- Board Authorizes New $100 Million Share Repurchase Program -

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), a global character-based entertainment and licensing company, today reported operating results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2007.

Marvel reported that net income for Q4 2007 rose to $27.6 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, compared to net income of $11.7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in Q4 2006. The net income and EPS increases were largely attributable to the strength of the Company’s worldwide licensing operations and the benefit of higher operating margins in toys. For the full year 2007, Marvel reported net income of $139.8 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, compared to net income of $58.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in fiscal 2006.

Marvel’s Chairman, Morton Handel, commented, “Marvel’s Q4 and full year 2007 operating results reflected strong global demand for consumer products and entertainment based on our characters. We look forward to building on our success with the launch of our self-produced feature film slate and the debut of our first two feature films – Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk – this summer. Consumer excitement surrounding these projects is already significant and growing. Our approach to feature film production is an important new business opportunity for our company. The film slate will provide global exposure for our characters and the Marvel brand and drive growth across our businesses.”

Fourth Quarter Segment Review:
Licensing Segment net sales increased approximately 129% in Q4 2007 to $58.5 million compared to Q4 2006, primarily due to continued strength from Marvel’s Spider-Man merchandising joint venture (JV) with Sony as well as from royalty receipts related to the box office and home video/DVD performance of the Spider-Man 3 theatrical release. Operating margins in the Licensing segment were 57% in Q4 2007, slightly below operating margins of 60% in Q4 2006. Licensing segment operating income in Q4 2007 reflected a charge of $11.5 million associated with talent participations under the JV merchandising program related to Q4 2007 and prior periods.

For more information please click here