Marvel beats Street despite weak Q4

February 27, 2007 Marvel Entertainment, whose new film unit begins principal photography March 12 on "Iron Man," its first self-produced film, said Monday that its fourth-quarter profit fell from $25.9 million a year ago to $11.7 million. Marvel posted an increase from publishing sales and toy sales, though not from licensing, hurt by falling revenue from its Spider-Man joint venture with Sony Corp. In addition, Marvel last year benefited from the inclusion of a $50 million license fee with video game maker Activision Inc. Marvel chairman Morton Handel said Monday that its latest movie resulting from a licensing agreement, "Ghost Rider," has earned $76 million at the domestic boxoffice since its Feb. 16 release and $95 million worldwide.

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