was reflected as a net reduction of approximately $29 million to the opening balance of retained earnings associated with certain licensing contracts. The adoption of the new revenue standards did not have a material impact on Mattel's consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of earnings as of or for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Revenue Recognition and Sales Adjustments
Substantially all of Mattel's revenues continue to be recognized upon shipment or upon receipt of finished goods by the customer, depending on the contract terms. Additionally, Mattel routinely enters into arrangements with its customers to provide sales incentives, support customer promotions, and provide allowances for returns and defective merchandise. Such programs, which can be either contractual or discretionary in nature, are based primarily on customer purchases, customer performance of specified promotional activities, and other specified factors such as sales to consumers. Mattel bases its estimates for these programs on agreed upon customer contract terms as well as historical experience. The costs of these programs are considered variable consideration and are recorded as sales adjustments that reduce gross sales in the period the related sale is recognized. Based on Mattel's analysis of the new revenue standards, revenue recognition from the sale of finished goods to customers, which represents substantially all of Mattel's revenues, was not impacted by the adoption of the new revenue standards.
Mattel also enters into symbolic and functional licensing arrangements, whereby the licensee pays Mattel royalties based on sales of licensed product, and in certain cases are subject to minimum guaranteed amounts. The timing of revenue recognition for certain of these licensing arrangements with minimum guarantees changed under the new revenue standards, which under the new revenue standards is based on the determination of whether the license of intellectual property ("IP") is symbolic, which includes the license of Mattel's brands, or functional, which includes the license of Mattel's completed television or streaming content.
Revenues from symbolic licenses of IP are recognized based on actual sales when Mattel expects royalties to exceed the minimum guarantee. For symbolic licensing arrangements in which Mattel does not expect royalties to exceed the minimum guarantee, an estimate of the royalties expected to be recouped is recognized on a straight-line basis over the license term.
Revenues from functional licenses of IP are recognized once the license period has commenced and the licensee has the ability to use the delivered content.
Disaggregated Revenues
For a presentation of Mattel's revenues disaggregated by segment, brand, and geography, see "Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Segment Information."
Practical Expedient
Mattel applied the practical expedient prescribed in the new revenue standards and did not evaluate contracts of one year or less for the existence of a significant financing component. Multi-year contracts were not material.

16. | Employee Benefit Plans

Mattel and certain of its subsidiaries have qualified and nonqualified retirement plans covering substantially all employees of these companies, which are more fully described in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements–Employee Benefit Plans" in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
20

A summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for Mattel’s defined benefit pension plans is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Service cost | $ | 1,014 |  |  | $ | 1,198 |  |  | $ | 3,206 |  |  | $ | 3,441 |
Interest cost | 4,494 |  |  | 4,479 |  |  | 13,691 |  |  | 13,370 |
Expected return on plan assets | (5,621 | ) |  | (5,768 | ) |  | (16,952 | ) |  | (17,253 | )
Amortization of prior service cost | 7 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 23 |
Recognized actuarial loss | 2,125 |  |  | 1,823 |  |  | 6,648 |  |  | 5,464 |
Settlement loss | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,443 |  |  | — |
| $ | 2,019 |  |  | $ | 1,740 |  |  | $ | 9,059 |  |  | $ | 5,045 |

A summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for Mattel's postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Service credit | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 1 |
Interest cost | 52 |  |  | 203 |  |  | 156 |  |  | 609 |
Amortization of prior service credit | (509 | ) |  | — |  |  | (1,528 | ) |  | — |
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss | (80 | ) |  | 37 |  |  | (240 | ) |  | 112 |
| $ | (537 | ) |  | $ | 240 |  |  | $ | (1,611 | ) |  | $ | 722 |

In accordance with ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which went into effect for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2018, Mattel's service cost component is recorded within operating income (loss), presented in the same line items as other employee compensation costs arising from employee services rendered in the period, while other components of net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost are recorded outside of income from operations, presented in other non-operating expense, net. Prior period amounts have been retrospectively adjusted, which resulted in a reclassification of $0.5 million and $1.6 million of expense, net from other selling and administrative expenses to other non-operating expense, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel made cash contributions totaling approximately $17 million related to its defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans. During the remainder of 2018, Mattel expects to make additional cash contributions of approximately $3 million.

17. | Share-Based Payments

Mattel has various stock compensation plans, which are more fully described in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Share-Based Payments" in its 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under the Mattel, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Equity and Long-Term Compensation Plan, Mattel has the ability to grant nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and shares of common stock to officers, employees, and other persons providing services to Mattel. Stock options are granted with exercise prices at the fair market value of Mattel’s common stock on the applicable grant date and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. Both stock options and time-vesting RSUs generally provide for vesting over a period of three years from the date of grant.
In April 2018, the Compensation Committee approved a new long-term incentive program for the January 1, 2018–December 31, 2020 performance cycle. As of September 30, 2018, three long-term incentive programs were in place with the following performance cycles: (i) a January 1, 2016–December 31, 2018 performance cycle, (ii) a January 1, 2017–December 31, 2019 performance cycle, and (iii) a January 1, 2018–December 31, 2020 performance cycle.
21

For the January 1, 2018–December 31, 2020 performance cycle, Mattel granted performance-based restricted stock units ("Performance RSUs") under the Mattel, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Equity and Long-Term Compensation Plan to senior executives providing services to Mattel. Performance RSUs granted under this program are earned based on an initial target number with the final number of Performance RSUs payable being determined based on the product of the initial target number of Performance RSUs multiplied by a performance factor based on measurements of Mattel's performance with respect to (i) a cumulative three-year free cash flow target for the performance cycle and (ii) Mattel's total shareholder return ("TSR") multiplier, which is based on Mattel’s three-year TSR relative to the TSR realized by companies comprised of the S&P 500 as of the first day of the performance cycle. The Performance RSUs also have dividend equivalent rights that are converted to shares of Mattel common stock only when and to the extent the underlying Performance RSUs are earned and paid in shares of Mattel common stock.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel recognized $0.6 million of compensation expense in connection with its 2018–2020 performance cycle. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel recognized $0.5 million of compensation expense related to the 2017–2019 performance-related component and no compensation expense related to the 2016–2018 performance-related component. Mattel recognized minimal expense related to the 2017–2019 and the 2016–2018 market-related components during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Compensation expense, included within other selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, related to stock options and RSUs is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Stock option compensation expense | $ | 2,751 |  |  | $ | 3,446 |  |  | $ | 6,125 |  |  | $ | 9,262 |
RSU compensation expense | 11,019 |  |  | 13,583 |  |  | 30,062 |  |  | 38,320 |
| $ | 13,770 |  |  | $ | 17,029 |  |  | $ | 36,187 |  |  | $ | 47,582 |

As of September 30, 2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based payments totaled $115.4 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.
Mattel uses treasury shares purchased under its share repurchase program to satisfy stock option exercises and the vesting of RSUs. Cash received for stock option exercises was $0 and $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

18. | Other Selling and Administrative Expenses

Other selling and administrative expenses include the following:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Design and development | $ | 48,766 |  |  | $ | 58,288 |  |  | $ | 154,987 |  |  | $ | 166,784 |
Identifiable intangible asset amortization | 10,195 |  |  | 4,444 |  |  | 29,925 |  |  | 13,045 |

19. | Foreign Currency Transaction Gains and Losses

Currency exchange rate fluctuations impact Mattel’s results of operations and cash flows. Mattel’s currency transaction exposures include gains and losses realized on unhedged inventory purchases and unhedged receivables and payables balances that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. Gains and losses on unhedged inventory purchases and other transactions associated with operating activities are recorded in the components of operating income (loss) to which they relate in the consolidated statements of operations. For hedges of intercompany loans and advances, which do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the gains or losses on the hedges resulting from changes in fair value as well as the offsetting transaction gains or losses on the related hedged items, along with unhedged items, are recognized in other non-operating expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Inventory purchase and sale transactions denominated in the Euro, Mexican peso, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Russian ruble, and Brazilian real are the primary transactions that cause foreign currency transaction exposure for Mattel.
22

Currency transaction (losses) gains included in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Operating (loss) income | $ | (4,482 | ) |  | $ | 2,857 |  |  | $ | (9,023 | ) |  | $ | (32,137 | )
Other non-operating expense, net | (1,568 | ) |  | (1,244 | ) |  | (535 | ) |  | (7,368 | )
Net transaction (losses) gains | $ | (6,050 | ) |  | $ | 1,613 |  |  | $ | (9,558 | ) |  | $ | (39,505 | )

20. | Restructuring Charges

During the third quarter of 2017, Mattel initiated its Structural Simplification Cost Savings program, with plans to target at least $650 million in cost savings by 2020.
The major initiatives of the Structural Simplification Cost Savings program include:

• | Reducing manufacturing complexity, including SKU reduction, implementing process improvement initiatives at owned and co-manufacturing facilities, exploring strategic alternatives for Mattel’s manufacturing footprint, and optimizing the supply chain;

• | Streamlining the organizational structure and reducing headcount expense to better align with the revenue base; and

• | Optimizing advertising spend.

The following table summarizes Mattel's severance and other restructuring costs activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

| Liability at December 31, 2017 |  | Charges |  | Payments/Utilization |  | Liability at September 30, 2018
| (In thousands)
Severance | $ | 29,794 |  |  | $ | 61,735 |  |  | $ | (48,611 | ) |  | $ | 42,918 |
Other restructuring costs (a) | 5,394 |  |  | 42,189 |  |  | (37,164 | ) |  | 10,419 |
| $ | 35,188 |  |  | $ | 103,924 |  |  | $ | (85,775 | ) |  | $ | 53,337 |

______________________________________________________________________

(a) | Consists primarily of consulting fees.

To date, Mattel has recorded cumulative severance and other restructuring charges of $149.1 million and expects to incur total charges of approximately $200 million related to the Structural Simplification Cost Savings program.
In connection with the Structural Simplification Cost Savings program, Mattel recorded severance and other restructuring costs in the following cost and expense categories within the consolidated statements of operations:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Cost of sales (a) | $ | 5,741 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 5,741 |  |  | $ | — |
Other selling and administrative (b) | 25,472 |  |  | — |  |  | 98,183 |  |  | — |
| $ | 31,213 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 103,924 |  |  | $ | — |

________________________________________________________________________

(a) | Severance and other restructuring costs recorded within cost of sales include plant restructuring charges.

(b) | Severance and other restructuring costs recorded within other selling and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations are included in corporate and other expense in "Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Segment Information."

23

21. | Income Taxes

Mattel’s provision for income taxes was $66.3 million and $70.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to a provision for income taxes of $664.5 million and $614.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Excluding discrete tax items, Mattel's 2018 tax expense or benefit is driven by income or loss in foreign taxable jurisdictions due to the U.S. valuation allowance. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $42.1 million and $44.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel recognized discrete tax expense primarily related to the provisional tax of $9.3 million for deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings (net of related valuation allowance change), $14.6 million related to changes to the indefinite reinvestment assertion, and $17.8 million net tax expense related to reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities and income taxes recorded on a discrete basis in various jurisdictions. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $561.5 million and $558.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, primarily related to the establishment of a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets in the third quarter of 2017 and reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world.
On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act" or "U.S. Tax Reform"), was enacted. The Securities Exchange Commission has issued guidance under Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 that allows for companies to provide provisional amounts for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the company can provide a reasonable estimate. The guidance also provides that a company may not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act, in which case the company would not be expected to provide a provisional amount for those specific items. Additionally, the guidance allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts.
As of December 31, 2017, Mattel reasonably estimated and recorded provisional amounts associated with the impact of the corporate tax rate change. Mattel continues to gather additional information to complete the accounting for these items and will complete our accounting within the prescribed measurement period.
In January 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance stating that a company must make an accounting policy election of either (i) treating taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") as a current-period expense when incurred (the "period cost method") or (ii) factoring such amounts into a company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the "deferred method"). Mattel has elected the period cost method and has considered the estimated 2018 GILTI impact in its 2018 tax expense.
On January 1, 2018, Mattel adopted ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which required Mattel to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory in the period in which the transfer occurs. Previously, the income tax effect of intercompany transfers of assets was deferred until the asset was sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized (e.g., depreciated, amortized, impaired). The new guidance requires Mattel to defer only the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of inventory. A cumulative effect adjustment of approximately $9 million was recorded as an increase to beginning retained earnings in the first quarter of 2018.
As of September 30, 2018, Mattel reasonably estimated and recorded a provisional tax of $9.3 million, associated with the impact of the deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings. Mattel recorded a gross tax of $268.5 million, prior to the utilization of tax attributes, and released a valuation allowance of $259.2 million related to tax attributes utilized against the provisional tax. Mattel is continuing to evaluate the impact of this provision of the Tax Act and will complete the accounting for this item within the prescribed measurement period. The net tax due related to the deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings is payable over eight years.
In addition, U.S. Tax Reform will provide Mattel with a reduced cost to access the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. As such, Mattel has re-evaluated its intentions related to its indefinite reinvestment assertion, and has recorded a $14.6 million tax charge related to state income taxes and withholding taxes on $300 million of prior year foreign earnings that will not be indefinitely reinvested.
In the normal course of business, Mattel is regularly audited by federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. Based on the current status of federal, state, and foreign audits, Mattel believes it is reasonably possible that in the next twelve months, the total unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $3.5 million related to the settlement of tax audits and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations. The ultimate settlement of any issue with the applicable taxing authority could have a material impact on Mattel’s consolidated financial statements.
24

22. | Contingencies

Litigation Related to Carter Bryant and MGA Entertainment, Inc.
In April 2004, Mattel filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Carter Bryant ("Bryant"), a former Mattel design employee. The suit alleges that Bryant aided and assisted a Mattel competitor, MGA Entertainment, Inc. ("MGA"), during the time he was employed by Mattel, in violation of his contractual and other duties to Mattel. In September 2004, Bryant asserted counterclaims against Mattel, including counterclaims in which Bryant sought, as a putative class action representative, to invalidate Mattel’s Confidential Information and Proprietary Inventions Agreements with its employees. Bryant also removed Mattel’s suit to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In December 2004, MGA intervened as a party-defendant in Mattel’s action against Bryant, asserting that its rights to Bratz properties are at stake in the litigation.
Separately, in November 2004, Bryant filed an action against Mattel in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The action sought a judicial declaration that Bryant’s purported conveyance of rights in Bratz was proper and that he did not misappropriate Mattel property in creating Bratz.
In April 2005, MGA filed suit against Mattel in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. MGA’s action alleges claims of trade dress infringement, trade dress dilution, false designation of origin, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment. The suit alleges, among other things, that certain products, themes, packaging, and/or television commercials in various Mattel product lines have infringed upon products, themes, packaging, and/or television commercials for various MGA product lines, including Bratz. The complaint also asserts that various alleged Mattel acts with respect to unidentified retailers, distributors, and licensees have damaged MGA and that various alleged acts by industry organizations, purportedly induced by Mattel, have damaged MGA. MGA’s suit alleges that MGA has been damaged in an amount "believed to reach or exceed tens of millions of dollars" and further seeks punitive damages, disgorgement of Mattel’s profits and injunctive relief.
In June 2006, the three cases were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On July 17, 2006, the Court issued an order dismissing all claims that Bryant had asserted against Mattel, including Bryant’s purported counterclaims to invalidate Mattel’s Confidential Information and Proprietary Inventions Agreements with its employees, and Bryant’s claims for declaratory relief.
On January 12, 2007, Mattel filed an Amended Complaint setting forth counterclaims that included additional claims against Bryant as well as claims for copyright infringement, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations ("RICO") violations, misappropriation of trade secrets, intentional interference with contract, aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty and breach of duty of loyalty, and unfair competition, among others, against MGA, its Chief Executive Officer Isaac Larian, certain MGA affiliates and an MGA employee. The RICO claim alleged that MGA stole Bratz and then, by recruiting and hiring key Mattel employees and directing them to bring with them Mattel confidential and proprietary information, unfairly competed against Mattel using Mattel’s trade secrets, confidential information, and key employees to build their business.
Mattel sought to try all of its claims in a single trial, but in February 2007, the Court decided that the consolidated cases would be tried in two phases, with the first trial to determine claims and defenses related to Mattel’s ownership of Bratz works and whether MGA infringed those works. On May 19, 2008, Bryant reached a settlement agreement with Mattel and is no longer a defendant in the litigation. In the public stipulation entered by Mattel and Bryant in connection with the resolution, Bryant agreed that he was and would continue to be bound by all prior and future Court Orders relating to Bratz ownership and infringement, including the Court’s summary judgment rulings.
The first phase of the first trial resulted in a unanimous jury verdict on July 17, 2008 in favor of Mattel. The jury found that almost all of the Bratz design drawings and other works in question were created by Bryant while he was employed at Mattel; that MGA and Isaac Larian intentionally interfered with the contractual duties owed by Bryant to Mattel, aided and abetted Bryant’s breaches of his duty of loyalty to Mattel, aided and abetted Bryant’s breaches of the fiduciary duties he owed to Mattel, and converted Mattel property for their own use. The same jury determined that defendants MGA, Larian, and MGA Entertainment (HK) Limited infringed Mattel’s copyrights in the Bratz design drawings and other Bratz works, and awarded Mattel total damages of approximately $100 million against the defendants. On December 3, 2008, the Court issued a series of orders rejecting MGA’s equitable defenses and granting Mattel’s motions for equitable relief, including an order enjoining the MGA party defendants from manufacturing, marketing, or selling certain Bratz fashion dolls or from using the "Bratz" name. The Court stayed its December 3, 2008 injunctive orders until further order of the Court.
25

The parties filed and argued additional motions for post-trial relief, including a request by MGA to enter judgment as a matter of law on Mattel’s claims in MGA’s favor and to reduce the jury’s damages award to Mattel. Mattel additionally moved for the appointment of a receiver. On April 27, 2009, the Court entered an order confirming that Bratz works found by the jury to have been created by Bryant during his Mattel employment were Mattel’s property and that hundreds of Bratz female fashion dolls infringe Mattel’s copyrights. The Court also upheld the jury’s award of damages in the amount of $100 million and ordered an accounting of post-trial Bratz sales. The Court further vacated the stay of the December 3, 2008 orders.
MGA appealed the Court’s equitable orders to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On December 9, 2009, the Ninth Circuit heard oral argument on MGA’s appeal and issued an order staying the District Court’s equitable orders pending a further order to be issued by the Ninth Circuit. On July 22, 2010, the Ninth Circuit vacated the District Court’s equitable orders. The Ninth Circuit stated that, because of several jury instruction errors it identified, a significant portion-if not all-of the jury verdict and damage award should be vacated.
In its opinion, the Ninth Circuit found that the District Court erred in concluding that Mattel’s Invention Agreement unambiguously applied to "ideas;" that it should have considered extrinsic evidence in determining the application of the agreement; and if the conclusion turns on conflicting evidence, it should have been up to the jury to decide. The Ninth Circuit also concluded that the District Judge erred in transferring the entire brand to Mattel based on misappropriated names and that the Court should have submitted to the jury, rather than deciding itself, whether Bryant’s agreement assigned works created outside the scope of his employment and whether Bryant’s creation of the Bratz designs and sculpt was outside of his employment. The Court then went on to address copyright issues which would be raised after a retrial, since Mattel "might well convince a properly instructed jury" that it owns Bryant’s designs and sculpt. The Ninth Circuit stated that the sculpt itself was entitled only to "thin" copyright protection against virtually identical works, while the Bratz sketches were entitled to "broad" protection against substantially similar works; in applying the broad protection, however, the Ninth Circuit found that the lower court had erred in failing to filter out all of the unprotectable elements of Bryant’s sketches. This mistake, the Court said, caused the lower court to conclude that all Bratz dolls were substantially similar to Bryant’s original sketches.
Judge Stephen Larson, who presided over the first trial, retired from the bench during the course of the appeal, and the case was transferred to Judge David O. Carter. After the transfer, Judge Carter granted Mattel leave to file a Fourth Amended Answer and Counterclaims which focused on RICO, trade secret and other claims, and added additional parties, and subsequently granted in part and denied in part a defense motion to dismiss those counterclaims.
Later, on August 16, 2010, MGA asserted several new claims against Mattel in response to Mattel’s Fourth Amended Answer and Counterclaims, including claims for alleged trade secret misappropriation, an alleged violation of RICO, and wrongful injunction. MGA alleged, in summary, that, for more than a decade dating back to 1992, Mattel employees engaged in a pattern of stealing alleged trade secret information from competitors "toy fair" showrooms, and then sought to conceal that alleged misconduct. Mattel moved to strike and/or dismiss these claims, as well as certain MGA allegations regarding Mattel’s motives for filing suit. The Court granted that motion as to the wrongful injunction claim, which it dismissed with prejudice, and as to the allegations about Mattel’s motives, which it struck. The Court denied the motion as to MGA’s trade secret misappropriation claim and its claim for violations of RICO.
The Court resolved summary judgment motions in late 2010. Among other rulings, the Court dismissed both parties’ RICO claims; dismissed Mattel’s claim for breach of fiduciary duty and portions of other claims as "preempted" by the trade secrets act; dismissed MGA’s trade dress infringement claims; dismissed MGA’s unjust enrichment claim; dismissed MGA’s common law unfair competition claim; and dismissed portions of Mattel’s copyright infringement claim as to "later generation" Bratz dolls.
Trial of all remaining claims began in early January 2011. During the trial, and before the case was submitted to the jury, the Court granted MGA’s motions for judgment as to Mattel’s claims for aiding and abetting breach of duty of loyalty and conversion. The Court also granted a defense motion for judgment on portions of Mattel’s claim for misappropriation of trade secrets relating to thefts by former Mattel employees located in Mexico.
The jury reached verdicts on the remaining claims in April 2011. In those verdicts, the jury ruled against Mattel on its claims for ownership of Bratz-related works, for copyright infringement, and for misappropriation of trade secrets. The jury ruled for MGA on its claim of trade secret misappropriation as to 26 of its claimed trade secrets and awarded $88.5 million in damages. The jury ruled against MGA as to 88 of its claimed trade secrets. The jury found that Mattel’s misappropriation was willful and malicious.
26

In early August 2011, the Court ruled on post-trial motions. The Court rejected MGA’s unfair competition claims and also rejected Mattel’s equitable defenses to MGA’s misappropriation of trade secrets claim. The Court reduced the jury’s damages award of $88.5 million to $85.0 million. The Court awarded MGA an additional $85.0 million in punitive damages and approximately $140 million in attorney’s fees and costs. The Court entered a judgment which totaled approximately $310 million in favor of MGA.
On August 11, 2011, Mattel appealed the judgment, challenging on appeal the entirety of the District Court’s monetary award in favor of MGA, including both the award of $170 million in damages for alleged trade secret misappropriation and approximately $140 million in attorney’s fees and costs. On January 24, 2013, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Mattel’s appeal. In that ruling, the Court found that MGA’s claim for trade secrets misappropriation was not compulsory to any Mattel claim and could not be filed as a counterclaim-in-reply. Accordingly, the Court of Appeals vacated the portion of the judgment awarding damages and attorney’s fees and costs to MGA for prevailing on its trade secrets misappropriation claim, totaling approximately $172.5 million. It ruled that, on remand, the District Court must dismiss MGA’s trade secret claim without prejudice. In its ruling, the Court of Appeals also affirmed the District Court’s award of attorney’s fees and costs under the Copyright Act. Accordingly, Mattel recorded a litigation accrual of approximately $138 million during the fourth quarter of 2012 to cover these fees and costs.
Because multiple claimants asserted rights to the attorney’s fees portion of the judgment, on February 13, 2013, Mattel filed a motion in the District Court for orders permitting Mattel to interplead the proceeds of the judgment and releasing Mattel from liability to any claimant based on Mattel’s payment of the judgment.
On February 27, 2013, MGA filed a motion for leave to amend its prior complaint in the existing federal court lawsuit so that it could reassert its trade secrets claim. Mattel opposed that motion. On December 17, 2013, the District Court denied MGA’s motion for leave to amend and entered an order dismissing MGA’s trade secrets claim without prejudice. Also on December 17, 2013, following a settlement between MGA and certain insurance carriers, the District Court denied Mattel’s motion for leave to interplead the proceeds of the judgment.
On December 21, 2013, a stipulation regarding settlement with insurers and payment of judgment was filed in the District Court, which provided that (i) Mattel would pay approximately $138 million, including accrued interest, in full satisfaction of the copyright fees judgment, (ii) all parties would consent to entry of an order exonerating and discharging the appeal bond posted by Mattel, and (iii) MGA’s insurers would dismiss all pending actions related to the proceeds of the copyright fees judgment, including an appeal by Evanston Insurance Company in an action against Mattel that was pending in the Ninth Circuit. On December 23, 2013, Mattel paid the copyright fees judgment in the total sum, including interest, of approximately $138 million. On December 26, 2013, the District Court entered an order exonerating and discharging the appeal bond posted by Mattel, and on December 27, 2013, MGA filed an acknowledgment of satisfaction of judgment. On December 30, 2013, Evanston Insurance Company’s appeal in its action against Mattel was dismissed.
On January 13, 2014, MGA filed a new, but virtually identical, trade secrets claim against Mattel in Los Angeles County Superior Court. In its complaint, MGA purports to seek damages in excess of $1 billion. On December 3, 2014, the Court overruled Mattel’s request to dismiss MGA’s case as barred as a result of prior litigation between the parties. On July 31, 2017, Mattel filed a motion for summary judgment on the grounds that MGA’s complaint is barred by the statute of limitations. On February 13, 2018, the Court granted Mattel's summary judgment motion. Consistent with this ruling, the Court entered judgment for Mattel on March 8, 2018. On April 24, 2018, MGA filed a Notice of Appeal of the judgment. Mattel does not presently believe that damages in any amount are reasonably possible. Accordingly, no liability has been accrued to date.
Litigation Related to Yellowstone do Brasil Ltda.
Yellowstone do Brasil Ltda. (formerly known as Trebbor Informática Ltda.) was a customer of Mattel’s subsidiary Mattel do Brasil Ltda. when a commercial dispute arose between Yellowstone and Mattel do Brasil regarding the supply of product and related payment terms. As a consequence of the dispute, in April 1999, Yellowstone filed a declarative action against Mattel do Brasil before the 15th Civil Court of Curitiba - State of Parana (the "Trial Court"), requesting the annulment of its security bonds and promissory notes given to Mattel do Brasil as well as requesting the Trial Court to find Mattel do Brasil liable for damages incurred as a result of Mattel do Brasil’s alleged abrupt and unreasonable breach of an oral exclusive distribution agreement between the parties relating to the supply and sale of toys in Brazil. Yellowstone’s complaint sought alleged loss of profits of approximately $1 million, plus an unspecified amount of damages consisting of: (i) compensation for all investments made by Yellowstone to develop Mattel do Brasil’s business; (ii) reimbursement of the amounts paid by Yellowstone to terminate labor and civil contracts in connection with the business; (iii) compensation for alleged unfair competition and for the goodwill of trade; and (iv) compensation for non-pecuniary damages.
27

Mattel do Brasil filed its defenses to these claims and simultaneously presented a counterclaim for unpaid accounts receivable for goods supplied to Yellowstone in the approximate amount of $4 million.
During the evidentiary phase a first accounting report was submitted by a court-appointed expert. Such report stated that Yellowstone had invested approximately $3 million in its business. Additionally, the court-appointed expert calculated a loss of profits compensation of approximately $1 million. Mattel do Brasil challenged the report since it was not made based on the official accounting documents of Yellowstone and since the report calculated damages based only on documents unilaterally submitted by Yellowstone.
The Trial Court accepted the challenge and ruled that a second accounting examination should take place in the lawsuit. Yellowstone appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals of the State of Parana (the "Appeals Court"), but it was upheld by the Appeals Court.
The second court-appointed expert’s report submitted at trial did not assign a value to any of Yellowstone’s claims and found no evidence of causation between Mattel do Brasil’s actions and such claims.
In January 2010, the Trial Court ruled in favor of Mattel do Brasil and denied all of Yellowstone’s claims based primarily on the lack of any causal connection between the acts of Mattel do Brasil and Yellowstone’s alleged damages. Additionally, the Trial Court upheld Mattel do Brasil’s counterclaim and ordered Yellowstone to pay Mattel do Brasil approximately $4 million. The likelihood of Mattel do Brasil recovering this amount was uncertain due to the fact that Yellowstone was declared insolvent and filed for bankruptcy protection. In February 2010, Yellowstone filed a motion seeking clarification of the decision which was denied.
In September 2010, Yellowstone filed a further appeal with the Appeals Court. Under Brazilian law, the appeal was de novo and Yellowstone restated all of the arguments it made at the Trial Court level. Yellowstone did not provide any additional information supporting its unspecified alleged damages. The Appeals Court held hearings on the appeal in March and April 2013. On July 26, 2013, the Appeals Court awarded Yellowstone approximately $17 million in damages, plus attorney's fees, as adjusted for inflation and interest. The Appeals Court also awarded Mattel do Brasil approximately $7.5 million on its counterclaim, as adjusted for inflation. On August 2, 2013, Mattel do Brasil filed a motion with the Appeals Court for clarification since the written decision contained clear errors in terms of amounts awarded and interest and inflation adjustments. Mattel do Brasil’s motion also asked the Appeals Court to decide whether Yellowstone’s award could be offset by the counterclaim award, despite Yellowstone’s status as a bankrupt entity. Yellowstone also filed a motion for clarification on August 5, 2013. A decision on the clarification motions was rendered on November 11, 2014, and the Appeals Court accepted partially the arguments raised by Mattel do Brasil. As a result, the Appeals Court awarded Yellowstone approximately $14.5 million in damages, as adjusted for inflation and interest, plus attorney's fees. The Appeals Court also awarded Mattel do Brasil approximately $7.5 million on its counterclaim, as adjusted for inflation. The decision also recognized the existence of legal rules that support Mattel do Brasil’s right to offset its counterclaim award of approximately $7.5 million. Mattel do Brasil filed a new motion for clarification with the Appeals Court on January 21, 2015, due to the incorrect statement made by the reporting judge of the Appeals Court, that the court-appointed expert analyzed the "accounting documents" of Yellowstone. On April 26, 2015, a decision on the motion for clarification was rendered. The Appeals Court ruled that the motion for clarification was denied and imposed a fine on Mattel do Brasil equal to 1% of the value of the claims made for the delay caused by the motion. On July 3, 2015, Mattel do Brasil filed a special appeal to the Superior Court of Justice based upon both procedural and substantive grounds. This special appeal sought to reverse the Appeals Court's decision of July 26, 2013, and to reverse the fine as inappropriate under the law. This special appeal was submitted to the Appeals Court .
Yellowstone also filed a special appeal with the Appeals Court in February 2015, which was made available to Mattel do Brasil on October 7, 2015. Yellowstone's special appeal sought to reverse the Appeals Court decision with respect to: (a) the limitation on Yellowstone's loss of profits claim to the amount requested in the complaint, instead of the amount contained in the first court-appointed experts report, and (b) the award of damages to Mattel do Brasil on the counterclaim, since the specific amount was not requested in Mattel do Brasil's counterclaim brief.
On October 19, 2015, Mattel do Brasil filed its answer to the special appeal filed by Yellowstone and Yellowstone filed its answer to the special appeal filed by Mattel do Brasil. On April 4, 2016, the Appeals Court rendered a decision denying the admissibility of Mattel’s and Yellowstone’s special appeals. On May 11, 2016, both Mattel and Yellowstone filed interlocutory appeals.
On August 31, 2017, the reporting justice for the Appeals Court denied Yellowstone’s interlocutory appeal. As to Mattel, the reporting justice reversed the fine referenced above that had been previously imposed on Mattel for filing a motion for clarification. However, the reporting justice rejected Mattel’s arguments on the merits of Yellowstone’s damages claims. On September 22, 2017, Mattel filed a further appeal to the full panel of five appellate justices to challenge the merits of Yellowstone’s damages claims. Yellowstone did not file a further appeal.
28

In April 2018, Mattel do Brasil entered into a settlement agreement to resolve this matter for 5.0 million Brazilian real (approximately $1.3 million). In August 2018, the settlement was rejected by the bankruptcy court, in part based upon the fact that Mattel do Brasil’s appeal remained pending and the decision in favor of Yellowstone was not yet final. In September 2018, Mattel appealed that decision.
On October 2, 2018, the Appeals Court rejected Mattel’s merits appeal to the five justice panel, and affirmed the prior rulings in favor of Yellowstone. As the Mattel do Brasil appeal of the bankruptcy court’s rejection of the settlement remains pending, and the October 2, 2018 Appeals Court decision now resolves the bankruptcy court’s concern that the underlying case was not final, it is possible the bankruptcy appeals court may approve the parties’ settlement.
Securities Litigation
A purported class action lawsuit is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (consolidating Waterford Township Police & Fire Retirement System v. Mattel, Inc., et al., filed June 27, 2017; and Lathe v. Mattel, Inc., et al., filed July 6, 2017) against Mattel, Christopher A. Sinclair, Richard Dickson, Kevin M. Farr, and Joseph B. Johnson alleging federal securities laws violations in connection with statements allegedly made by the defendants during the period October 20, 2016 through April 20, 2017. In general, the lawsuit asserts allegations that the defendants artificially inflated Mattel’s common stock price by knowingly making materially false and misleading statements and omissions to the investing public about retail customer inventory, the alignment between point-of-sale and shipping data, and Mattel’s overall financial condition. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants’ conduct caused the plaintiff and other stockholders to purchase Mattel common stock at artificially inflated prices. On May 24, 2018, the Court granted Mattel’s motion to dismiss the class action lawsuit, and on June 25, 2018, the plaintiff filed a motion informing the Court he would not be filing an amended complaint. Judgment was entered in favor of Mattel and the individual defendants on September 19, 2018. The plaintiff filed his Notice of Appeal on October 16, 2018.
In addition, a stockholder has filed a derivative action in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (Lombardi v. Sinclair, et al., filed December 21, 2017) making allegations that are substantially identical to, or are based upon, the allegations of the class action lawsuit. The defendants in the derivative action are the same as those in the class action lawsuit plus Margaret H. Georgiadis, Michael J. Dolan, Trevor A. Edwards, Frances D. Fergusson, Ann Lewnes, Dominic Ng, Vasant M. Prabhu, Dean A. Scarborough, Dirk Van de Put, and Kathy W. Loyd. On February 26, 2018, the derivative action was stayed pending further developments in the class action litigation.
The lawsuits seek unspecified compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, expert fees, costs and/or injunctive relief. Mattel believes that the allegations in the lawsuits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them. A reasonable estimate of the amount of any possible loss or range of loss cannot be made at this time.

23. | Segment Information

Mattel designs, manufactures, and markets a broad variety of toy products worldwide which are sold to its customers and directly to consumers. Mattel reorganized its brands reporting structure in the first quarter of 2018 as outlined below. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Mattel’s portfolio of brands and products are classified as Power Brands, which includes Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends, and American Girl Brands, and Toy Box, which includes Owned Brands and Partner Brands.
Mattel’s operating segments are: (i) North America, which consists of the U.S. and Canada, (ii) International, and (iii) American Girl. The North America and International segments sell products in both the Power Brands, excluding American Girl, and Toy Box categories, although some are developed and adapted for particular international markets.
29

Segment Data
The following tables present information about revenues, income (loss), and assets by segment. In the following tables, Mattel does not include sales adjustments such as trade discounts and other allowances in the calculation of segment revenues (referred to as "gross sales" and reconciled to net sales in Part I, Item 2 "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Mattel records these adjustments in its financial accounting systems at the time of sale to each customer, but the adjustments are not allocated to brands or individual products. For this reason, Mattel’s chief operating decision maker uses gross sales by segment as one of the metrics to measure segment performance. Such sales adjustments are included in the determination of segment income (loss) from operations based on the adjustments recorded in the financial accounting systems. Segment income (loss) represents each segment’s operating income (loss), while consolidated operating income (loss) represents income (loss) from operations before net interest, other non-operating expense, net, and income taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The corporate and other expense category includes costs not allocated to individual segments, including charges related to incentive compensation, share-based payments, severance and restructuring, and corporate headquarters functions managed on a worldwide basis, and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on intercompany transactions.

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Revenues by Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |
North America | $ | 886,307 |  |  | $ | 839,341 |  |  | $ | 1,677,580 |  |  | $ | 1,708,901 |
International | 656,467 |  |  | 776,947 |  |  | 1,507,277 |  |  | 1,637,031 |
American Girl | 63,862 |  |  | 93,876 |  |  | 175,910 |  |  | 247,376 |
Gross sales | 1,606,636 |  |  | 1,710,164 |  |  | 3,360,767 |  |  | 3,593,308 |
Sales adjustments | (169,185 | ) |  | (149,181 | ) |  | (374,196 | ) |  | (322,230 | )
Net sales | $ | 1,437,451 |  |  | $ | 1,560,983 |  |  | $ | 2,986,571 |  |  | $ | 3,271,078 |

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Segment Income (Loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
North America (a) | $ | 186,705 |  |  | $ | 86,240 |  |  | $ | 54,015 |  |  | $ | 109,623 |
International (a) | 46,466 |  |  | 81,307 |  |  | (75,539 | ) |  | 48,140 |
American Girl (a) | (9,638 | ) |  | (14,601 | ) |  | (40,703 | ) |  | (38,558 | )
| 223,533 |  |  | 152,946 |  |  | (62,227 | ) |  | 119,205 |
Corporate and other expense (b) | (101,659 | ) |  | (66,702 | ) |  | (281,671 | ) |  | (207,604 | )
Operating income (loss) | 121,874 |  |  | 86,244 |  |  | (343,898 | ) |  | (88,399 | )
Interest expense | 48,156 |  |  | 24,646 |  |  | 132,702 |  |  | 68,557 |
Interest (income) | (785 | ) |  | (1,575 | ) |  | (5,631 | ) |  | (6,337 | )
Other non-operating expense, net | 1,911 |  |  | 1,910 |  |  | 4,366 |  |  | 7,532 |
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 72,592 |  |  | $ | 61,263 |  |  | $ | (475,335 | ) |  | $ | (158,151 | )

__________________________________________

(a) | Segment income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, included $(13.0) million and $66.8 million, respectively, of net sales reversal and bad debt expense, net attributable to the Toys "R" Us liquidation. Of the $66.8 million of charges recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, $57.4 million, $7.7 million, and $1.7 million was recorded in the North America, International, and American Girl segments, respectively. Segment income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, included $43.0 million of net sales reversal attributable to the Toys "R" Us liquidation. Of the $43.0 million of charges recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, $43.0 million was recorded in the North America segment.

30

(b) | Corporate and other expense included severance and restructuring expenses of $25.5 million and $98.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $12.6 million and $21.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and share-based compensation expense of $13.8 million and $36.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $17.0 million and $47.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

Segment assets are comprised of accounts receivable and inventories, net of applicable reserves and allowances.

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In thousands)
Assets by Segment |  |  |  |  |
North America | $ | 912,008 |  |  | $ | 1,060,312 |  |  | $ | 692,232 |
International | 917,668 |  |  | 1,144,772 |  |  | 829,185 |
American Girl | 85,515 |  |  | 197,110 |  |  | 100,184 |
| 1,915,191 |  |  | 2,402,194 |  |  | 1,621,601 |
Corporate and other | 123,753 |  |  | 93,946 |  |  | 107,713 |
Accounts receivable and inventories, net | $ | 2,038,944 |  |  | $ | 2,496,140 |  |  | $ | 1,729,314 |

The table below presents worldwide revenues by brand category:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Worldwide Revenues by Brand Category (a) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 374,707 |  |  | $ | 329,609 |  |  | $ | 698,131 |  |  | $ | 605,175 |
Hot Wheels | 234,993 |  |  | 249,984 |  |  | 547,239 |  |  | 514,036 |
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 409,497 |  |  | 463,689 |  |  | 833,468 |  |  | 944,680 |
American Girl | 64,257 |  |  | 93,760 |  |  | 176,902 |  |  | 246,865 |
Toy Box | 523,182 |  |  | 573,122 |  |  | 1,105,027 |  |  | 1,282,552 |
Gross sales | 1,606,636 |  |  | 1,710,164 |  |  | 3,360,767 |  |  | 3,593,308 |
Sales adjustments | (169,185 | ) |  | (149,181 | ) |  | (374,196 | ) |  | (322,230 | )
Net sales | $ | 1,437,451 |  |  | $ | 1,560,983 |  |  | $ | 2,986,571 |  |  | $ | 3,271,078 |

__________________________________________
(a) Mattel reorganized its brands reporting structure in the first quarter of 2018. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
31

Geographic Information
The table below presents information by geographic area. Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of customer.

| For the Three Months Ended |  | For the Nine Months Ended
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017
| (In thousands)
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |
North America | $ | 950,169 |  |  | $ | 933,217 |  |  | $ | 1,853,490 |  |  | $ | 1,956,277 |
International Region (a): |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Europe | 317,143 |  |  | 356,300 |  |  | 656,792 |  |  | 691,085 |
Latin America | 198,760 |  |  | 216,760 |  |  | 411,778 |  |  | 420,826 |
Global Emerging Markets | 140,564 |  |  | 203,887 |  |  | 438,707 |  |  | 525,120 |
Total International Region | 656,467 |  |  | 776,947 |  |  | 1,507,277 |  |  | 1,637,031 |
Gross sales | 1,606,636 |  |  | 1,710,164 |  |  | 3,360,767 |  |  | 3,593,308 |
Sales adjustments | (169,185 | ) |  | (149,181 | ) |  | (374,196 | ) |  | (322,230 | )
Net sales | $ | 1,437,451 |  |  | $ | 1,560,983 |  |  | $ | 2,986,571 |  |  | $ | 3,271,078 |

__________________________________________
(a) Mattel reorganized its regional reporting structure in the first quarter of 2018. As a result, Global Emerging Markets, which was previously disclosed as Asia Pacific, includes Russia, Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa, which were previously included within Europe. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

24. | New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance establishes a five-step model to achieve that core principle and also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. Mattel adopted ASU 2014-09 and its related amendments on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. For additional information, see "Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Revenues."
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2018. For additional information, see "Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements - Income Taxes."
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires entities that sponsor defined benefit plans to (i) present service cost within operations, if such a subtotal is presented, (ii) other components of net benefit costs should be presented separately outside of income from operations, if such a subtotal is presented, and (iii) only the service cost component should be capitalized, when applicable. If a separate line item is not used, the line item in the income statement where the other components of net benefit costs are included must be disclosed. Further, gains and losses from curtailments and settlements, and the cost of certain termination benefits should be reported in the same manner as other components of net benefit cost. ASU 2017-07 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2018. The retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of 2018 did not have a material effect on Mattel’s consolidated financial statements, as discussed in "Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Employee Benefit Plans."
32

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance: ASU 2017-13, ASU 2018-10, and ASU 2018-11 (collectively the “new lease standards”). The new lease standards require a lessee to recognize a lease asset and lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provides entities with an additional transition method to adopt the new lease standards at the adoption date, versus the beginning of the earliest period presented, and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The new lease standards will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2019. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the new lease standards on its operating results and financial position, which based on a preliminary assessment, is expected to have a material impact on its financial position.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which expands the hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting and changes both how companies assess hedge effectiveness and presentation and disclosure requirements. ASU 2017-12 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2019. Early application is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the update. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-12 on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which permits the reclassification of disproportionate tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income caused by the Tax Act to retained earnings. ASU 2018-02 will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2019. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-02 on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which expands the scope of current stock compensation recognition standards to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than an entity's adoption date of ASU 2014-09, which Mattel adopted on January 1, 2018. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-07 on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement: Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements, including the consideration of costs and benefits. ASU 2018-13 will become effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty will be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted. In addition, early adoption of any removed or modified disclosures, but delayed adoption of any additional disclosures until their effective date, is permitted. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-13 on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General: Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. ASU 2018-14 will become effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments will be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-14 on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract, which aligns the requirement for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. ASU 2018-15 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The amendments should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2018-15 on its consolidated financial statements.
33

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
In the discussion that follows, "Mattel" refers to Mattel, Inc. and/or one or more of its family of companies.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial information and related notes that appear in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Mattel’s business is seasonal with consumers making a large percentage of all toy purchases during the traditional holiday season; therefore, results of operations are comparable only with corresponding periods.
The following discussion also includes gross sales and currency exchange rate impact, non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Regulation G"), to supplement the financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Gross sales represent sales to customers, excluding the impact of sales adjustments, such as trade discounts and other allowances. The currency exchange rate impact reflects the portion (expressed as a percentage) of changes in Mattel's reported results that are attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Mattel uses these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze its continuing operations and to monitor, assess, and identify meaningful trends in its operating and financial performance. Management believes that the disclosure of non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to investors to allow them to better evaluate ongoing business performance and certain components of Mattel's results. These measures are not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for GAAP financial measures. Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a more detailed discussion, including a reconciliation of gross sales, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net sales, its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
Note that amounts within this Item shown in millions may not foot due to rounding.
Overview
Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in the design and production of quality toys and consumer products. Mattel reorganized its brands reporting in the first quarter of 2018 as outlined below to better align with internal reporting on gross sales. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Mattel’s portfolio of brands and products are classified as Power Brands and Toy Box:

• | Power Brands include:

Barbie—Empowering girls since 1959, Barbie has inspired the limitless potential of every girl by showing them that they can be anything. With an extensive portfolio of dolls and accessories, content, gaming, and lifestyle products, Barbie is the premier fashion doll for children around the world.
Hot Wheels—Now celebrating its 50th year in production, Hot Wheels pushes the limits of performance and design and ignites the challenger spirit of kids, adults, and collectors. From die-cast cars, to tracks, playsets, and advanced play products, the Hot Wheels portfolio has broad appeal that engages and excites kids.
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends—An institution in learning and child development for over 85 years, Fisher-Price is driven to enrich children's lives from birth to school readiness, helping families provide their children with the best possible start. Thomas & Friends, a key property in the Fisher-Price portfolio, is an award-winning preschool train brand franchise that brings meaningful life lessons of friendship and teamwork to kids through content, toy, live events, and other lifestyle categories.
American Girl—A beloved brand since the first catalog debuted in 1986, American Girl is best known for imparting valuable life lessons through its inspiring dolls and books, featuring diverse characters from past and present. Its products are sold directly to consumers via its catalog, website, and proprietary retail stores.

• | Toy Box includes new and innovative products from Mattel-owned and licensed entertainment properties:

Owned Brands—Mattel has an engaging portfolio of owned brands such as MEGA BLOKS, Uno, Enchantimals, Monster High, Polly Pocket, Fireman Sam, and Matchbox.
Partner Brands—Mattel brings top entertainment properties to life through innovative toy design, in partnership with Disney (CARS, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), WWE Wrestling, Nickelodeon (Shimmer and Shine, Blaze and the Monster Machines), DC Comics (Batman, DC Super Hero Girls), Warner Brothers (Jurassic World), Universal (Fast and Furious), and Mojang (Minecraft).
34

Mattel's vision is to "inspire the wonder of childhood as the global leader in learning and development through play." In order to deliver on this vision, Mattel is focused on the following five-pillar strategy:

• | Build Mattel's Power Brands into connected 360-degree play systems and experiences;

• | Accelerate emerging markets growth with digital-first solutions;

• | Focus and strengthen Mattel's innovation portfolio;

• | Reshape Mattel's operations to enable this strategy - leaner, faster, and smarter - via commercial realignment, supply chain transformation and IT transformation; and

• | Reignite Mattel's culture and team.

Results of Operations—Third Quarter
Consolidated Results
Net sales for the third quarter of 2018 were $1.44 billion, an 8% decrease, as compared to $1.56 billion in the third quarter of 2017. Net sales for the third quarter of 2018 were negatively impacted by lower Toys "R" Us sales a result of its liquidation, partially offset by the absence of Toys "R" Us net sales reversals of approximately $43 million, which were recorded in the third quarter of 2017. Gross margin for the third quarter of 2017 excluded these net sales, but included the corresponding cost of sales for the inventory sold to Toys "R" Us. In addition, Mattel recorded Toys "R" Us bad debt recoveries in the third quarter of 2018 of approximately $13 million as a reduction to other selling and administrative expenses. Net income for the third quarter of 2018 was $6.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $603.2 million, or $1.75 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017, which included a discrete non-cash tax expense of $561.9 million related to the establishment of a valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets that will likely not be realized.
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s consolidated results for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | Year/Year Change
September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
Amount |  | % of Net Sales |  | Amount |  | % of Net Sales |  | % |  | Basis Points of Net Sales
| (In millions, except percentage and basis point information)
Net sales | $ | 1,437.5 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 1,561.0 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | -8 | % |  | — |
Gross profit | $ | 613.1 |  |  | 42.6 | % |  | $ | 647.2 |  |  | 41.5 | % |  | -5 | % |  | 110 |
Advertising and promotion expenses | 165.3 |  |  | 11.5 | % |  | 179.7 |  |  | 11.5 | % |  | -8 | % |  | — |
Other selling and administrative expenses | 325.9 |  |  | 22.7 | % |  | 381.3 |  |  | 24.4 | % |  | -15 | % |  | -170 |
Operating income | 121.9 |  |  | 8.5 | % |  | 86.2 |  |  | 5.5 | % |  | 41 | % |  | 300 |
Interest expense | 48.2 |  |  | 3.4 | % |  | 24.7 |  |  | 1.6 | % |  | 95 | % |  | 180 |
Interest (income) | (0.8 | ) |  | -0.1 | % |  | (1.5 | ) |  | -0.1 | % |  | -50 | % |  | — |
Other non-operating expense, net | 1.9 |  |  |  |  |  | 1.8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | — |
Income before income taxes | $ | 72.6 |  |  | 5.1 | % |  | $ | 61.2 |  |  | 3.9 | % |  | 18 | % |  | 120 |

35

Sales
Net sales for the third quarter of 2018 were $1.44 billion, an 8% decrease, as compared to $1.56 billion in the third quarter of 2017.
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s consolidated gross sales by brand for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Power Brands |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 374.7 |  |  | $ | 329.6 |  |  | 14 | % |  | -3 | %
Hot Wheels | 235.0 |  |  | 250.0 |  |  | -6 | % |  | -3 | %
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 409.5 |  |  | 463.7 |  |  | -12 | % |  | -2 | %
American Girl | 64.3 |  |  | 93.8 |  |  | -31 | % |  | — | %
Total Power Brands | 1,083.5 |  |  | 1,137.0 |  |  | -5 | % |  | -3 | %
Toy Box |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Owned Brands | 290.9 |  |  | 294.8 |  |  | -1 | % |  | -3 | %
Partner Brands | 232.3 |  |  | 278.3 |  |  | -17 | % |  | -2 | %
Total Toy Box | 523.2 |  |  | 573.1 |  |  | -9 | % |  | -3 | %
Total Gross Sales | 1,606.6 |  |  | 1,710.2 |  |  | -6 | % |  | -2 | %
Sales Adjustments | 169.2 |  |  | 149.2 |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 1,437.5 |  |  | $ | 1,561.0 |  |  | -8 | % |  | -2 | %

Gross sales were $1.61 billion in the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of $103.6 million or 6%, as compared to $1.71 billion in the third quarter of 2017, with an unfavorable impact from changes in currency exchange rates of 2 percentage points. The decrease in gross sales was due to declines in both Toy Box and Power Brands, and included lower Toys "R" Us sales of 3%.
The 5% decrease in Power Brands gross sales was primarily due to lower sales of American Girl and Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends products, partially offset by higher sales of Barbie products. The 31% decrease in American Girl gross sales was due to lower sales in proprietary retail and direct channels, a strategic shift away from the utilization of external distribution channels, and the sale of Corolle in the first quarter of 2018. Of the 12% decrease in Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends gross sales, 5% was due to lower sales of Fisher-Price infant products and 5% was due to lower sales of Thomas & Friends products. The 14% increase in Barbie gross sales was primarily driven by positive POS brand momentum.
The 9% decrease in Toy Box gross sales was primarily due to lower sales of Toy Box Partner Brands. Of the 17% decrease in Toy Box Partner Brands gross sales, 22% was due to lower sales of CARS products, primarily as a result of the CARS 3 theatrical release in 2017, and 6% was due to lower sales of DC Comics girls products, partially offset by initial sales of Jurassic World products of 24% as a result of the 2018 theatrical release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 57.4% in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to 58.5% in the third quarter of 2017. Cost of sales decreased by $89.4 million, or 10%, to $824.4 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $913.8 million in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to an 8% decrease in net sales. Within cost of sales, product and other costs decreased by $73.5 million, or 10%, to $664.9 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $738.4 million in the third quarter of 2017; freight and logistics expenses decreased by $15.1 million, or 15%, to $87.9 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $103.0 million in the third quarter of 2017; and royalty expense decreased by $0.9 million, or 1%, to $71.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 from $72.4 million in the third quarter of 2017.
36

Gross Margin
Gross margin increased to 42.6% in the third quarter of 2018 from 41.5% in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by Structural Simplification savings of approximately $63 million, the absence of the 2017 Toys "R" Us net sales reversal of $43 million, price increases, and lower freight and distribution expenses, partially offset by input cost inflation of raw materials and plant labor.
Advertising and Promotion Expenses
Advertising and promotion expenses primarily consist of: (i) media costs, which primarily include the media, planning, and buying fees for television, print, and online advertisements, (ii) non-media costs, which primarily include commercial and website production, merchandising, and promotional costs, (iii) retail advertising costs, which primarily include consumer direct catalogs, newspaper inserts, fliers, and mailers, and (iv) generic advertising costs, which primarily include trade show costs. Advertising and promotion expenses as a percentage of net sales in the third quarter of 2018 was 11.5%, or flat as compared to the third quarter 2017.
Other Selling and Administrative Expenses
Other selling and administrative expenses were $325.9 million, or 22.7% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to $381.3 million, or 24.4% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2017. The decrease in other selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to Structural Simplification savings of $55 million and Toys "R" Us bad debt recoveries of $13 million, partially offset by severance and restructuring costs of $25 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $48.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to $24.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in interest expense was due to higher interest rates and outstanding debt levels.
Provision for Income Taxes
Mattel’s provision for income taxes was $66.3 million and $664.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Excluding discrete tax items, Mattel's 2018 tax expense or benefit is driven by income or loss in foreign taxable jurisdictions due to the U.S. valuation allowance. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $42.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, primarily related to the provisional tax of $9.3 million for deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings (net of related valuation allowance change), tax expense from changes to the indefinite reinvestment assertion of $14.6 million, and net tax expense from reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities and income taxes recorded on a discrete basis in various jurisdictions of $17.8 million. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $561.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to the establishment of a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets in the third quarter of 2017 and reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world.
37

North America Segment
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s gross sales by brand for the North America segment for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Power Brands |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 208.8 |  |  | $ | 171.1 |  |  | 22 | % |  | — | %
Hot Wheels | 120.7 |  |  | 116.6 |  |  | 4 | % |  | — | %
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 255.2 |  |  | 257.4 |  |  | -1 | % |  | — | %
Total Power Brands | 584.7 |  |  | 545.1 |  |  | 7 | % |  | — | %
Toy Box |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Owned Brands | 159.6 |  |  | 155.2 |  |  | 3 | % |  | — | %
Partner Brands | 142.0 |  |  | 139.0 |  |  | 2 | % |  | — | %
Total Toy Box | 301.6 |  |  | 294.2 |  |  | 3 | % |  | — | %
Total Gross Sales | 886.3 |  |  | 839.3 |  |  | 6 | % |  | — | %
Sales Adjustments | 60.7 |  |  | 43.2 |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 825.6 |  |  | $ | 796.1 |  |  | 4 | % |  | — | %

Gross sales for the North America segment were $886.3 million in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of $47.0 million, or 6%, as compared to $839.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in North America segment gross sales was due to increases in both Power Brands and Toy Box sales, despite an unfavorable impact from lower Toys "R" Us sales of 4%. The increase is also inclusive of the 2017 Toys "R" Us gross sales reversal of approximately $47 million.
The 7% increase in Power Brands gross sales was primarily due to higher sales of Barbie products. The 22% increase in Barbie gross sales was primarily driven by positive POS brand momentum.
Cost of sales decreased 6% in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to a 4% increase in net sales, primarily due to lower product and other costs and lower freight and logistics expenses. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2018 increased, primarily due to Structural Simplification savings, the absence of the 2017 Toys "R" Us revenue reversal, and lower freight and distribution expenses, partially offset by input cost inflation of raw materials and plant labor.
North America segment income was $186.7 million in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to segment income of $86.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to higher net sales, higher gross margin, and lower other selling and administrative expenses.
International Segment
The following table provides a summary of percentage changes in net sales within the International segment in the third quarter of 2018 versus 2017:

| % Change in Net Sales as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
Total International Segment (a) | -18 | % |  | -4 | %
Europe | -14 | % |  | -1 | %
Latin America | -14 | % |  | -9 | %
Global Emerging Markets | -31 | % |  | -6 | %

38

The following table provides a summary of percentage changes in gross sales within the International segment in the third quarter of 2018 versus 2017:

| % Change in Gross Sales as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
Total International Segment (a) | -16 | % |  | -5 | %
Europe | -11 | % |  | -1 | %
Latin America | -8 | % |  | -9 | %
Global Emerging Markets | -31 | % |  | -6 | %

__________________________________________
(a) Mattel reorganized its regional reporting structure in the first quarter of 2018. As a result, Global Emerging Markets, which was previously disclosed as Asia Pacific, includes Russia, Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa, which were previously included within Europe. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s gross sales by brand for the International segment for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Power Brands |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 165.9 |  |  | $ | 158.5 |  |  | 5 | % |  | -6 | %
Hot Wheels | 114.2 |  |  | 133.4 |  |  | -14 | % |  | -5 | %
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 154.3 |  |  | 206.3 |  |  | -25 | % |  | -3 | %
American Girl | 0.5 |  |  | — |  |  |  |  |
Total Power Brands | 435.0 |  |  | 498.2 |  |  | -13 | % |  | -5 | %
Toy Box |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Owned Brands | 131.2 |  |  | 139.5 |  |  | -6 | % |  | -6 | %
Partner Brands | 90.3 |  |  | 139.3 |  |  | -35 | % |  | -3 | %
Total Toy Box | 221.5 |  |  | 278.8 |  |  | -21 | % |  | -5 | %
Total Gross Sales | 656.5 |  |  | 777.0 |  |  | -16 | % |  | -5 | %
Sales Adjustments | 105.4 |  |  | 101.8 |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 551.1 |  |  | $ | 675.2 |  |  | -18 | % |  | -4 | %

Gross sales for the International segment were $656.5 million in the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of $120.5 million, or 16%, as compared to $777.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, with an unfavorable impact from changes in currency exchange rates of 5 percentage points and from lower Toys "R" Us sales of 1%. The decrease in International segment gross sales was due to declines in both Toy Box and Power Brands.
The 13% decrease in Power Brands gross sales was due to lower sales of Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends and Hot Wheels products. Of the 25% decrease in Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends gross sales, 17% was due to lower sales of Fisher-Price infant products and 6% was due to lower sales of Thomas & Friends products. The 14% decrease in Hot Wheels gross sales was primarily driven by lower sales of tracks and playsets products, diecast cars, and licensed products. The decrease in licensed products sales was primarily driven by the 2017 theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi.
The 21% decrease in Toy Box Brands gross sales was primarily due to lower sales of Toy Box Partner Brands. Of the 35% decrease in Toy Box Partner Brands gross sales, 33% was due to lower sales of CARS products, primarily as a result of the CARS 3 theatrical release in 2017, and 4% was due to lower sales of DC Comics girls products, partially offset by initial sales of Jurassic World products of 14%, as a result of the 2018 theatrical release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
39

Cost of sales decreased 14% in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to a 18% decrease in net sales, primarily due to lower product and other costs, which were consistent with the decline in net sales. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2018 decreased as a result of a higher sales adjustments rate, input cost inflation of raw materials and plant labor, and higher freight and distribution expenses, partially offset by Structural Simplification savings and price increases.
International segment income was $46.5 million in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to a segment income of $81.3 million in the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to lower net sales and lower gross margin, partially offset by lower advertising and promotion expenses.
American Girl Segment
The following table provides a summary of the American Girl segment's gross sales for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
American Girl Segment: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Gross Sales | $ | 63.9 |  |  | $ | 93.9 |  |  | -32 | % |  | — | %
Sales Adjustments | 3.0 |  |  | 4.2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 60.8 |  |  | $ | 89.7 |  |  | -32 | % |  | — | %

Gross sales for the American Girl segment were $63.9 million in the third quarter of 2018, a decrease of $30.0 million, or 32%, as compared to $93.9 million in the third quarter of 2017. The 32% decrease in American Girl gross sales was due to lower sales in proprietary retail and direct channels, a strategic shift away from the utilization of external distribution channels, and the sale of Corolle in the first quarter of 2018.
Cost of sales decreased 38% in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to a 32% decrease in net sales, primarily driven by lower product and other costs. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2018 increased as a result of lower obsolescence and lower input costs.
American Girl segment loss was $9.6 million in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to a segment loss of $14.6 million in the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to lower other selling and administrative expenses and higher gross margin, partially offset by lower net sales.
Results of Operations—First Nine Months
Consolidated Results
Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 were $2.99 billion, a 9% decrease, as compared to $3.27 billion in the first nine months of 2017. Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 were negatively impacted by lower Toys "R" Us sales as a result of its liquidation, partially offset by the benefit of lower Toys "R" Us net sales reversals in 2018 (approximately $30 million and $43 million in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively). Gross margin in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 excluded these net sales, but included the corresponding cost for the inventory sold to Toys "R" Us. In addition, Mattel recorded bad debt expense, net of $37 million in the first nine months of 2018 within other selling and administrative expenses. Net loss for the first nine months of 2018 was $545.9 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $772.6 million, or $2.25 per diluted share, in the first nine months of 2017, primarily driven by the absence of a discrete non-cash tax expense of $561.9 million related to the establishment of a valuation allowance in the third quarter of 2017 on U.S. deferred tax assets that will likely not be realized, partially offset by lower gross margin and higher interest expense.
40

The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s consolidated results for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Nine Months Ended |  | Year/Year Change
September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
Amount |  | % of Net Sales |  | Amount |  | % of Net Sales |  | % |  | Basis Points of Net Sales
| (In millions, except percentage and basis point information)
Net sales | $ | 2,986.6 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 3,271.1 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | -9 | % |  | — |
Gross profit | $ | 1,085.1 |  |  | 36.3 | % |  | $ | 1,325.7 |  |  | 40.5 | % |  | -18 | % |  | -420 |
Advertising and promotion expenses | 318.5 |  |  | 10.7 | % |  | 348.8 |  |  | 10.7 | % |  | -9 | % |  | — |
Other selling and administrative expenses | 1,110.5 |  |  | 37.2 | % |  | 1,065.3 |  |  | 32.6 | % |  | 4 | % |  | 460 |
Operating loss | (343.9 | ) |  | -11.5 | % |  | (88.4 | ) |  | -2.7 | % |  | 289 | % |  | -880 |
Interest expense | 132.7 |  |  | 4.4 | % |  | 68.6 |  |  | 2.1 | % |  | 94 | % |  | 230 |
Interest (income) | (5.6 | ) |  | -0.2 | % |  | (6.3 | ) |  | -0.2 | % |  | -11 | % |  | — |
Other non-operating expense, net | 4.4 |  |  |  |  | 7.5 |  |  |  |  |  |  | — |
Loss before income taxes | $ | (475.3 | ) |  | -15.9 | % |  | $ | (158.2 | ) |  | -4.8 | % |  | 201 | % |  | -1,110 |

Sales
Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 were $2.99 billion, a 9% decrease, as compared to $3.27 billion in the first nine months of 2017.
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s consolidated gross sales by brand results for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Power Brands |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 698.1 |  |  | $ | 605.2 |  |  | 15 | % |  | -1 | %
Hot Wheels | 547.2 |  |  | 514.0 |  |  | 6 | % |  | -1 | %
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 833.5 |  |  | 944.7 |  |  | -12 | % |  | — | %
American Girl | 176.9 |  |  | 246.9 |  |  | -28 | % |  | — | %
Total Power Brands | 2,255.7 |  |  | 2,310.8 |  |  | -2 | % |  | — | %
Toy Box |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Owned Brands | 581.5 |  |  | 611.0 |  |  | -5 | % |  | — | %
Partner Brands | 523.5 |  |  | 671.5 |  |  | -22 | % |  | — | %
Total Toy Box | 1,105.0 |  |  | 1,282.6 |  |  | -14 | % |  | — | %
Total Gross Sales | 3,360.8 |  |  | 3,593.3 |  |  | -6 | % |  | — | %
Sales Adjustments | 374.2 |  |  | 322.2 |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 2,986.6 |  |  | $ | 3,271.1 |  |  | -9 | % |  | -1 | %

Gross sales were $3.36 billion in the first nine months of 2018, a decrease of $232.5 million or 6%, as compared to $3.59 billion in the first nine months of 2017. The decrease in gross sales was primarily a result of lower Toy Box and Power Brands sales, and included lower Toys "R" Us sales of 5%. In addition, the decrease in gross sales includes a benefit from lower Toys "R" Us gross sales reversals (approximately $30 million and $47 million in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively).
41

The 2% decrease in Power Brands gross sales was primarily due to lower sales of American Girl products and Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends products, offset by higher sales of Barbie products. The 28% decrease in American Girl gross sales was due to lower sales in proprietary retail and direct channels, a strategic shift away from the utilization of external distribution channels, and the sale of Corolle in the first quarter of 2018. Of the 12% decrease in Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends gross sales, 6% was due to lower sales of Fisher-Price infant products, and 4% was due to lower sales of Thomas & Friends products. The 15% increase in Barbie gross sales was primarily driven by positive POS brand momentum.
The 14% decrease in Toy Box gross sales was primarily due to lower sales of Toy Box Partner Brands. Of the 22% decrease in Toy Box Partner Brands gross sales, 26% was due to lower sales of CARS products, primarily as a result of the CARS 3 theatrical release in 2017, and 5% was due to lower sales of DC Comics girls products, partially offset by initial sales of Jurassic World products of 19% as a result of the 2018 theatrical release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 63.7% in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to 59.5% in the first nine months of 2017. Cost of sales decreased by $43.9 million, or 2%, to $1.90 billion in the first nine months of 2018 from $1.95 billion in the first nine months of 2017, as compared to a 9% decrease in net sales. Within cost of sales, product and other costs decreased by $54.1 million, or 3%, to $1.50 billion in the first nine months of 2018 from $1.56 billion in the first nine months of 2017; freight and logistics expenses increased by $5.4 million, or 2%, to $239.1 million in the first nine months of 2018 from $233.8 million in the first nine months of 2017; and royalty expense increased by $4.8 million, or 3%, to $160.4 million in the first nine months of 2018 from $155.7 million in the first nine months of 2017.
Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased to 36.3% in the first nine months of 2018 from 40.5% in the first nine months of 2017. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to input cost inflation of raw materials and plant labor and unfavorable product mix, partially offset by Structural Simplification savings of approximately $63 million and price increases. As a result of the Toys "R" Us net sales reversals, gross margin included the cost of sales for the inventory sold, but excluded the corresponding net sales.
Advertising and Promotion Expenses
Advertising and promotion expenses primarily consist of: (i) media costs, which primarily include the media, planning, and buying fees for television, print, and online advertisements, (ii) non-media costs, which primarily include commercial and website production, merchandising, and promotional costs, (iii) retail advertising costs, which primarily include consumer direct catalogs, newspaper inserts, fliers, and mailers, and (iv) generic advertising costs, which primarily include trade show costs. Advertising and promotion expenses as a percentage of net sales in the first nine months of 2018 was 10.7%, or flat as compared to the first nine months of 2017.
Other Selling and Administrative Expenses
Other selling and administrative expenses were $1.11 billion, or 37.2% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to $1.07 billion, or 32.6% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2017. The increase in other selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher severance and restructuring costs of approximately $76 million and bad debt expense, net of approximately $37 million related to the Toys "R" Us liquidation, partially offset by Structural Simplification savings of approximately $99 million and lower stock compensation expense resulting from headcount reductions.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $132.7 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to $68.6 million in the first nine months of 2017. The increase in interest expense was due to higher interest rates and outstanding debt levels.
42

Provision for Income Taxes
Mattel’s provision for income taxes was $70.6 million and $614.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Excluding discrete tax items, Mattel's 2018 tax expense or benefit is driven by income or loss in foreign taxable jurisdictions due to the U.S. valuation allowance. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $44.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily related to the provisional tax of $9.3 million for deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings (net of related valuation allowance change), tax expense from changes to the indefinite reinvestment assertion of $14.6 million, and net tax expense from reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities and income taxes recorded on a discrete basis in various jurisdictions of $20.4 million. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $558.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to the establishment of a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets in the third quarter of 2017 and reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world.
North America Segment
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s gross sales by brand for the North America segment for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Power Brands |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 338.4 |  |  | $ | 285.6 |  |  | 19 | % |  | — | %
Hot Wheels | 255.0 |  |  | 225.6 |  |  | 13 | % |  | — | %
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 483.5 |  |  | 517.2 |  |  | -7 | % |  | — | %
Total Power Brands | 1,077.0 |  |  | 1,028.4 |  |  | 5 | % |  | — | %
Toy Box |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Owned Brands | 296.6 |  |  | 323.4 |  |  | -8 | % |  | — | %
Partner Brands | 303.9 |  |  | 357.1 |  |  | -15 | % |  | — | %
Total Toy Box | 600.6 |  |  | 680.5 |  |  | -12 | % |  | — | %
Total Gross Sales | 1,677.6 |  |  | 1,708.9 |  |  | -2 | % |  | — | %
Sales Adjustments | 113.1 |  |  | 88.0 |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 1,564.5 |  |  | $ | 1,620.9 |  |  | -3 | % |  | 1 | %

Gross sales for the North America segment were $1.68 billion in the first nine months of 2018, a decrease of $31.3 million, or 2%, as compared to $1.71 billion in the first nine months of 2017. The decrease in gross sales was primarily a result of lower Toy Box sales and included lower Toys "R" Us sales of 10%. In addition, the decrease in gross sales included a benefit from lower Toys "R" Us gross sales reversals (approximately $27 million and $47 million of gross sales in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively).
Despite lower Toys "R" Us sales, Power Brands gross sales increased 5%, primarily due to higher sales of Barbie and Hot Wheels products. The 19% increase in Barbie gross sales was primarily driven by positive POS brand momentum. The 13% increase in Hot Wheels was primarily driven by higher sales of diecast cars and tracks and playsets products.
The 12% decrease in Toy Box gross sales was due to lower sales of Toy Box Partner Brands. Of the 15% decrease in Toy Box Partner Brands gross sales, 22% was due to lower sales of CARS products, primarily as a result of the CARS 3 theatrical release in 2017, 5% was due to lower sales of DC Comics girls products, and 4% was due to lower sales of DC Comics boys products, partially offset by initial sales of Jurassic World products of 23% as a result of the 2018 theatrical release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Cost of sales remained flat during the first nine months of 2018, as compared to a 3% decrease in net sales. Gross margin in the first nine months of 2018 decreased due to input cost inflation of raw materials and plant labor and higher obsolescence expense. As a result of the Toys "R" Us net sales reversal, gross margin included the cost of sales for the inventory sold, but excluded the corresponding net sales.
43

North America segment income was $54.0 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to segment income of $109.6 million in the first nine months of 2017, primarily due to lower net sales and lower gross margin.
International Segment
The following table provides a summary of percentage changes in net sales within the International segment in the first nine months of 2018 versus 2017:

| % Change in Net Sales as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
Total International Segment (a) | -11 | % |  | — | %
Europe | -9 | % |  | 3 | %
Latin America | -6 | % |  | -7 | %
Global Emerging Markets | -19 | % |  | -1 | %

The following table provides a summary of percentage changes in gross sales within the International segment in the first nine months of 2018 versus 2017:

| % Change in Gross Sales as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
Total International Segment (a) | -8 | % |  | -1 | %
Europe | -5 | % |  | 4 | %
Latin America | -2 | % |  | -7 | %
Global Emerging Markets | -16 | % |  | -1 | %

__________________________________________
(a) Mattel reorganized its regional reporting structure in the first quarter of 2018. As a result, Global Emerging Markets, which was previously disclosed as Asia Pacific, includes Russia, Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa, which were previously included within Europe. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s gross sales by brand for the International segment for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Power Brands |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Barbie | $ | 359.7 |  |  | $ | 319.6 |  |  | 13 | % |  | -1 | %
Hot Wheels | 292.2 |  |  | 288.4 |  |  | 1 | % |  | -2 | %
Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends | 349.9 |  |  | 427.5 |  |  | -18 | % |  | — | %
American Girl | 1.3 |  |  | — |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Power Brands | 1,003.2 |  |  | 1,035.5 |  |  | -3 | % |  | -1 | %
Toy Box |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Owned Brands | 284.5 |  |  | 287.2 |  |  | -1 | % |  | -1 | %
Partner Brands | 219.6 |  |  | 314.4 |  |  | -30 | % |  | — | %
Total Toy Box | 504.1 |  |  | 601.6 |  |  | -16 | % |  | — | %
Total Gross Sales | 1,507.3 |  |  | 1,637.0 |  |  | -8 | % |  | -1 | %
Sales Adjustments | 254.2 |  |  | 221.6 |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 1,253.1 |  |  | $ | 1,415.4 |  |  | -11 | % |  | — | %

44

Gross sales for the International segment were $1.51 billion in the first nine months of 2018, a decrease of $129.7 million, or 8%, as compared to $1.64 billion in the first nine months of 2017, with an unfavorable impact from changes in currency exchange rates of 1 percentage point and from lower Toys "R" Us sales of 2%. The decrease in the International segment gross sales was driven by lower Toy Box and Power Brands sales.
The 3% decrease in Power Brands gross sales was primarily due to lower sales of Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends products, partially offset by higher sales of Barbie products. Of the 18% decrease in Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends products, 13% was due to lower sales of Fisher-Price infant products, and 5% was due to lower sales of Thomas & Friends products. The 13% increase in Barbie gross sales was primarily driven by positive POS brand momentum.
The 16% decrease in Toy Box Brands was primarily due to lower sales of Toy Box Partner Brands. Of the 30% decrease in Toy Box Partner Brands gross sales, 32% was due to lower sales of CARS products, primarily as a result of the CARS 3 theatrical release in the second quarter of 2017, and 5% was due to lower sales of DC Comics girls products, partially offset by initial sales of Jurassic World products of 16% as a result of the 2018 theatrical release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Cost of sales increased 1% in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to an 11% decrease in net sales, primarily due to higher freight and logistics expenses and higher royalty expense, partially offset by lower product and other costs. Gross margin in the first nine months of 2018 decreased as a result of a higher sales adjustments rate, unfavorable product mix, and input cost inflation of raw materials and plant labor.
International segment loss was $75.5 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to segment income of $48.1 million in the first nine months of 2017, driven primarily by lower net sales and lower gross margin, partially offset by lower advertising and promotion expenses.
American Girl Segment
The following table provides a summary of Mattel’s gross sales by brand for the American Girl segment for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017:

| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
American Girl Segment: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Gross Sales | $ | 175.9 |  |  | $ | 247.4 |  |  | -29 | % |  | — | %
Sales Adjustments | 6.9 |  |  | 12.6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Net Sales | $ | 169.0 |  |  | $ | 234.8 |  |  | -28 | % |  | — | %

Gross sales for the American Girl segment were $175.9 million in the first nine months of 2018, a decrease of $71.5 million, or 29%, as compared to $247.4 million in the first nine months of 2017. The decrease in American Girl gross sales was due to lower sales in proprietary retail and direct channels and a strategic shift away from the utilization of external distribution channels, and the sale of Corolle in the first quarter of 2018.
Cost of sales decreased 29% in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to a 28% decrease in net sales. Gross margin in the first nine months of 2018 was flat, as compared to the first nine months of 2017.
American Girl segment loss was $40.7 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to a segment loss of $38.6 million in the first nine months of 2017, driven primarily by lower net sales, partially offset by lower other selling and administrative expenses.
45

Structural Simplification Cost Savings Program
During the third quarter of 2017, Mattel initiated its Structural Simplification Cost Savings program, with plans to target at least $650 million in cost savings by 2020.
The major initiatives of the Structural Simplification Cost Savings program include:

• | Reducing manufacturing complexity, including SKU reduction, implementing process improvement initiatives at owned and co-manufacturing facilities, exploring strategic alternatives for Mattel's manufacturing footprint, and optimizing the supply chain;

• | Streamlining the organizational structure and reducing headcount expense to better align with the revenue base; and

• | Optimizing advertising spend.

Mattel realized cost savings (before severance, investments, and cost inflation) of approximately $162 million (approximately $63 million within cost of sales and approximately $99 million within other selling and administrative expenses) during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Although cost savings continue to be realized, raw material cost inflation and foreign exchange volatility are now expected to be much higher than initially projected and what has been experienced in recent years. Mattel continues to assess opportunities for additional savings through its expanded scope of work to optimize the manufacturing footprint and supply chain.
In connection with the Structural Simplification Cost Savings program, Mattel recorded severance and other restructuring charges of $31.2 million and $103.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Of the total charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, $61.7 million relate to severance charges and $42.2 million relate to other restructuring costs. Of the $42.2 million of other restructuring costs, $5.7 million relate to non-cash plant restructuring charges, and the remainder consist primarily of consulting fees. To date, Mattel has recorded cumulative severance and other restructuring charges of $149.1 million and expects to incur total charges of approximately $200 million related to the Structural Simplification Cost Savings program.
Income Taxes
Mattel’s provision for income taxes was $66.3 million and $70.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as compared to a provision for income taxes of $664.5 million and $614.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Excluding discrete tax items, Mattel's 2018 tax expense or benefit is driven by income or loss in foreign taxable jurisdictions due to the U.S. valuation allowance. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $42.1 million and $44.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel recognized discrete tax expense primarily related to the provisional tax of $9.3 million for deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings (net of related valuation allowance change), $14.6 million related to changes to the indefinite reinvestment assertion, and $17.8 million net tax expense related to reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities and income taxes recorded on a discrete basis in various jurisdictions. Mattel recognized a net discrete tax expense of $561.5 million and $558.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, primarily related to the establishment of a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets in the third quarter of 2017 and reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world.
On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Act" or "U.S. Tax Reform"), was enacted. The Securities Exchange Commission has issued guidance under Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 that allows for companies to provide provisional amounts for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act for which the company can provide a reasonable estimate. The guidance also provides that a company may not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act, in which case the company would not be expected to provide a provisional amount for those specific items. Additionally, the guidance allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related tax impacts.
As of December 31, 2017, Mattel reasonably estimated and recorded provisional amounts associated with the impact of the corporate tax rate change. Mattel continues to gather additional information to complete the accounting for these items and will complete our accounting within the prescribed measurement period.
46

As of September 30, 2018, Mattel reasonably estimated and recorded a provisional tax of $9.3 million, associated with the impact of the deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings. Mattel recorded a gross tax of $268.5 million, prior to the utilization of tax attributes, and released a valuation allowance of $259.2 million related to tax attributes utilized against the provisional tax. Mattel is continuing to evaluate the impact of this provision of the Tax Act and will complete the accounting for this item within the prescribed measurement period. The net tax due related to the deemed repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings is payable over eight years.
In addition, U.S. Tax Reform will provide Mattel with a reduced cost to access the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. As such, Mattel has re-evaluated its intentions related to its indefinite reinvestment assertion, and has recorded a $14.6 million tax charge related to state income taxes and withholding taxes on $300 million of prior year foreign earnings that will not be indefinitely reinvested.
In the normal course of business, Mattel is regularly audited by federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. Based on the current status of federal, state, and foreign audits, Mattel believes it is reasonably possible that in the next twelve months, the total unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $3.5 million related to the settlement of tax audits and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations. The ultimate settlement of any issue with the applicable taxing authority could have a material impact on Mattel’s consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Mattel’s primary sources of liquidity are its cash and equivalents balances, including access the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries, short-term borrowing facilities, including its $1.60 billion senior secured revolving credit facilities ("the new senior secured revolving credit facilities"), and issuances of long-term debt securities. Cash flows from operating activities could be negatively impacted by decreased demand for Mattel’s products, which could result from factors such as adverse economic conditions and changes in public and consumer preferences, or by increased costs associated with manufacturing and distribution of products or shortages in raw materials or component parts. Additionally, Mattel’s ability to issue long-term debt and obtain seasonal financing could be adversely affected by factors such as global economic crises and tight credit environments, an inability to meet its debt covenant requirements and its new senior secured revolving credit facility covenants, or a deterioration of Mattel’s credit ratings. Mattel’s ability to conduct its operations could be negatively impacted should these or other adverse conditions affect its primary sources of liquidity.
Of Mattel’s $209.2 million in cash and equivalents as of September 30, 2018, approximately $190 million is held by foreign subsidiaries. Mattel has several liquidity options to fund its operations and obligations; such obligations may include investing and financing activities such as debt service, dividends, and share repurchases. Cash flows generated by its worldwide operations, the new senior secured revolving credit facilities, alternative forms of financing, and access to the capital markets are available to fund Mattel's operations and obligations.
U.S. Tax Reform, enacted on December 22, 2017, provides Mattel with a reduced cost to access the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. As such, Mattel has evaluated the intentions related to the indefinite reinvestment assertion and has recorded a $14.6 million tax charge related to $300 million of foreign earnings that will not be indefinitely reinvested. U.S. Tax Reform imposes a one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of the historical earnings of Mattel’s foreign subsidiaries. Mattel has significant deferred tax assets which can be used to reduce the impact of the one-time deemed repatriation tax and therefore, does not expect the one time repatriation tax to be material to either its cash flows or liquidity.
In October 2017, Mattel's Board of Directors determined to suspend Mattel's quarterly dividend beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017 in order to increase financial flexibility, strengthen the balance sheet, and facilitate strategic investments.
Current Market Conditions
Mattel is exposed to financial market risk resulting from changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates. Mattel believes that it has sufficient liquidity to fund its business needs, including beginning of year cash and equivalents, cash flows from operations, and access to its new senior secured revolving credit facilities, which it uses for seasonal working capital requirements.
Subject to market conditions, Mattel intends to utilize its new senior secured revolving credit facilities or alternative forms of financing to meet its short-term liquidity needs. As of September 30, 2018, there was $275.0 million outstanding under the new senior secured revolving credit facilities. Market conditions could affect certain terms of other debt instruments that Mattel enters into from time to time.
47

Mattel monitors the third-party depository institutions that hold its cash and equivalents. Mattel’s emphasis is primarily on safety and liquidity of principal, and secondarily on maximizing the yield on those funds. Mattel diversifies its cash and equivalents among counterparties and securities to minimize risks.
Mattel is subject to credit risks relating to the ability of its counterparties in hedging transactions to meet their contractual payment obligations. The risks related to creditworthiness and nonperformance have been considered in the fair value measurements of Mattel’s foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Mattel closely monitors its counterparties and takes action, as necessary, to manage its counterparty credit risk.
Mattel expects that some of its customers and vendors may experience difficulty in obtaining the liquidity required to buy inventory or raw materials. Mattel monitors its customers’ financial condition and liquidity in order to mitigate Mattel’s accounts receivable collectibility risks, and customer terms and credit limits are adjusted, if necessary. Additionally, Mattel uses a variety of financial arrangements to ensure collectibility of accounts receivable of customers deemed to be a credit risk, including requiring letters of credit, factoring, purchasing various forms of credit insurance with unrelated third parties, or requiring cash in advance of shipment. As a result of the Toys "R" Us liquidation in the first quarter of 2018, Mattel reversed net sales which occurred during the first quarter of 2018 and related accounts receivable of approximately $30 million. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel recorded bad debt expense, net of approximately $(13) million and $37 million, respectively, related to outstanding Toys "R" Us receivables as of December 31, 2017.
Mattel sponsors defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans for its employees. Actual returns below the expected rate of return, along with changes in interest rates that affect the measurement of the liability, would impact the amount and timing of Mattel’s future contributions to these plans.
Operating Activities
Cash flows used for operating activities were $731.5 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to $740.1 million in the first nine months of 2017. The cash flows used for operating activities decreased primarily due to lower working capital usage, offset by a higher net loss, excluding the impact of non-cash charges.
Investing Activities
Cash flows used for investing activities were $114.6 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to $174.9 million in the first nine months of 2017. The decrease in cash flows used for investing activities was primarily driven by lower capital spending, partially offset by payments made for foreign currency forward exchange contracts in the first nine months of 2018.
Financing Activities
Cash flows used for financing activities were $10.7 million in the first nine months of 2018, as compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of 213.7 million in the first nine months of 2017. The change in cash flows from financing activities was primarily driven by net repayments of long-term borrowings of $274.5 million and lower net proceeds from short-term borrowings, net of $265.5 million, partially offset by $312.0 million of dividend payments during the first nine months of 2017.
Seasonal Financing
See Item 1 "Financial Statements—Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Seasonal Financing" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Financial Position
Mattel’s cash and equivalents decreased $870.0 million to $209.2 million at September 30, 2018, as compared to $1.08 billion at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, excluding non-cash charges, and net repayments of long-term borrowings of $274.5 million.
Accounts receivable increased $184.3 million to $1.31 billion at September 30, 2018, as compared to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2017, primarily due to the seasonality of Mattel's business. Inventory increased $125.3 million to $726.0 million at September 30, 2018, as compared to $600.7 million at December 31, 2017, primarily due to seasonality.
48

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased to $1.21 billion at September 30, 2018, as compared to $1.36 billion at December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the timing and amount of payments for various liabilities, including advertising and taxes other than income taxes.
A summary of Mattel’s capitalization is as follows:

| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |  | December 31, 2017
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Cash and equivalents | $ | 209.2 |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 181.3 |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 1,079.2 |  |  |  |
Short-term borrowings | 275.0 |  |  | 7 | % |  | 732.6 |  |  | 17 | % |  | — |  |  | — | %
2010 Senior Notes due October 2020 and October 2040 | 500.0 |  |  | 13 |  |  | 500.0 |  |  | 12 |  |  | 500.0 |  |  | 11 |
2011 Senior Notes due November 2041 | 300.0 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 300.0 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 300.0 |  |  | 7 |
2013 Senior Notes due March 2018 and March 2023 | 250.0 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 500.0 |  |  | 12 |  |  | 500.0 |  |  | 11 |
2014 Senior Notes due May 2019 | — |  |  | — |  |  | 500.0 |  |  | 12 |  |  | 500.0 |  |  | 11 |
2016 Senior Notes due August 2021 | 350.0 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 350.0 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 350.0 |  |  | 8 |
2017/2018 Senior Notes due December 2025 | 1,500.0 |  |  | 39 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,000.0 |  |  | 23 |
Debt issuance costs and debt discount | (50.1 | ) |  | — |  |  | (13.6 | ) |  | — |  |  | (26.9 | ) |  | — |
Total debt | 3,124.9 |  |  | 82 |  |  | 2,869.0 |  |  | 67 |  |  | 3,123.1 |  |  | 71 |
Stockholders’ equity | 666.4 |  |  | 18 |  |  | 1,439.7 |  |  | 33 |  |  | 1,257.5 |  |  | 29 |
Total capitalization (debt plus equity) | $ | 3,791.3 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 4,308.7 |  |  | 100 | % |  | $ | 4,380.6 |  |  | 100 | %

Total debt increased $1.8 million to $3.12 billion at September 30, 2018, as compared to $3.12 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily driven by the issuance of the 2018 Senior Notes of $500.0 million and short-term borrowings of $275 million, offset by repayment of $250.0 million of the 2013 Senior Notes due March 2018 and $500.0 million of the 2014 Senior Notes due May 2019.
Mattel’s debt-to-total capital ratio, including short-term borrowings and long-term debt, increased to 82.4% at September 30, 2018 from 66.6% at September 30, 2017, primarily as a result of the $1.50 billion issuances of the 2017 Senior Notes in December 2017 and 2018 Senior Notes in May 2018, partially offset by debt repayments of $750.0 million in the first nine months of 2018. The increase in Mattel's debt-to-capital ratio was also due to lower equity driven by the net losses for the twelve months ended September 30, 2018.
Litigation
See Item 1 "Financial Statements—Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Contingencies" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
In the third quarter of 2018, Mattel performed its annual impairment tests and determined that goodwill was not impaired since each reporting unit's fair value exceeded its carrying value. The fair value of the North America and American Girl reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying value.
Mattel’s International reporting unit was deemed to be at risk of failing the goodwill impairment test. The estimated fair value was approximately 1.24x its carrying value. The valuation model assumes incremental growth in sales and gross margin from current levels. If Mattel is unable to successfully execute its plans in international markets to achieve further growth in emerging markets, improve gross margin, or has lower-than-expected market demand, goodwill may be impaired.
Mattel’s critical accounting policies and estimates are included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and did not materially change during the first nine months of 2018.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Item 1 "Financial Statements—Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—New Accounting Pronouncements" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
49

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Mattel presents certain non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The non-GAAP financial measures that Mattel presents include currency exchange rate impact and gross sales. Mattel uses these metrics to analyze its continuing operations and to monitor, assess, and identify meaningful trends in its operating and financial performance. Mattel believes that the disclosure of non-GAAP financial measures provides useful supplemental information to investors to be able to better evaluate ongoing business performance and certain components of Mattel's results. These measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for GAAP financial measures and may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.
Currency Exchange Rate Impact
The currency exchange rate impact reflects the portion (expressed as a percentage) of changes in Mattel's reported results that are attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
For entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, Mattel calculates the percentage change of period-over-period results at constant currency exchange rates (established as described below) by translating current period and prior period results using these rates. It then determines the currency exchange rate impact percentage by calculating the difference between the percentage change at such constant currency exchange rates and the percentage change at actual exchange rates.
The constant currency exchange rates are determined by Mattel at the beginning of each year and are applied consistently during the year. They are generally different from the actual exchange rates in effect during the current or prior period due to volatility in actual foreign exchange rates. Mattel considers whether any changes to the constant currency rates are appropriate at the beginning of each year. The exchange rates used for these constant currency calculations are generally based on prior year actual exchange rates.
Mattel believes that the disclosure of the percentage impact of foreign currency changes is useful supplemental information for investors to be able to gauge Mattel’s current business performance and the longer term strength of its overall business since foreign currency changes could potentially mask underlying sales trends. The disclosure of the percentage impact of foreign exchange allows investors to calculate the impact on a constant currency basis and also enhances their ability to compare financial results from one period to another.
Gross Sales
Gross sales represent sales to customers, excluding the impact of sales adjustments. Net sales, as reported, include the impact of sales adjustments, such as trade discounts and other allowances. Mattel presents changes in gross sales as a metric for comparing its aggregate, brand, and geographic results to highlight significant trends in Mattel’s business. Changes in gross sales are discussed because, while Mattel records the details of such sales adjustments in its financial accounting systems at the time of sale, such sales adjustments are generally not associated with brands and individual products, making net sales less meaningful. Because sales adjustments are not allocated to individual products, net sales are only presented on a consolidated and segment basis and not on a brand level.
Since sales adjustments are determined by customer rather than at the brand level, Mattel believes that the disclosure of gross sales by brand is useful supplemental information for investors to be able to assess the performance of its underlying brands (e.g., Barbie) and also enhances their ability to compare sales trends over time.
50

A reconciliation from Mattel's consolidated net sales to its consolidated gross sales is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 1,437.5 |  |  | $ | 1,561.0 |  |  | -8 | % |  | -2 | %
Sales adjustments | 169.2 |  |  | 149.2 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 1,606.6 |  |  | $ | 1,710.2 |  |  | -6 | % |  | -2 | %
| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 2,986.6 |  |  | $ | 3,271.1 |  |  | -9 | % |  | -1 | %
Sales adjustments | 374.2 |  |  | 322.2 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 3,360.8 |  |  | $ | 3,593.3 |  |  | -6 | % |  | — | %

A reconciliation from net sales to gross sales for the North America segment is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 825.6 |  |  | $ | 796.1 |  |  | 4 | % |  | — | %
Sales adjustments | 60.7 |  |  | 43.2 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 886.3 |  |  | $ | 839.3 |  |  | 6 | % |  | — | %
| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 1,564.5 |  |  | $ | 1,620.9 |  |  | -3 | % |  | 1 | %
Sales adjustments | 113.1 |  |  | 88.0 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 1,677.6 |  |  | $ | 1,708.9 |  |  | -2 | % |  | — | %

A reconciliation from net sales to gross sales for the International segment is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 551.1 |  |  | $ | 675.2 |  |  | -18 | % |  | -4 | %
Sales adjustments | 105.4 |  |  | 101.8 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 656.5 |  |  | $ | 777.0 |  |  | -16 | % |  | -5 | %
| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 1,253.1 |  |  | $ | 1,415.4 |  |  | -11 | % |  | — | %
Sales adjustments | 254.2 |  |  | 221.6 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 1,507.3 |  |  | $ | 1,637.0 |  |  | -8 | % |  | -1 | %

51

A reconciliation from net sales to gross sales for the American Girl segment is as follows:

| For the Three Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 60.8 |  |  | $ | 89.7 |  |  | -32 | % |  | — | %
Sales adjustments | 3.0 |  |  | 4.2 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 63.9 |  |  | $ | 93.9 |  |  | -32 | % |  | — | %
| For the Nine Months Ended |  | % Change as Reported |  | Currency Exchange Rate Impact
| September 30, 2018 |  | September 30, 2017 |
| (In millions, except percentage information)
Net sales | $ | 169.0 |  |  | $ | 234.8 |  |  | -28 | % |  | — | %
Sales adjustments | 6.9 |  |  | 12.6 |  |  |  |  |
Gross sales | $ | 175.9 |  |  | $ | 247.4 |  |  | -29 | % |  | — | %

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Currency exchange rate fluctuations impact Mattel’s results of operations and cash flows. Inventory transactions denominated in the Euro, Mexican peso, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Russian ruble, and Brazilian real are the primary transactions that caused foreign currency transaction exposure for Mattel. Mattel seeks to mitigate its exposure to market risk by monitoring its foreign currency transaction exposure for the year and partially hedging such exposure using foreign currency forward exchange contracts primarily to hedge its purchase and sale of inventory and other intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts generally have maturity dates of up to 18 months. For those intercompany receivables and payables that are not hedged, the transaction gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the exchange rate changes as part of operating income (loss) or other non-operating expense, net based on the nature of the underlying transaction. Transaction gains or losses on hedged intercompany inventory transactions are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the inventory is sold to customers. In addition, Mattel manages its exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations through the selection of currencies used for international borrowings. Mattel does not trade in financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Mattel’s financial position is also impacted by currency exchange rate fluctuations on translation of its net investments in subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal period-end exchange rates. Income, expense, and cash flow items are translated at weighted average exchange rates prevailing during the fiscal period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. Mattel’s primary currency translation exposures during the first nine months of 2018 were related to its net investments in entities having functional currencies denominated in the Euro, Brazilian real, Russian ruble, British pound sterling, and Turkish lira.
There are numerous factors impacting the amount by which Mattel’s financial results are affected by foreign currency translation and transaction gains and losses resulting from changes in currency exchange rates, including, but not limited to, the level of foreign currency forward exchange contracts in place at a given time and the volume of foreign currency denominated transactions in a given period. However, assuming that such factors were held constant, Mattel estimates that a 1 percent change in the U.S. dollar Trade-Weighted Index would impact Mattel’s net sales by approximately 0.5% and its earnings per share by approximately $0.00 to $0.02.
52

United Kingdom Operations
During June 2016, the referendum by British voters to exit the European Union ("Brexit") adversely impacted global markets and resulted in a sharp decline of the British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar. In February 2017, the British Parliament voted in favor of allowing the British government to begin the formal process of Brexit and discussions with the European Union began in March 2017. In the short-term, volatility in the British pound sterling could continue as the United Kingdom negotiates its anticipated exit from the European Union. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on Mattel's United Kingdom operations will depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory, and other negotiations. Mattel's United Kingdom operations represented approximately 4% of Mattel's consolidated net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Argentina Operations
Effective July 1, 2018, Mattel accounted for Argentina as a highly inflationary economy, as the projected three-year cumulative inflation rate exceeded 100%. As such, beginning July 1, 2018, Mattel's Argentina subsidiary has utilized the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. As of June 30, 2018, Mattel's Argentina subsidiary had approximately $7 million of net monetary assets denominated in Argentine Pesos. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Mattel’s Argentina subsidiary represented less than 1% of Mattel's consolidated net sales.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2018, Mattel’s disclosure controls and procedures were evaluated, with the participation of Mattel’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to assess whether they are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Mattel in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Based on this evaluation, Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s principal executive officer, and Joseph J. Euteneuer, Mattel’s principal financial officer, concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2018.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, Mattel made no changes to its internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
53

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The content of Part I, Item 1 "Financial Statements—Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Contingencies" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in this Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Other than as provided below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" in Mattel’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current and potential changes in international trade relations between China and the United States could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations
There is currently significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and China, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations, tariffs and taxes. Mattel manufactures and purchases through third parties a substantial portion of its finished goods from China. Although the United States and China have levied tariffs and taxes on certain goods and products, these tariffs and taxes have not had a material impact on Mattel’s product categories as of the time of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. If future tariffs and taxes are levied on Mattel’s product categories, including toy and infant products, this may result in decreased sales, decreased margins, or restrict our ability to sell products in certain markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
During the third quarter of 2018, Mattel did not sell any unregistered equity securities.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
This table provides certain information with respect to Mattel’s purchases of its common stock during the third quarter of 2018:

Period | Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (a) |  | Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) |  | Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |  | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (b)
Jul 1—31 | 106,235 |  |  | $ | 15.87 |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 203,016,273 |
Aug 1—31 | 271,604 |  |  | 15.77 |  |  | — |  |  | 203,016,273 |
Sep 1—30 | 46,860 |  |  | 15.70 |  |  | — |  |  | 203,016,273 |
Total | 424,699 |  |  | $ | 15.79 |  |  | — |  |  | $ | 203,016,273 |

____________________________________

(a) | The total number of shares purchased relates to 424,699 shares withheld from employees to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations that occur upon vesting of restricted stock units. These shares were not purchased as part of a publicly announced repurchase plan or program.

(b) | Mattel’s share repurchase program was first announced on July 21, 2003. On July 17, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized Mattel to increase its share repurchase program by $500.0 million. At September 30, 2018, share repurchase authorizations of $203.0 million had not been executed. Repurchases under the program will take place from time to time, depending on market conditions. Mattel’s share repurchase program has no expiration date.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
54

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
55

Item 6. Exhibits.

|  |  |  | Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit No. |  | Exhibit Description |  | Form |  | File No. |  | Exhibit(s) |  | Filing Date
3.0 |  | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mattel, Inc. |  | 8-K |  | 001-05647 |  | 99.0 |  | May 21, 2007
3.1 |  | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mattel, Inc. |  | 8-K |  | 001-05647 |  | 3.1 |  | August 28, 2018
4.0 |  | Specimen Stock Certificate with respect to Mattel, Inc. |  | 10-Q |  | 001-05647 |  | 4.0 |  | August 3, 2007
12.0* |  | Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
31.0* |  | Certification of Principal Executive Officer dated October 25, 2018 pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
31.1* |  | Certification of Principal Financial Officer dated October 25, 2018 pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
32.0** |  | Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer dated October 25, 2018 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
101.INS* |  | XBRL Instance Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
101.SCH* |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
101.CAL* |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
101.DEF* |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
101.LAB* |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
101.PRE* |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

______________________________________________

* | Filed herewith.
** | Furnished herewith. This exhibit should not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

56

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

| MATTEL, INC. Registrant
| By: |  | /s/ Joseph J. Euteneuer
|  |  | Joseph J. Euteneuer Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: October 25, 2018
57