Welcome to our dedicated page for Mattel news (Ticker: MAT), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Mattel stock.
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) generates a steady flow of news as a global toy and family entertainment company with brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, Polly Pocket, and Barney. This news page aggregates coverage related to Mattel’s operations, brand initiatives, financial updates, and capital markets activity.
Investors following MAT can find announcements about quarterly and annual financial results, guidance updates, and participation in investor conferences. Mattel issues earnings releases that discuss net sales trends by region and product category, gross margin performance, operating income, cash flow, and share repurchase activity, often accompanied by webcasts and slide presentations for analysts.
Brand and product news is also a significant part of Mattel’s coverage. Recent examples include the introduction of the first autistic Barbie doll, developed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and updates on the Barbie Fashionistas line. Mattel also releases news about events such as the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, a global traveling car show and contest that culminates in a custom car being turned into a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels die-cast model sold worldwide.
Mattel’s news extends into entertainment, digital, and cultural collaborations. Announcements have detailed an expanded collaboration with Roblox to launch experiences for Monster High and other brands on the platform, as well as a multi-year partnership between Mattel Creations and The Museum of Modern Art for design-led collectibles. Capital markets items, such as the pricing of senior notes offerings, are disclosed through press releases and related SEC filings.
By reviewing this news feed, readers can track how Mattel deploys its intellectual property across toys, digital experiences, live events, and partnerships, and how these activities intersect with its financial and strategic communications.
Mattel (Nasdaq: MAT) has appointed Ken Wee as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, reporting directly to CEO Ynon Kreiz. Wee brings extensive experience in strategic planning, M&A, and corporate development from the gaming, technology, and media sectors. His role involves overseeing strategic planning and corporate development, focusing on accelerating growth and profitability.
Previously, Wee served as Chief Strategy Officer at Activision Blizzard, where he played a key role in the company's $69 billion acquisition by Microsoft. He also worked as a partner at McKinsey & Company, leading their Interactive Entertainment Practice. Wee's appointment comes at a important time as Mattel aims to expand its IP-driven toy business and entertainment offerings, potentially unlocking new value for shareholders.
Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) and Warner Bros. Discovery are bringing Barney back to television after 14 years with a new animated series, Barney's World. The show will premiere on Max on October 14, followed by a linear premiere on Cartoon Network on October 18. It will also launch on Cartoonito in EMEA and APAC, and Discovery Kids in LATAM.
The series features 52 11-minute episodes set in a playground, where Barney, along with dinos Billy and Baby Bop, and three kid friends, explore preschool emotions through music-filled adventures. The show aims to blend nostalgia with modern storytelling, targeting both preschoolers and parents who grew up with the original series.
Mattel Television Studios and Corus Entertainment's Nelvana are co-producing the series, which is part of Mattel's strategy to expand its characters across various platforms.
Mattel's Barbie brand has launched a new campaign titled 'Give Limitless Possibilities', unveiled alongside WNBA legend Sue Bird at a Barbie-themed WNBA game. The campaign aims to empower girls and highlight the benefits of doll play in nurturing imagination, self-esteem, and empathy. It builds on Barbie's 65-year legacy of inspiring potential in young girls.
The campaign, created with 72andSunny, emphasizes the emotional desire of adults to give children curiosity, confidence, and belief in their potential. It also supports Barbie's commitment to championing women role models, particularly in sports. The brand's presence at the WNBA game included fan activations and giveaways, reinforcing Barbie's role in promoting women's sports.
Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) has announced its participation in the Goldman Sachs Communacopia and Technology Conference. The company's Chairman and CEO, Ynon Kreiz, along with CFO Anthony DiSilvestro, will engage in a fireside chat on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:50 a.m. Eastern time.
Investors and interested parties can access the live webcast through Mattel's Investor Relations website. To ensure smooth viewing, attendees are advised to log in at least 15 minutes early to complete necessary registrations and software installations. For those unable to attend live, an archived version of the webcast will be made available on the company's website shortly after the event concludes.
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.