Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mattel, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Mattel”). All wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated and included in Mattel’s consolidated financial statements. Mattel does not have any minority stock ownership interests in which it has a controlling financial interest that would require consolidation. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Cash and Equivalents

Cash and equivalents include short-term investments, which are highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Credit is granted to customers on an unsecured basis. Credit limits and payment terms are established based on extensive evaluations made on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year of the financial performance, cash generation, financing availability, and liquidity status of each customer. Customers are reviewed at least annually, with more frequent reviews performed as necessary, based on the customer’s financial condition and the level of credit being extended. For customers who are experiencing financial difficulties, management performs additional financial analyses before shipping to those customers on credit. 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.

Mattel records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s assessment of the business environment, customers’ financial condition, historical collection experience, accounts receivable aging, and customer disputes.

Inventories

Inventories, net of an allowance for excess quantities and obsolescence, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory allowances are charged to cost of sales and establish a lower cost basis for the inventory. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 10 to 30 years for buildings, 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 10 to 20 years, not to exceed the lease term, for leasehold improvements. Tools, dies, and molds are amortized using the straight-line method over 3 years. Estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed and, where appropriate, changes are made prospectively. The carrying value of property, plant, and equipment is reviewed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Any potential impairment identified is assessed by evaluating the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying assets. When property is sold or retired, the cost of the property and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheet and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, which are either at the operating segment level or one reporting level below the operating segment, for purposes of evaluating whether goodwill is impaired. Mattel’s reporting units are: Mattel Girls Brands US, Mattel Boys Brands US, Fisher-Price Brands US, American Girl Brands, and International. Mattel tests goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may exceed its fair value.

Mattel tests its nonamortizable intangible assets, including trademarks and trade names, for impairment by comparing the estimated fair values of the nonamortizable intangible assets with the carrying values. Mattel tests nonamortizable intangible assets for impairment annually in the third quarter, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may exceed its fair value. The fair value of trademark and trade name intangibles is measured using a multi-period royalty savings method, which reflects the savings realized by owning the trademarks and trade names, and thus not having to pay a royalty fee to a third party.

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 recovered.

Foreign Currency Translation Exposure

Mattel’s reporting currency is the US dollar. The translation of its net investment in subsidiaries with non-US dollar functional currencies subjects Mattel to currency exchange rate fluctuations in its results of operations and financial position. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-US dollar functional currencies are translated into US dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income, expense, and cash flow items are translated at weighted average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity. Mattel’s primary currency translation exposures in 2011 were related to its net investment in entities having functional currencies denominated in the Euro, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, and British pound sterling.

Foreign Currency Transaction Exposure

Currency exchange rate fluctuations may 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 in the consolidated statement of operations. Gains and losses on unhedged intercompany loans and advances are recorded as a component of other non-operating income/expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the currency exchange rate changes. Inventory transactions denominated in the Euro, British pound sterling, Mexican peso, Brazilian real, and Indonesian rupiah were the primary transactions that cause foreign currency transaction exposure for Mattel in 2011.

Derivative Instruments

Mattel uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts as cash flow hedges primarily to hedge its purchases and sales of inventory denominated in foreign currencies. At the inception of the contracts, Mattel designates these derivatives as cash flow hedges and documents the relationship of the hedge to the underlying transaction. Hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and throughout the life of the hedge to ensure the hedge qualifies for hedge accounting. Changes in fair value associated with hedge ineffectiveness, if any, are recorded in the results of operations. Changes in fair value of cash flow hedge derivatives are deferred and recorded as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity until the underlying transaction affects earnings. In the event that an anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur, Mattel recognizes the change in fair value of the derivative in its results of operations in the period the determination is made.

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 does not use hedge accounting for these contracts, and as such, changes in fair value are recorded in the period of change in the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition and Sales Adjustments

Revenue is recognized upon shipment or upon receipt of products by the customer, depending on terms, provided that: there are no uncertainties regarding customer acceptance; persuasive evidence of an agreement exists documenting the specific terms of the transaction; the sales price is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. Management assesses the business environment, the customer’s financial condition, historical collection experience, accounts receivable aging, and customer disputes to determine whether collectibility is reasonably assured. If collectibility is not considered reasonably assured at the time of sale, Mattel does not recognize revenue until collection occurs. Value added taxes are recorded on a net basis, and are excluded from revenue. 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 are based primarily on customer purchases, customer performance of specified promotional activities, and other specified factors such as sales to consumers. The costs of these programs are recorded as sales adjustments that reduce gross revenue in the period the related revenue is recognized.

Advertising and Promotion Costs

Costs of media advertising are expensed the first time the advertising takes place, except for direct-response advertising, which is capitalized and amortized over its expected period of future benefits. Direct-response advertising consists primarily of catalog production and mailing costs, which are generally amortized within three months from the date the catalogs are mailed.

Product Recalls and Withdrawals

Mattel establishes a reserve for product recalls and withdrawals on a product-specific basis when circumstances giving rise to the recall or withdrawal become known. Facts and circumstances related to the recall or withdrawal, including where the product affected by the recall or withdrawal is located (e.g., with consumers, in customers’ inventory, or in Mattel’s inventory), cost estimates for shipping and handling for returns, cost estimates for communicating the recall or withdrawal to consumers and customers, and cost estimates for parts and labor if the recalled or withdrawn product is deemed to be repairable, are considered when establishing a product recall or withdrawal reserve. These factors are updated and reevaluated each period and the related reserves are adjusted when these factors indicate that the recall or withdrawal reserve is either not sufficient to cover or exceeds the estimated product recall or withdrawal expenses.

Design and Development Costs

Product design and development costs primarily include employee compensation and outside services, and are charged to the results of operations as incurred.

Employee Benefit Plans

Mattel and certain of its subsidiaries have retirement and other postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees of these companies. Actuarial valuations are used in determining amounts recognized in the financial statements for certain retirement and other postretirement benefit plans (see “Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Employee Benefit Plans”).

Share-Based Payments

Mattel recognizes the cost of employee share-based payment awards on a straight-line attribution basis over the requisite employee service period, net of estimated forfeitures. In determining when additional tax benefits associated with share-based payment exercises are recognized, Mattel follows the ordering of deductions under the tax law, which allows deductions for share-based payment exercises to be utilized before previously existing net operating loss carryforwards.

Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the measurement date requires judgment, including estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise, the associated volatility, and the expected dividends. Mattel estimates the fair value of options granted using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The expected life of the options used in this calculation is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding and has been determined based on historical exercise experience. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of Mattel’s stock for a period approximating the expected life, the expected dividend yield is based on Mattel’s most recent actual annual dividend payout, and the risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on US Treasury zero-coupon issues approximating the expected life. Judgment is also required in estimating the amount of share-based awards that will be forfeited prior to vesting.

Income Taxes

Certain income and expense items are accounted for differently for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory income tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

In the normal course of business, Mattel is regularly audited by federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. The ultimate settlement of any particular issue with the applicable taxing authority could have a material impact on Mattel’s consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in US GAAP and IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 clarifies some existing concepts, eliminates wording differences between US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and in some limited cases, changes some principles to achieve convergence between US GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 results in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between US GAAP and IFRS. ASU 2011-04 also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. ASU 2011-04 will be effective for Mattel for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Mattel does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-04 to have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, which defers specific requirements to present reclassification adjustments for each component of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 will be retroactively effective for Mattel for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Mattel does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-05 to have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. ASU 2011-08 will be effective for Mattel for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Mattel does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-08 to have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosure about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires an entity to include additional disclosures about financial instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position, as well as financial instruments subject to a master netting agreement or similar arrangement. ASU 2011-11 will be retroactively effective for Mattel for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Mattel does not expect the adoption of ASU 2011-11 to have a material effect on its operating results or financial position.

Note 2—Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The change in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit for 2011 and 2010 is shown below. Brand-specific goodwill held by foreign subsidiaries is allocated to the US reporting units selling those brands, thereby causing foreign currency translation impact to the US reporting units.

In 2011, Mattel performed the annually required impairment tests and determined that its goodwill was not impaired. Mattel has not recorded any goodwill impairment subsequent to its initial adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-20, Goodwill, on January 1, 2002.

Identifiable intangibles include the following:

In October 2010, Mattel acquired the intellectual property rights related to Phase 10^® for $15.8 million, including acquisition costs, which is included within amortizable identifiable intangibles.

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 value may exceed its fair value. During 2011 and 2010, Mattel performed the annual impairment tests and determined that its nonamortizable intangible assets were not impaired. However, during 2011, for one of Mattel’s nonamortizable intangible assets with a carrying value of approximately $113 million, the fair value did not exceed the carrying value by a significant margin. Future changes in estimates resulting in lower than currently anticipated future cash flows and fair value could negatively affect the valuation, which may result in Mattel recognizing an impairment charge in the future.

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. As a result of these impairment tests, Mattel recorded an impairment charge of approximately $8 million during 2010, which is reflected within other selling and administrative expenses. Amortizable intangible assets were determined to not be impaired during 2011.

Note 3—Income Taxes

Consolidated pre-tax income consists of the following:

The provision (benefit) for current and deferred income taxes consists of the following:

Deferred income taxes are provided principally for tax credit carryforwards, research and development expenses, net operating loss carryforwards, employee compensation-related expenses and certain other reserves that are recognized in different years for financial statement and income tax reporting purposes. Mattel’s deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are composed of the following:

Net deferred income tax assets are reported in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

As of December 31, 2011, Mattel has federal and foreign loss carryforwards totaling $140.4 million and tax credit carryforwards of $124.4 million, which does not include carryforwards that do not meet the threshold for recognition in the financial statements. Utilization of these loss and tax credit carryforwards is subject to annual limitations. Mattel’s loss and tax credit carryforwards expire in the following periods:

Management considered all available evidence under existing tax law and anticipated expiration of tax statutes and determined that a valuation allowance of $38.0 million was required as of December 31, 2011 for those loss and tax credit carryforwards that are not expected to provide future tax benefits. In addition, management determined that a valuation allowance of $4.3 million was required as of December 31, 2011 for those deferred tax assets for which there is not sufficient evidence as to its ultimate utilization, primarily related to certain foreign affiliates. Changes in the valuation allowance for 2011 include increases in the valuation allowance for 2011 foreign losses without benefits, and decreases in the valuation allowance for expiration and projected utilization of tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. Management believes it is more-likely-than-not that Mattel will generate sufficient taxable income in the appropriate future periods to realize the benefit of the remaining net deferred income tax assets of $542.8 million. Changes in enacted tax laws, audits in various jurisdictions around the world, settlements or acquisitions, could negatively impact Mattel’s ability to fully realize all of the benefits of its remaining net deferred tax assets.

Differences between the provision for income taxes at the US federal statutory income tax rate and the provision in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

In assessing whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized in its financial statements, Mattel first determines whether it is more-likely-than-not (a greater than 50 percent likelihood) that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, Mattel presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. For tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, Mattel measures the amount of benefit recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Mattel recognizes unrecognized tax benefits in the first financial reporting period in which information becomes available indicating that such benefits will more-likely-than-not be realized.

Mattel records unrecognized tax benefits for US federal, state, local, and foreign tax positions related primarily to transfer pricing, tax credits claimed, tax nexus, and apportionment. For each reporting period, management applies a consistent methodology to measure unrecognized tax benefits and all unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed periodically and adjusted as circumstances warrant. Mattel’s measurement of its unrecognized tax benefits is based on management’s assessment of all relevant information, including prior audit experience, the status of current audits, conclusions of tax audits, lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, identification of new issues, and any administrative guidance or developments.

A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Of the $262.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2011, $254.5 million would impact the effective tax rate if recognized, however a valuation allowance would likely be recorded against certain capital losses included in this amount.

During 2011, Mattel recognized $1.4 million of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, which is reflected in provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2011, Mattel had accrued $12.9 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. Of this balance, $12.4 million would impact the effective tax rate if recognized.

In the normal course of business, Mattel is regularly audited by federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities. The IRS is currently auditing Mattel’s 2008 and 2009 federal income tax returns. The IRS audit plan calls for the completion of the current examination in the second quarter of 2012. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the IRS issued several Notices of Proposed Adjustments (“NOPA”) related to its examination. The NOPAs are not final, as the IRS has not issued its final examination report. Mattel is currently in discussions with the IRS in an effort to reach a resolution of all issues. Mattel files multiple state and local income tax returns and remains subject to examination in various of these jurisdictions, including California for the 2005 through 2011 tax years, New York for the 2004 through 2011 tax years, and Wisconsin for the 2008 through 2011 tax years. Mattel files multiple foreign income tax returns and remains subject to examination in major foreign jurisdictions, including Hong Kong and Venezuela for the 2005 through 2011 tax years, and Brazil, Mexico and Netherlands for the 2006 through 2011 tax years. Based on the current status of the IRS audit, there is insufficient information to quantify any significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. Based on the current status of state and foreign audits, Mattel may recognize a benefit of up to approximately $10 million related to the settlement of tax audits and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations in the next twelve months. The ultimate settlement of any particular issue with the applicable taxing authority could have a material impact on Mattel’s consolidated financial statements.

In the first quarter of 2010, Mattel reached a resolution with the IRS regarding all open issues relating to the examination of Mattel’s US federal income tax returns for the years 2006 and 2007. The resolution did not have a material impact on Mattel’s 2010 consolidated financial statements.

In 2011, income was positively impacted by net tax benefits of $6.8 million, primarily related to reassessments of prior years’ tax liabilities based on the status of current audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world, settlements, and enacted tax law changes. In 2010, income was positively impacted by net tax benefits of $16.8 million. The August 2010 enactment of the foreign tax credit provisions in the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act (“EJMA”) will impair Mattel’s ability to utilize certain foreign tax credits expected to be generated in future years, which will provide Mattel with greater capacity in future years to utilize excess foreign tax credit carryfowards from prior years. As a result of the EJMA and other elements of Mattel’s current US tax position, Mattel formalized a plan to repatriate earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries in order to be able to fully utilize excess foreign tax credit carryforwards from prior years. The combination of these events resulted in the recognition of a discrete gross tax benefit of $59.1 million related to the anticipated utilization of excess foreign tax credits carryforwards, for which a valuation allowance had previously been provided, partially offset by a discrete tax expense of $42.9 million related to the incremental cost to repatriate earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries for which taxes had not been previously provided. In addition, Mattel also recognized discrete tax benefits of $0.6 million related to reassessments of prior years’ tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world, settlements, and enacted tax law changes.

The cumulative amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that Mattel intends to indefinitely reinvest and upon which no deferred US income taxes have been provided is approximately $4.5 billion as of December 31, 2011. Management periodically reviews the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and reassesses the intent to indefinitely reinvest such earnings.

The additional US income tax on unremitted foreign earnings, if repatriated, would be offset in part by foreign tax credits. The extent of this offset would depend on many factors, including the method of distribution, and specific earnings distributed.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that tax benefits related to the exercise of nonqualified stock options and vesting of other stock compensation awards be credited to additional paid-in-capital in the period in which such amounts reduce current taxes payable. The exercise of nonqualified stock options and vesting of other stock compensation awards resulted in an increase to additional paid-in-capital for related income tax benefits totaling $24.2 million, $7.5 million, and $36.7 million, in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Note 4—Product Recalls and Withdrawals

During 2007, Mattel recalled products with high-powered magnets that may become dislodged and other products, some of which were produced using non-approved paint containing lead in excess of applicable regulatory and Mattel standards. During the second half of 2007, additional products were recalled, withdrawn from retail stores, or replaced at the request of consumers as a result of safety or quality issues (collectively, the “2007 Product Recalls”). In the second quarter of 2008, Mattel determined that certain products had been shipped into foreign markets in which the products did not meet all applicable regulatory standards for those markets. None of these deficiencies related to lead or magnets. Mattel withdrew these products from retail stores in these markets and, although not required to do so, also withdrew the products from the US and other markets because they did not meet Mattel’s internal standards (the “2008 Product Withdrawal”).

The following table summarizes Mattel’s reserves and reserve activity for the 2007 Product Recalls and the 2008 Product Withdrawal:

Following the announcement of the 2007 Product Recalls, a number of lawsuits were filed against Mattel with respect to the recalled products. During 2009, Mattel recorded charges of $27.4 million, which are included in other selling and administrative expenses, to reserve for the settlement of the product liability-related litigation. During 2010, Mattel reduced its estimate of these settlement costs, which had the effect of reducing other selling and administrative expenses by $8.7 million, primarily based on actual experience under the settlement program. Additionally, Mattel recorded a $4.8 million benefit and $6.0 million benefit during 2010 and 2009, respectively, from insurance recoveries of costs incurred in connection with the product liability-related litigation. During 2011, there were no changes to the reserve estimates for the product liability-related litigation.

On September 30, 2010, Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, voluntarily recalled certain products in the US and international markets. These recalls resulted in a total reduction to operating income of $7.6 million in 2010, which was based on estimates such as the expected levels of affected products at retail and historical consumer return rates.

Although management is not aware of any additional quality or safety issues that are likely to result in material recalls or withdrawals, there can be no assurance that additional issues will not be identified in the future.

Note 5—Restructuring Charges

During 2008, Mattel initiated the first phase of its cost savings program, Global Cost Leadership, which was designed to improve operating efficiencies and leverage Mattel’s global scale to improve profitability and operating cash flows. The major initiatives within the Global Cost Leadership program included:

During 2011, Mattel initiated the second phase of its cost savings program, Operational Excellence 2.0. The major initiatives within the Operational Excellence 2.0 program include:

In connection with these cost savings programs, Mattel recorded severance and other termination-related charges of $14.9 million, $13.0 million, and $31.5 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, which are included within other selling and administrative expenses. The following table summarizes Mattel’s severance and other termination costs activity:

Note 6—Employee Benefit Plans

Mattel and certain of its subsidiaries have qualified and nonqualified retirement plans covering substantially all employees of these companies. These plans include defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution retirement plans, postretirement benefit plans, and deferred compensation and excess benefit plans. In addition, Mattel makes contributions to government-mandated retirement plans in countries outside the US where its employees work.

A summary of retirement plan expense is as follows:

Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

Mattel provides defined benefit pension plans for eligible domestic employees, which are intended to comply with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Some of Mattel’s foreign subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of their eligible employees. Mattel funds these plans in accordance with the terms of the plans and local statutory requirements, which differ for each of the countries in which the subsidiaries are located. Mattel also has unfunded postretirement health insurance plans covering certain eligible domestic employees.

A summary of the components of Mattel’s net periodic benefit cost and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

Net periodic benefit cost for Mattel’s domestic defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans was calculated on January 1 of each year using the following assumptions: