Marvel 3Q report tops estimates

Marvel announced earnings this morning topping analyst expectations, Reuters reports. "It now expects earnings of $2.45 to $2.65 a share on revenue of $640 million to $670 million," the report says. " Marvel had earlier forecast earnings of $1.55 and $1.75 a share for 2008, on sales of $450 million to $480 million. Net profits for 3Q 2008 were $50.6 million on net sales of $182.5 million, or 64¢ a share — more than the 52¢ that had been predicted.

Publishing is a big chunk of Marvel's business, but the piece gets into the contribution from films and licensing. It also says Marvel tried to reduce expectations for 2009.