Mattel kicked off the toy industry’s second-quarter earnings season late yesterday afternoon, reporting that its global net sales have only dropped 1% to US$1.08 billion compared to last year’s results for the same period. 

Global billings (the amount invoiced to retailers) for the toyco’s vehicles segment were up by 2% to US$370 million, thanks to growth from Hot Wheels. And action figures, games and building sets exceeded last year’s total by 1%, generating US$227 million. 

The dolls category took a small sales hit from April to June as market demand for Barbie dolls cooled off, but billings were only down by 6% to US$414 million. Similarly, the infant, toddler and preschool category was slightly off last year’s benchmark (4%) at US$190 million, with Mattel’s baby gear segment and the ride-on Power Wheels brand under-performing a little.

Geographically, gross billings were down by single digits in most of Mattel’s key markets, including North America (-3%), EMEA (-2%) and Latin America (-2%). Asia Pacific was the only market to achieve meaningful growth in Q2, with billings up by 4% to US$101 million. 

So far, chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz said the company has performed better than anticipated during the first half of the year. And Mattel’s entertainment divisions are looking to reinvigorate its toy business before the holiday season with a new wave of titles hitting streamers this fall, including a new Barbie CG-animated series and Hot Wheels Let’s Race season two dropping on Netflix and Barney’s World  heading to Max.