Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Bandai America And Saban Brands Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of Power Rangers With An All New Toy Line Inspired By "Power Rangers Megaforce" TV Series

Bandai America Incorporated has announced the exciting Power Rangers news in the following Press Release, from PRNewswire, that, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the "Power Rangers" franchise and Nickelodeon starting to premiere and show Saban Brands' latest "Power Rangers" series, "Power Rangers Megaforce", on Nick USA, the toy company has partnered with Saban Brands to release a brand new "Power Rangers Megaforce" toy line that will deliver on the series' action and excitement! Additionally, the new PRM toy line integrates key elements from the TV series with mobile innovation that allows for a deeper play experience, all while celebrating 20 years of Power Rangers!

With Power Rangers now in its 20th season, Bandai America is once again bringing authenticity from the mega popular series to the store shelf, by delivering unique show elements into the various play patterns of the toy line. In "Power Rangers Megaforce", the Rangers use Power Cards in their fight against evil. Bandai has announced that they have ensured that every toy in the line comes with at least one Power Card with multiple ways to play. "These Power Cards provide a great feature to connect with the history of this iconic series," said Brehan Maul , Senior Director Brand Management of Bandai America Incorporated. "Every Ranger from the past will be represented in the hundreds of Power Cards we are making available through our toy line, Acton Card Game and promotional partnerships." The Power Cards can be used with multiple role-play items to unlock show accurate sound effects. Kids can collect Power Cards of their favorite Rangers from the past to play the Power Rangers Action Card Game, the first-ever Power Ranger trading card game featuring all the Rangers from the Power Rangers universe. Additionally, kids can bring their Power Cards to life with the Power Rangers Card Scanner App available for download on smartphones and tablets. This free app allows the consumer to scan their Power Cards to unlock videos of that character in action.

Plus, for fans of the classic "Mighty Morphin Power Ranger" series, Bandai will be bringing back some legendary items with a new twist. This year (2013), MMPR fans will see the release of an updated version of the original Mighty Morphin Morpher and the Mighty Morphin Megazord, both with die-cast parts. Additionally, classic Ranger chase figures will be seeded throughout the line in almost every scale and style:
Bandai America And Saban Brands Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of Power Rangers With An All New Toy Line Inspired By Power Rangers Megaforce TV Series

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 6, 2013 /Bandai America Incorporated Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Saban Brands and Bandai America Incorporated are pulling out all the stops for the epic 20th season of Power Rangers. The all-new Power Rangers Megaforce TV series will captivate kids as well as long-time fans and drive an inspired toy line that delivers on the series' action and excitement. Additionally, the toy line integrates key elements from the TV series with mobile innovation that allows for a deeper play experience, all while celebrating 20 years of Power Rangers.

Since its inception in 1993 with the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, the brand has been recognized throughout the world for its exciting and humorous adventures that feature ordinary teenagers who "morph" into superheroes and call upon their robotic Zords and Megazords in the fight against evil. With Power Rangers now in its 20th season, Bandai America is once again bringing authenticity from the series to the shelf, by delivering unique show elements into the various play patterns of the toy line. In Power Rangers Megaforce, the Rangers use Power Cards in their fight against evil. Bandai has ensured that every toy in the line comes with at least one Power Card with multiple ways to play.

"These Power Cards provide a great feature to connect with the history of this iconic series," said Brehan Maul , Senior Director Brand Management of Bandai America Incorporated. "Every Ranger from the past will be represented in the hundreds of Power Cards we are making available through our toy line, Acton Card Game and promotional partnerships."

The Power Cards can be used with multiple role-play items to unlock show accurate sound effects. Kids can collect Power Cards of their favorite Rangers from the past to play the Power Rangers Action Card Game, the first-ever Power Ranger trading card game featuring all the Rangers from the Power Rangers universe. Additionally, kids can bring their Power Cards to life with the Power Rangers Card Scanner App available for download on smartphones and tablets. This free app allows the consumer to scan their Power Cards to unlock videos of that character in action.

For fans of the classic Mighty Morphin Power Ranger series, Bandai will be bringing back some legendary items with a new twist. This year, fans will see the release of an updated version of the original Mighty Morphin Morpher and the Mighty Morphin Megazord, both with die-cast parts. Additionally, classic Ranger chase figures will be seeded throughout the line in almost every scale and style.

Highlights in the Power Rangers Megaforce toy line by Bandai are:

-- Deluxe Gosei Morpher (SRP $29.99)

Harness the power of the Gosei Morpher and unlock the secrets of the Power Cards. Featuring lights and sounds, this Morpher opens up to allow the placement of a Power Card that unlocks unique sounds and phrases – just like in the TV series. It comes with 10 Power Cards, 5 of which feature legendary Rangers from the past 19 seasons. Collect additional Power Cards to unlock even more sounds and phrases – over 180! Download the Power Rangers Card Scanner App on your smartphone or tablet for a deeper second screen experience!

-- Zord Builder™ System (Deluxe Megazord (SRP $34.99), Deluxe Zord Vehicle with Figure (SRP $24.99), Zord Vehicle with Figure (SRP $14.99), Zord Cycle with Figure (SRP $12.99)) (each sold separately)

Historically, one of the most unique and compelling features of the Power Rangers line has been and continues to be our ZordBuilder collection which includes Megazords, Zord Vehicles, and Zord Cycles. The presence of the universal connection point characteristic to this system throughout the line makes it easy for kids to pick up, play and create! For the 20th anniversary of Power Rangers, Bandai has created one extra connection point to each of these new Zord Builder toys for added play value that lets kids build even bigger Zord combinations.

-- Figures
6.5" Ultra Morphin Ranger Figure (SRP $12.99)

The development of these new Ultra Morphin Ranger Figures was inspired by the original head-morphin feature, which was present in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toy line in 1993. For the 20th Anniversary, Bandai has adopted a new take on this fun feature – kids can now power up their Ranger by pushing a button. This allows the chest armor to open up and morph into Ultra mode.

Armored Might Figure (SRP $16.99)

When the battle rages take the action to the next level by attaching the armor and multiple weapons to your Armored Might Figure! The figure comes with a ton of battle gear for an even more extensive play pattern and value. Each figure also features over 20 points of articulation to create the most realistic and amazing battle poses. As a celebration of the 20th Anniversary, these figures come in Megaforce and Mighty Morphin styles.

-- BattleFire Ultra Gosei Great Megazord (SRP $44.99)

Battle evil wherever it may lurk with the ultra-powerful BattleFire Ultra Gosei Great Megazord! When the battle gets big, the Rangers summon all of their Zords together to morph into this powerful weapon. Command and control the action by using your voice! Fire up to 15 Zord missiles utilizing the innovative voice recognition technology or the included manual trigger. Lights and sounds. Target your enemies to save the day!

About Saban's Power Rangers Megaforce

Power Rangers Megaforce is the all-new season of the No.1 live-action kids action series on television. The new series, which airs Saturdays at 1p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, delivers mega action, humor, excitement and entertainment, in addition to the core themes of friendship, teamwork, fitness, and helping others. Power Rangers Megaforce premieres as Saban Brands celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers franchise, which is helmed by Haim Saban , who created and produced the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States. The series followed the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morphed" into superheroes. It was seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and was a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. SCG Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands . For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

About Bandai America Incorporated

A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children's imaginative spirit and provide endless "Fun For The Future," Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Power Rangers®, Ben 10™ and Little Battlers eXperience™, among other boys, girls, preschool and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Amusement Facility and Contents. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at www.Bandai.com.

About Saban Brands

Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) was established to acquire and develop a world-class portfolio of properties and capitalize on the company's experience, track record and capabilities in growing and monetizing consumer brands through content, media and marketing. SB applies a strategic transmedia management approach to enhancing and extending its brands in markets worldwide and to consumers of all ages. The company provides full-service management, marketing, promotion and strategic business development for its intellectual properties including comprehensive strategies unique to each brand, trademark and copyright management and enforcement, creative design, retail development, direct-to-consumer initiatives and specialized property extensions. SB is led by a superior management team with decades of experience in media, content creation, branding, licensing, marketing and finance. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

TM and © 2013 SCG Power Rangers LLC. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
Bandai logo: ® and © 2013 Bandai. Ben 10: TM & © CARTOON NETWORK. LBX: ©L5/PDS•TX

SOURCE Bandai America Incorporated

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bandai.com.

Nickelodeon Launches Brand New Limited-Edition "Dora Rocks!" Product Line, Exclusively Available At Target Stores Across The USA!

Nickelodeon has announced in the following Nickelodeon Press Release from PRNewswire the Nickelodeon News that, an exclusive apparel, toy and specialty goods line inspired by "Dora Rocks!", the brand music-themed half-hour primetime special based on Nickelodeon Preschool's Emmy award-winning animated preschool series "Dora the Explorer", which premiered on Nick USA in January 2013.

Available now exclusively at Target stores across North America and on Target.com until April 2013, the new "Dora Rocks!" product line features a array of musical elements, vivid colors and a fresh new outfit for Dora. The "Dora Rocks!" merchandise line features an array of themed products, only available at Target, including exclusive apparel and accessories such as T-shirts, backpacks, shoes and more, a DVD package, distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, featuring the direct-to-DVD release of "Dora Rocks!", "Dora Rocks! Music from the Special & More" CD featuring 12 upbeat tracks including the series theme song and tunes from the television special, and "Dora Rocks!" themed bedding, toys, games, headphones, musical instruments, books and activities.

In "Dora Rocks," Benny has a sing-along party where he and Dora perform a special song together. Before they arrive at Benny's Barn, Dora and Boots must use a microphone for the animals to create a rocky avalanche to cross Rumble Canyon. When they discover that Benny forgot to send out invitations to his party, they use the microphone again to call all of their friends to the barn for the sing-along.

To accompany the brand new "Dora The Explorer" television special, "Dora Rocks!", Nickelodeon's award-winning website, www.nickjr.com, offers parents and preschoolers the opportunity to learn more about the "Dora Rocks!" special and print out exclusive activities such as a musical learning pack, make your own microphone, puppet theatre, and much more. Parents are also able to submit videos of their kids rocking out to the song from the special for a chance to see them in a music video on TV and on the website. The website also features a brand new online game for kids called "Dora Rocks!: A Sing-Along Party Game" and a Dora fan club sweepstakes giving away the ultimate music party, plus other exclusive "Dora Rocks!" prizes:
Nickelodeon Launches Dora Rocks! New Limited-Edition Product Line

Preschoolers, Get Ready to Rock Out!

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2013 /Nick Press Release via PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon today [Tuesday 5th February 2013] announced an exclusive apparel, toy and specialty goods line inspired by Dora Rocks!, the music-themed half-hour primetime special which premiered in January. Available now exclusively at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com through April, the product line features musical elements, vivid colors and a fresh new outfit for Dora. Emmy award-winning Dora the Explorer currently reaches more preschoolers than any other show on television (12.4 million), and averages a 4.9/661,000 K2-5 and 1.5 million total viewers.

"We are excited to bring the Dora Rocks! experience to Target's guests," said Ron Johnson , senior vice president of Retail Development, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "Dora Rocks! extends the interactivity kids and parents have come to expect from the show, bringing Dora into their homes with specially designed products."

Dora Rocks! features an array of themed products, only available at Target, including:

* Exclusive apparel and accessories such as T-shirts, backpacks, shoes and more

* A DVD package, distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment, featuring the direct-to-DVD release of "Dora Rocks!"

* Dora Rocks! Music from the Special & More CD featuring 12 upbeat tracks including the series theme song and tunes from the television special

* Dora Rocks! themed bedding, toys, games, headphones, musical instruments, books and activities.

In "Dora Rocks," Benny has a sing-along party where he and Dora perform a special song together. Before they arrive at Benny's Barn, Dora and Boots must use a microphone for the animals to create a rocky avalanche to cross Rumble Canyon. When they discover that Benny forgot to send out invitations to his party, they use the microphone again to call all of their friends to the barn for the sing-along.

Nickelodeon's award-winning website, www.nickjr.com, offers parents and preschoolers the opportunity to learn more about the "Dora Rocks!" special and print out activities like a musical learning pack, make your own microphone, puppet theatre, and much more. Parents are able to submit videos of their kids rocking out to the song from the special for a chance to see them in a music video on TV and on the website. The website features a brand new online game for kids, Dora Rocks!: A Sing-Along Party Game and a Dora fan club sweepstakes giving away the ultimate music party, plus other Dora Rocks! prizes.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com.

Nickelodeon's Educational Preschool App "Nick Jr Draw & Play" And Nick Jr. UK's Animated Preschool Series "Dinosaur Train" Win At The 2013 iKids Awards!

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen's 'iKids' column the great Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon's educational preschool smartphone and tablet app "Nick Jr Draw & Play" was named the "Best Learning App" at the 2013 iKids Awards ceremony, the 1st annual iKids Awards which was held on Monday 4th February 2013 in New York, USA! Congratulations, Nickelodeon!

In addition, the official website of Nick Jr. UK's "Dinosaur Train", a CGI-animated preschool series which was created by Craig Bartlett, the creator of the popular Classic Nickelodeon original animated series (Nicktoon) "Hey Arnold!", and is produced by The Jim Henson Company, won the "Best Website (Preschool)" award at the inaugural iKids Awards.

In Nick Junior's "Draw & Play" app, kids can team up with Dora the Explorer, Diego ("Go, Diego, Go!"), Team Umizoomi and the Bubble Guppies to create amazing artwork. "Nick Jr Draw and Play" combines intuitive and easy to use drawing, coloring and painting tools with a set of magical effects that children can use to create amazing artwork! Animated stickers, magic wands, spinning splatter-tops, fireworks, bouncing balls and surprise blocks go together to make interactive creations that they can play with again and again. Guided-play activities include Picture Ideas, and parents can share their child's artwork via email and Facebook. Features include:

* Easy to use interface with 8 different brushes for drawing and painting
* 75 animated stickers with Dora the explorer, Milli, Geo and Bot of Team Umizoomi, and the Bubble Guppies
* Fireworks, Splatter Tops, Magic Wands and Surprise Blocks to create amazing effects in your pictures
* Picture ideas to help jump-start your child's imagination
* Animated Tutorials
* Airplay
* Sharing for parents via email and Facebook
* Parental Controls

The iKids Awards is a brand new awards show designed to celebrate the best digital offerings for preschoolers and kids ages six and up. The 2013 iKids winners were selected unanimously by a panel of five industry judges per category and were whittled down from 134 entries:
Winner of inaugural iKids Awards announced

Fifteen companies across web, mobile and video were recognized this evening at the first annual iKids Awards held in New York today. The awards, designed to celebrate the best digital offerings for preschoolers and kids ages six and up, precede the annual Kidscreen Awards that will take place this Wednesday at Kidscreen Summit. The 2013 iKids winners were selected unanimously by a panel of five industry judges per category and were whittled down from 134 entries.

And the winners are:

PRESCHOOL

Best Website
Dinosaur Train
The Jim Henson Company

Best Web/App Series
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse—Road Rally Appisode
Disney/ABC Television Group Digital Media

Best Learning App
Nick Jr. Draw and Play
Nickelodeon

Best Game App
Colorforms Revolution HD
Out of the Blue Digital

Best eBook
Sid the Science Kid Read & Play
The Jim Henson Company

Best Console Video Game
Sesame Street: Elmo's Musical Monsterpiece
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Best Streaming Video Platform
Kidobi
Kidobi

KIDS (6 AND UP)

Best Website
Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse
Mattel

Best Web/App Series
Om Nom Stories
zeptolab

Best Learning App
Whole Wide World
Fingerprint

Best Game App
Toca Tailor
Toca Boca

Best eBook
Crayola Ruckus Reader
Ruckus Media Group

Best Console Video Game
Skylanders Giants
Activision/Toys for Bob

Best Handheld Video Game
Skylanders Giants
Activision/Toys for Bob

Best Streaming Video Platform
Cartoon Network App
Cartoon Network

Tags: apps, digital media, iKids, iKids Awards, web

The Foundation And High1 Form Content Collaboration; To Include Nick Jr.'s Upcoming CGI-Animated Preschool Series "Quick, Quack, Duck!"

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen's 'iKids' column has announced the animation news that the Zodiak Kids-owned children's television production company The Foundation (Nickelodeon UK's "Summer in Transylvania" and Nick Junior's "Tickety Toc") and the Korean animation studio High1 Entertainment will co-develop a three-project slate of children's TV and digital content that will target preschool and tween demographics, including Nickelodeon's upcoming brand new 3D-animated preschool series "Quick, Quack, Duck!", a all-new 52 x 11-minute show that will air on Nick Jr. Channels worldwide, including Nick Jr. in the UK and US:
The Foundation and High1 form content collaboration

Zodiak Kids-owned The Foundation and Korean animation studio High1 Entertainment will co-develop a three-project slate of children’s TV and digital content that will target preschool and tween demographics.

Leading the initiative is a co-production between The Foundation and High1 for Nickelodeon’s 3D-animated preschool series Quick, Quack, Duck! The new projects will be in addition to this 52 x 11-minute series that will air on Nick Jr. Channels Worldwide, including Nick Jr. in the US.

The partnership comes as Zodiak Kids looks to commercialize more content in the digital space, as High1 will invest, develop and service the innovative digital assets that will form part of these properties.

Tags: High1 Entertainment, The Foundation, Zodiak Kids

"Monster High" Grows While Mattel Misses Wall Street Expectations In Q4

From the children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen:
Monster High grows while Mattel misses Wall Street expectations in Q4

Toyco [toy company] Mattel's 4Q net income fell 17%, due to the payment of US$137.8 million to cover compensation and punitive damages to MGA Entertainment to satisfy the judgement of ongoing litigation over the Bratz brand.

The El Segundo, California-based company earned US$306.5 million in the final quarter, compared to US$370.6 million over the same period last year. For the year, net sales were US$6.42 billion, representing a 2% growth over the previous year’s number. Revenue rose 5% to US$2.26 billion for the year, but missed Wall Street analysts expectations which were around $2.3 billion.

A bright spot for the company is the continued growth of the Monster High program. It is primarily responsible for the 5% bump in sales over last year for the Mattel Girls & Boys Brands business unit. The unit grossed US$1.41 billion, while Barbie sales were down 4% and the Wheels business, which includes Hot Wheels brand and Tyco R/C was down 1% from last year. Worldwide gross sales for the Entertainment sector were down 21%, due to a decrease in Cars 2 merchandise sales.

Last week, Mattel’s chief rival Hasbro also announced that its 4Q failed to meet expectations.

Tags: Bratz, financial reports, Mattel, Monster High

Bardel Enterainment Taps Frank Saperstein As Executive Producer

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the news in the following article that, through his company Surprise Bag, Emmy-nominated Frank Saperstein, who, among his credits, worked on Nickelodeon's classic original animated series (Nicktoon) "The Ren & Stimpy Show", will work with the Canadian animation and digital media studio Bardel Enterainment, who provides animation production services for many popular Nickelodeon shows, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", "Fanboy & Chum Chum", "Planet Sheen", Nickelodeon's upcoming animated series "Monsters Vs Aliens", and Nick Jr.'s popular animated preschool series "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!", to create and distribute new proprietary animated productions:
Bardel taps Frank Saperstein as executive producer

Through his company Surprise Bag, Emmy-nominated Frank Saperstein will work with Canadian animation and digital media studio Bardel Enterainment to create and distribute new proprietary animated productions.

Saperstein, who has worked on such properties as Ren & Stimpy and Kong, will serve as Bardel’s executive producer under a non-exclusive partnership agreement.

Prior to launching his own company, Saperstein most recently served as SVP of Family Television at Entertainment One Group. Surprise Bag currently creates, develops, produces and distributes content worldwide.

At the moment, Bardel is co-producting the preschool series Lah Lah's Adventures with Stella Productions in Australia and a primetime animated series entitled Mother Up! with Breakthrough Films and Mass Animation.

Through the partnership with Surprise Bag, Bardel hopes to amplify its creative animation services as well. The studio’s current service contracts include Teenage Mutant Turtles and Monsters Vs Aliens for Nickelodeon, Teen Titans for Warner Bros. and The Alphabet Factory for LeapFrog.

Tags: Bardel Entertainment, eOne, Frank Saperstein

Flair Plc's New "Xcardz" Television Advertisement Gives Harlow Schoolboy A Taste For The Spying Game; Currently Airing On Nickelodeon UK

From the Harlow Star:
TV ad gives Harlow schoolboy a taste for the spying game

WATCH out, Daniel Craig – eight-year-old George Berry has set his sights on playing James Bond after starring as a super-suave spy in a new television advert.

George starring in the new ad

The [...] Primary School pupil beat competition from hundreds of other hopefuls to become the face of new boys' toy Xcardz – a spy card creation station that allows would-be secret agents to make and laminate their own top secret sleuthing IDs.

The ad is currently being shown on children's TV channel Nickelodeon and proud mum Joanne Berry (37), of Standingford, Harlow, hopes it will prove to be the big break her acting-mad son deserves.

"He’s determined to follow a career in film and television, and he’s worked so hard to get where he is already," she said.

"It’s every young boy’s dream to be a secret agent, so he was thrilled to land the part. "Who knows, one day we might even see him playing James Bond on the big screen!"

George is hoping to launch a successful career in film and TV

A member of local theatre school Stagetime Academy, George has already starred in adverts for McDonald’s and this year appeared alongside Bollywood legend Shaheer Khan in romantic comedy Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Niesha Dell, George’s drama teacher at Stagetime, said they were very proud of their young protégé.

"George has been with us since we started in 2011 and has always worked incredibly hard," she told the Star. "He’s naturally very gifted and it’s been our job to try and help him turn that raw talent into success.

"We’re all very proud of him, and expect big things for him in the future."

To watch George’s advert, log on to www.flairplc.co.uk/brands/Xcardz/.

Wall Street Cautiously Optimistic About LeapFrog Q4

From All Things Digital:
Wall Street Cautiously Optimistic About LeapFrog Q4

With three out of four of the best-selling digital toys of the last year, LeapFrog is expected by Wall Street to announce solid fourth-quarter returns today (Wednesday 6th February 2013), buoyed by robust holiday sales. Analysts are looking for the Emeryville, Calif., educational toy company to earn 49 cents a share on revenue of $223 million in the period.

Strong Q4 earnings are typical, since LeapFrog usually has strong seasonal sales. This year, its LeapPad 2 sold out on Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart at the full $99 price.

The performance is a small beacon of light in the overall flagging state of the toy sector, which is quickly shifting to digital products, such as the tablets that LeapFrog makes.

With an increasingly tech-savvy generation of children to satisfy, LeapFrog is in a comfortable position to focus on considerable expansion in 2013, particularly internationally. It recently inked deals with Viacom International Media Networks to expand its Nickelodeon content to overseas markets in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

LeapFrog will have to invest in substantial R&D in 2013, and it faces more competition, as other kid-centric tablets have flooded the market recently.

LeapFrog will announce its fourth-quarter results at 2 pm PT.

Tagged with: children, education, fourth quarter, LeapFrog, LeapPad 2, Mattel, Q4, toy
Also, from the Peninsula Press:
With three of nation’s top four digital toys, LeapFrog reports strong sales

The LeapPad 2 was one of the nation’s top-selling digital toys last year.

Thanks to the popularity of its educational products like the LeapPad 2 and Leapster GS, LeapFrog Enterprises (NYSE: LF) reported robust fourth quarter and year-end sales.

The Emeryville-based company had three out of the four best-selling digital toys last year and was dubbed the leader in educational entertainment by retail tracker, NPD Group. With an additional boost by healthy holiday sales, the toymakers posted consistently robust year-end results throughout 2012. Full 2012 net sales hit $581.3 million, up 28% from last year’s $455.1 million. The company reported year-end net income of $86.6 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, compared to $19.9 million, or 30 cents per share, for 2011.

For the eighth straight quarter, LeapFrog beat analyst expectations, Fourth quarter net sales were $244.7 million, a 16 percent increase from $210.2 million this time last year. The company also reported net income of $62.3 million, or 89 cents per share, compared to $32.8 million, or 49 cents per share, for the same period a year ago. Excluding one-time charges for deferred tax assets, the company reported adjusted earnings of 60 cents per share. Analysts had expected returns of 48 cents per share.

Strong earnings are typical for the fourth quarter, since LeapFrog usually has strong seasonal sales. Despite Black Friday’s usual promotional pricing, the LeapPad 2 sold out on Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us and Walmart at the full $99 price.

LeapFrog designs educational platforms for children. Its line of child-targeted tablets have been a hit on the market with the LeapPad 2, LeapPad Explorer and several other products among the top 10 toys sold in the U.S. last year. While LeapFrog faces increasing competition from other kid-friendly tablets, Chief Executive Officer John Barbour said he is confident in his products’ appeal.

“Most parents know that taking a cheap adult tablets putting a colorful rubber bumper around it and filling it with free, fuzzy apps and Wi-Fi access does not create a true learning experience that will significantly prepare children for a competitive future,” he said on the company’s earnings call with analyts. He also dismissed analyst concerns regarding LeapFrog’s increased inventory balance, attributing it to advanced production for 2013 as well as old, outdated products on their way out.

Another one of the company’s driving forces was its content sales both independently and through third parties. Though LeapFrog produces its original products, it has branded movies and apps for sale through outside vendors like iTunes.

LeapFrog’s performance is a small beacon of light in the overall flagging state of the toy sector, which is quickly moving to digital products, such as the tablets that LeapFrog makes. Industry giants Hasbro and Mattel have yet to adapt to the shifts and are paying the price. Hasbro warned of disappointing fourth quarter reports while Mattel’s fell slightly below analyst expectations.

With an increasingly tech-savvy generation of children to satisfy, LeapFrog is in a comfortable position to focus on considerable expansion in 2013, particularly internationally. It recently inked deals with Viacom International Media Networks to expand its Nickelodeon content to overseas markets in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

“International grew much faster than the U.S. in 2012 and I think this will happen this year even though some of their Spanish projects won’t come out for a year, year and a half,” said Edward Woo, a senior research analyst at Ascendiant Capital Markets LLC.

Two days before LeapFrog announced earnings, Ascendiant downgraded its stock from “strong buy” to “buy.” After today’s earnings call, Woo maintains Ascendiant’s stance.

“We like the company overall but there are a few concerns we have with the competition,” he said. “It’s difficult to do in the toy business, to keep repeating other hot products.”

LeapFrog will have to invest substantialy in R&D in 2013, I as it faces more competition, with other kid-centric tablets flooding the market recently.

“They are investing for international growth and expansion but you really won’t see any of that come to fruition until 2014,” said Michael Swartz, Vice President of Equity Research at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. “You won’t have them in time for the ’13 holiday season.”

Looking ahead, the company said it expected sales to rise 10 percent in the first quarter.

LeapFrog shares traded up 2.98 percent midday Thursday after earnings were reported to $8.99 at the 4pm close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares rose 5.23 percent in after hours trading to $9.46. On Friday, the stock closed down at $8.79 per share.

Nickelodeon Global Publishing Announces Major International e-Book Deals

The licensing news website Licensing.biz is reporting the Nickelodeon News in the following article that the Nickelodeon Global Publishing division of the world's best kids' brand has inked major new eBook deals to bring Nickelodeon's original animated Nickelodeon show (Nicktoons) "SpongeBob SquarePants" and Nickelodeon Preschool's popular original animated preschool series "Dora The Explorer" to Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets and apps and Barnes & Noble's Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets in international markets.

Under the international Amazon deal, there will be 21 English language titles available across the company's websites, and ten German language titles. Dozens more titles and language versions are slated for release through 2013 and will include content from across Nickelodeon's property portfolio.

The Barnes & Noble deal has also launched to bring all 21 Dora and SpongeBob titles to Nook customers in the UK, including three exclusive Nook Kids Read and Play versions, featuring audio and interactive elements.

In addition, Nickelodeon Global Publishing has announced that they will also be expanding its distribution across other platforms and retail outlets:
Nickelodeon Global Publishing inks major e-book deals

Agreements for Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants secured for Kindle Fire and Nook HD.

Nickelodeon Global Publishing has launched a number of Dora the Explorer and Spongebob Squarepants e-books into international markets.

Deals have been secured for Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets and apps, as well as Barnes & Noble's Nook HD and Nook HD+ tablets.

Under the international Amazon deal, there are 21 English language titles available across the firm's websites, and ten German language titles.

Dozens more titles and language versions are slated for release through 2013 and will include content from across Nickelodeon's property portfolio.

The Barnes & Noble deal has also launched to bring all 21 Dora and Spongebob Squarepants titles to Nook customers in the UK. This includes three exclusive Nook Kids Read and Play versions, featuring audio and interactive elements.

In addition, Nickelodeon Global Publishing will also be expanding its distribution across other platforms and retail outlets.

Tags: amazon, barnes & noble, dora the explorer, kindle fire, nickelodeon global publishing, nook hd, spongebob squarepants