Mattel adjusted profit rises on cost cuts, North America Barbie sales dip

(Reuters) - Mattel Inc reported a rise in adjusted quarterly profit on Thursday as the company kept a tight leash on costs, even as holiday season sales of its flagship Barbie brand in North America were pressured by Hasbro Inc's "Frozen" dolls.The company exceeded its initial 2019 cost-cutting target of $650 million (£498 million) by 35% as Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz looks to improve profitability through job cuts, closing manufacturing facilities and reducing the number of products..