Mattel Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Fisher-Price (NASDAQ: MAT) and Grammy Award-winner John Legend are partnering to release covers of three Fisher-Price songs on Legend's debut children's album, 'My Favorite Dream', out August 30th. The collaboration began after Legend's viral cover of 'Maybe' from the Kick & Play Piano Gym. The album will feature covers of 'Maybe', 'Friendship', and 'Great, Great Day', songs from popular Fisher-Price toys.

Brian Fitzharris, SVP of Fisher-Price, emphasized the importance of music in their toys and the impact on families worldwide. Legend expressed the significance of music and Fisher-Price in both his childhood and his children's lives. The partnership showcases Fisher-Price's commitment to creating memorable family moments through music and toys.

Mattel, AirConsole, and BMW Group have announced the world premiere of UNO Car Party! for in-car gaming. This innovative adaptation of the classic card game will be revealed at gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany. Starting August 21st, the game will roll out to over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles through AirConsole's platform.

The game allows up to four players to enjoy UNO while stationary in their vehicles, using personal devices as controllers. This collaboration aims to enhance the digital experience for BMW customers, transforming in-car gaming into a new social experience. UNO Car Party! will be available in vehicles with BMW / MINI Operating System 9 and BMW Operating System 8.5, combined with specific connectivity packages.

Mattel (Nasdaq: MAT) has appointed Sai Koorapati as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective August 19, 2024. Koorapati, who will report to CFO Anthony DiSilvestro, brings over 25 years of technology leadership experience to the role. He will oversee all aspects of Mattel's technology innovation and implementation, including shared platforms, software and hardware development, AI, and connected product design.

Koorapati joins Mattel from Topgolf Callaway Brands, where he led a successful digital transformation initiative. His experience includes leadership positions at TaylorMade Golf and international roles in India, Malaysia, Japan, and the UK. Koorapati holds engineering degrees from Andhra University College of Engineering and the National Institute of Industrial Engineering in India.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) has announced the launch of UNO Elite™ NFL, an officially licensed premium collectible deck expanding UNO's offerings. This new version features licensed NFL players from all 32 teams and special edition UNO foil cards. The first wave includes six fan-favorite players from each team, covering various positions.

The game combines traditional UNO gameplay with NFL excitement, offering three different play modes and over 190 collectible player cards. The starter pack includes 112 regular UNO cards, 56 Player Cards, and four foil cards. Additional Draft packs are available for expanded play and collectability.

UNO Elite NFL features 192 player cards in its first release, with four levels of collectability and over 2,000 variations of player card actions. The game will be updated annually with new player cards and themes. The Starter Pack ($14.99) and Draft Packs ($4.99) are available for pre-order at Walmart from August 7, with in-store availability later this fall.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) and A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC) announced a streaming deal to bring popular Mattel Television Studios series to Kidoodle.TV this summer and fall 2024. The deal features beloved franchises like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas & Friends.

Kidoodle.TV will expand its library of over 850 videos with these new additions. The content will also be available on Kidoodle.TV's FAST channels on platforms like SamsungTV+, Vizio WatchFree+, and VIDAA.

Mattel aims to bring its IP to a global audience through diverse and inclusive series. Brenda Bisner, Chief Content Officer of Kidoodle.TV, emphasized the collaboration's role in engaging fans of all ages. Kidoodle.TV, celebrating its tenth year, offers over 45,000 episodes globally.

Mattel (MAT) reported solid Q2 2024 results, with net sales of $1,080 million, down 1% as reported but comparable in constant currency. The company achieved significant improvements in profitability:

- Gross margin increased 410 basis points to 49.2%
- Operating income improved by $20 million to $83 million
- Net income rose by $30 million to $57 million
- Earnings per share increased from $0.08 to $0.17

Mattel reiterated its 2024 guidance, expecting comparable net sales, adjusted gross margin of 48.5-49%, and adjusted EPS of $1.35-$1.45. The company repurchased $100 million of shares in Q2, bringing the first-half total to $200 million.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) has partnered with AthLife to launch branded experiences at sporting events nationwide. The collaboration kicks off with Barbie-themed games in WNBA and MLB, starting August 20 at the Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros MLB Barbie Night Game™. The first WNBA Barbie Night Game follows on August 30 between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.

These events will feature themed giveaways, photo opportunities, branded jerseys, trivia, and other promotions. Mattel plans to expand this initiative to include other brands across various professional and minor league sports. The partnership aims to enhance fan engagement and create unforgettable experiences beyond the toy aisle, aligning with Barbie's 65th anniversary celebration and its mission to empower girls to dream big in sports and other fields.

Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) has introduced two new Barbie Fashionistas dolls: the first blind Barbie and a Black Barbie with Down syndrome. These additions aim to increase representation and inclusivity in the toy industry. Mattel collaborated with the American Foundation for the Blind and the National Down Syndrome Society to ensure accurate representations.

The blind Barbie features a white and red cane, sunglasses, elbow articulations, and textured fabrics. The Black Barbie with Down syndrome has specific physical characteristics, including a shorter frame and a unique face sculpt. Both dolls are part of Barbie's commitment to reflecting diversity and helping children develop empathy through play.

The new dolls are available online now and will be in stores this Summer, priced at $10.99. Mattel is also collaborating with Aille Design on a Barbie-inspired accessible fashion collection featuring braille beadwork.

Mattel (Nasdaq: MAT) and Outright Games have announced Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets, the first Monster High video game for current-generation consoles. Set to release on October 29, 2024, the game will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store.

The single-player 3D platformer allows players to create their own monster character and join the Boo Crew to uncover mysteries at Monster High. The game builds on the success of the Monster High brand, which ranks #4 in Fashion Doll & Accessories items in the US (YTD 2024). It aims to promote inclusion, creativity, and self-expression, aligning with Monster High's core values of community, acceptance, and belonging.