Mattel Inc - MAT STOCK NEWS

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products have announced a global, multi-year licensing agreement for DC characters and stories. The partnership grants Mattel worldwide licensing rights to develop and market DC-themed products, including action figures, playsets, accessories, role play items, and adult collectibles, beginning in the second half of 2026.

The agreement encompasses DC's entire character library, including iconic figures like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, and Harley Quinn. This new partnership builds upon Mattel's existing relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery, which already covers over 30 brands including Harry Potter, FRIENDS, Seinfeld, and Ted Lasso across various toy categories.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) has unveiled a new Fisher-Price Barney toy line alongside the launch of Barney's World™, a new animated TV series. The initiative focuses on promoting self-love and enhancing self-esteem in early childhood development.

The product line includes plush toys, role play items, and playsets featuring characters from Barney's World. Key products include the Fisher-Price Barney's World Sensory Barney with textured fabrics and a fidget heart, the Heart Hands Barney with interactive phrases and songs, and the Clean Up Vacuum.

According to a Mattel-commissioned OnePoll survey of 2,000 parents, children begin experiencing self-doubt at approximately 5.6 years old, with 57% of parents concerned about how their own self-doubt might impact their children's confidence. The initiative includes a Parent Companion Guide and a YouTube special, 'Barney's World: I Love Me Too.' The series is available on MAX and Cartoonito, with the toy line exclusively at Walmart.

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) and Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) have announced a new licensing collaboration launching the PLAY-DOH Barbie collection. The product line will debut at Target stores and online in June 2025, followed by wider retail availability in August 2025.

The collection features the PLAY-DOH Barbie Designer Fashion Show Playset, a 2-in-1 runway and design studio with fashion-making tools like ruffle makers and faux fur rollers. The line includes four different playsets in the Designer Dolls Assortment and Designer Pattern Packs with floral, gem, pearl, and bow patterns.

This collaboration was inspired by social media trends combining PLAY-DOH with Barbie dolls. The partnership brings together PLAY-DOH, the #1 reusable modeling compound sold in over 80 countries, with Barbie's 65+ year legacy as a style icon.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) announced Barbie's Black History Month celebration, focusing on empowering Black female fashion designers across generations. The initiative comes as Black designers represent only 7.3% of the fashion industry. Barbie is partnering with the Black in Fashion Council (BIFC) to highlight three emerging Black female designers: Larissa Muehleder, Nia Thomas, and Fumi Egbon.

The partnership includes custom programming at the 2025 ENVSN Festival, featuring interactive sessions, mentorship opportunities, and business fundamentals training. The celebration also marks the 45th anniversary of Black Barbie, with original designer Kitty Black Perkins creating a commemorative doll. Additionally, Barbie collaborated with Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies, for a BarbieStyle Instagram feature and podcast episode.

The initiative includes the launch of the 1980's Black Barbie Collection and Black History Month apparel lines, available through Amazon's online store.

Mattel (MAT) reported strong Q4 2024 results with net sales of $1,646 million, up 2% year-over-year. The company achieved a gross margin of 50.7%, increasing 190 basis points, and operating income of $158 million, up $18 million from the previous year.

For full-year 2024, despite a 1% decline in net sales to $5,380 million, Mattel showed significant profitability improvements with net income reaching $542 million, up $327 million from 2023. The company successfully repurchased $400 million of shares and announced plans for $600 million in share repurchases for 2025.

Hot Wheels led growth in the Vehicles category (+14% in Q4), while Barbie sales declined. The company's 2025 guidance projects 2-3% net sales growth in constant currency, with adjusted EPS expected between $1.66-$1.72.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) launches its '80 Moments for 80 Years' philanthropic campaign to commemorate its 80th anniversary in 2025. The initiative will support over 80 nonprofits globally through the Mattel Children's Foundation, emphasizing the company's commitment to children's right to play.

The campaign includes partnerships with notable organizations across regions: In the US, collaborations include a 20-year partnership with Save the Children, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Girls Inc. EMEA partnerships feature BILD hilft e.V. and Deutsche Kinderkrebsstiftung, while APAC collaborations include Starlight Children's Foundation and Special Olympics Hong Kong.

Key initiatives include Make-A-Wish foundation collaborations, with Hot Wheels (currently the #1 selling toy worldwide) granting special wishes to children. The company will also celebrate International Day of Play in Washington D.C. and host its fifth annual Play it Forward Global Volunteer Week, featuring Camp Mattel at its El Segundo campus.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) has announced its entry into the building sets category with a new brand called Mattel Brick Shop™. The brand was unveiled at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, with the first product line scheduled for global launch in Spring 2024.

The new product line aims to disrupt the building sets market by introducing innovative features, materials, and techniques. Mattel Brick Shop promises quality brick fit, easy-to-follow playbooks, sturdy builds, and features designed to enhance creativity. The brand emphasizes value by offering more surprise features, customization options, and higher piece counts at competitive prices.

The initial product release is set for May, with additional building sets planned for future releases. Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president and global head of vehicles and building sets, highlighted the company's commitment to delivering building sets that exceed expectations through elevated designs and authentic details at accessible price points.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) announced a new Hot Wheels® partnership with Ferrari at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair. This marks the first collaboration between the brands in over 10 years, with the first product launch scheduled for spring 2024. The collection will feature a comprehensive range of Ferrari models, including classics and modern vehicles, spanning from ultra-premium to Mainline Collection and RC models.

The partnership builds on a historic relationship that has produced 26 previous models since Hot Wheels' founding in 1968. The new product line will include -edition models through Mattel Creations and 1:64 scale die-casts available globally. The collaboration celebrates Ferrari's prestigious status as both a luxury car manufacturer and successful racing brand, with over 5,000 race victories, including 16 Constructors' Championships and 15 Drivers' Championships in Formula 1.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that Chief Financial Officer Anthony DiSilvestro will retire on May 15, 2025, followed by a three-month advisory period until August 15, 2025. The company has initiated a comprehensive search process with an executive search firm to find his successor.

DiSilvestro, who joined Mattel in August 2020, has been instrumental in strengthening the company's financial position. During his tenure, Mattel achieved an investment grade rating and generated over $400 million in cost savings through operational optimization and increased efficiencies. He played a key role in transforming Mattel into an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.