Mattel, Inc. is a play and family entertainment company that designs, manufactures, markets, and sells toys, games, and other products across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Its brand portfolio includes Barbie, American Girl, Disney Princess, Disney Frozen, Monster High, Polly Pocket, and KPop Demon Hunters for dolls and accessories; Hot Wheels, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, Hot Wheels RC, Matchbox, and Cars for die-cast vehicles and playsets; and Fisher-Price, Little People, Thomas & Friends, and Power Wheels for infant, toddler, and preschool products. The company also offers action figures, building sets, games, and other products under brands such as Masters of the Universe, Mattel Brick Shop, MEGA, UNO, Jurassic World, Minecraft, WWE, Toy Story, Star Wars, Pictionary, Skip-Bo, Phase 10, and Blokus, as well as licensor partner brands including Disney Pixar, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and WWE. Mattel sells through retailers, wholesalers, and directly to consumers via its e-commerce platforms and third-party channels. Founded in 1945, it is headquartered in El Segundo, California.
Onsemi announced a new agreement to acquire Synaptics for $123 a share in cash, revising the all-stock deal disclosed in June after an unsolicited competing proposal. Advanced Micro Devices said it would acquire World Labs, an AI model and research lab, in an all-stock transaction valued at nearly $8.2 billion. Hormel Foods agreed to acquire Brakebush Brothers, a value-added chicken provider, from the Brakebush family for approximately $1.055B, with the deal expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. Lynas Rare Earths agreed to acquire Australian peer Meteoric Resources in an all-stock deal valued at A$968M, or $672M. Mattel soared 19% after a report that the toymaker has recently received takeover interest from Authentic Brands, while Walgreens private-equity owner Sycamore is near a deal to sell the U.K. pharmacy chain Boots for close to $9 billion, including debt.
MongoDB CEO exits, Synopsys sets targets, Mattel draws takeover interest
Corporate upheaval and strategic announcements drove sharp moves in several stocks this week. MongoDB plunged 18.5% on Monday and is on course to end the week down around 14.7% after President and CEO Chirantan Desai resigned with immediate effect to lead a new AI initiative at Meta Platforms; former chief executive Dev Ittycheria returns as interim CEO, and the company reaffirmed its third-quarter and full-year guidance. Synopsys surged 12.8% on Thursday and has gained around 9.2% over the week after setting long-term targets at its 2026 Investor Day in New York, projecting fiscal 2027 revenue of $11.1 billion to $11.2 billion, roughly 15% growth at the midpoint, non-GAAP earnings of $19.04 to $19.12 per share, free cash flow of around $3.1 billion, and plans to repurchase approximately $1 billion of stock, alongside a partnership with OpenAI on GPT-Synopsys and a multi-year IP agreement with Amazon. Mattel jumped 18.8% on Thursday and is on course to close the week up 13.6% after The Wall Street Journal reported that Authentic Brands Group has approached the toy maker with an offer that could value it at more than $20 per share, or around $6 billion or more. Nike fell 5.3% over the week to its lowest level since 2013 after mixed fiscal first-quarter results, with adjusted earnings of 48 cents per share topping expectations of 44 cents but revenue of $11.21 billion missing estimates of $11.35 billion and falling 5% on a currency-neutral basis. Fair Isaac is down 22.7% for the week after Bloomberg reported that the Federal Housing Finance Agency plans to require lenders to use credit data from only two of the three major bureaus for mortgages sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
FICO · Regulation · Negative FHFA reportedly plans to require lenders to use only two of the three credit bureaus for mortgages sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, threatening Fair Isaac's credit-score business.
MAT · Capital · Positive Authentic Brands Group approached Mattel with a takeover offer that could value it at more than $20 per share, around $6 billion or more.
MDB · Capital · Negative President and CEO Chirantan Desai resigned with immediate effect to lead a new AI initiative at Meta, sending MongoDB shares sharply lower.
NKE · Capital · Negative Nike's fiscal first-quarter revenue of $11.21 billion missed estimates and fell 5% on a currency-neutral basis, outweighing the earnings beat.
SNPS · Capital · Positive Synopsys set long-term targets at its 2026 Investor Day, projecting fiscal 2027 revenue growth of roughly 15% and plans to repurchase about $1 billion of stock.
SNPS · Technology · Positive Synopsys announced a partnership with OpenAI on GPT-Synopsys and a multi-year IP agreement with Amazon.
Paramount-Warner Bros. $110 Billion Merger to Create Skydance
The combined company formed by the $110 billion merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. will be named Skydance, Paramount CEO David Ellison announced. Ellison said the name was chosen to preserve the distinct identities and legacies of both Paramount and Warner Bros. while giving the combined company an identity of its own. Skydance is the production company Ellison founded in 2006 and merged with Paramount in 2025. On Wednesday, Paramount named Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz as co-CEO of the new company alongside Ellison, and Bloomberg reported the merger is expected to be finalized next week. The press release announcing Kreiz said the combined company will be guided by four strategic priorities: winning in content, becoming the most technologically capable media company, maximizing operational efficiencies, and earning trust.
PSKY · Capital · Positive Paramount's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. is expected to be finalized next week, creating the combined Skydance entity.
WBD · Capital · Positive Warner Bros. Discovery is being merged into the $110 billion combined company with Paramount, expected to close next week.
MAT · · Neutral Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz named co-CEO of the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. company, but no impact on Mattel's own business is described.
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz to Exit October 2, Roger Lynch Named Successor
Mattel CEO and chairman Ynon Kreiz will exit on October 2, with board member Roger Lynch stepping in as his successor. The leadership shakeup comes as the toy maker's stock has rallied 18.8% in one day and 14.46% over seven days, though it remains down 24.95% year to date and its five-year total shareholder return has declined 21.67%. The most followed valuation narrative pegs Mattel's fair value at $26.61 against a last close of $15.04, implying the shares are 43% undervalued. That view hinges on Mattel converting its 2026 investment year and higher spending on capabilities, advertising and digital performance marketing into the mid to high single digit revenue growth and strong double digit operating income growth management has outlined for 2027. Risks to the story include lingering tariff-related margin pressure and a longer-than-expected drag from weakness in the Infant, Toddler and Preschool segment.
MAT · Capital · Neutral CEO and chairman Ynon Kreiz exits October 2 with board member Roger Lynch named successor, a leadership shakeup at the center of the story.
FactSet, Concentrix Beat Estimates; HPE Inks $1.2 Billion Vultr Deal; Mattel Names New CEO
FactSet Research Systems posted fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of $4.52 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.32 per share, and its shares advanced 3.8%. Concentrix Corp. reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.92 per share, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.71 per share, with its shares rising 0.3%. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. entered into a $1.2 billion deal with Vultr, sending its shares up 3.9%. Mattel, Inc. appointed Roger Lynch as its new CEO and chairman, and its shares tumbled 4.2%.
US court approves Paramount's Warner acquisition; Mattel's Kreiz to become co-CEO
A US federal court on the 30th issued an order approving the completion of US media giant Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros., moving forward a deal that had been stalled for months. US District Judge Martinez-Orguin approved a settlement reached on September 21 with 12 states led by California. Under the settlement, the combined company must release at least 30 films in US theaters each year for five years and add 300 million dollars a year to its US production spending; if it fails to meet the release threshold, it could be forced to sell the distributor Miramax. The two companies also settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by the Writers Guild of America, agreeing to pay 17.5 million dollars into the union's health fund and to maintain union member employment levels at CBS News for five years. Paramount announced that Ynon Kreiz, CEO of US toy giant Mattel, will serve as co-CEO to lead the combined company; Kreiz will join on the 5th and become co-CEO alongside Chairman and CEO David Ellison when the acquisition closes, overseeing day-to-day operations and integration. The two companies said the acquisition is expected to be completed on the 6th.
PSKY · Regulation · Positive US federal court approves Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros., clearing the regulatory/antitrust hurdle that had stalled the deal.
WBD · Regulation · Positive Court approval of the settlement clears the antitrust obstacles, allowing Warner Bros. Discovery to be acquired by Paramount.
Miramax · Regulation · Negative Under the settlement, the combined company could be forced to sell distributor Miramax if it fails to meet the 30-films-per-year theatrical release threshold.
MAT · · Neutral Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz named co-CEO of the combined Paramount-Warner company, a leadership change but no stated impact on Mattel's own business.
Mattel CEO to step down, Condé Nast's Lynch named successor; Kreiz to become Paramount co-CEO
U.S. toy giant Mattel announced on the 30th that Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz is stepping down and that Roger Lynch, CEO of publishing giant Condé Nast, will be promoted to succeed him. Lynch has served on Mattel's board since 2018 and is expected to take over as CEO by November 2. U.S. media giant Paramount Skydance announced the same day that it will bring in Kreiz as co-CEO effective October 5, with him also serving on the board. The company has signed a deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for about 110 billion dollars. Meanwhile, Condé Nast, where Lynch has served as CEO for about seven years, has named board member Mike Parisi as interim CEO. Kreiz pushed forward Mattel's transformation into an entertainment company and expanded the business, including the blockbuster film "Barbie" in 2023, but now faces higher tariffs on imported goods under the Trump administration and pressure from activist investors.
Mattel names Roger Lynch chief executive as toy maker struggles to turn toys into movie hits
Mattel is getting a new chief executive, with Roger Lynch set to lead the El Segundo company after more than seven years as chief executive of the publisher Condé Nast. Lynch, a Mattel board member since 2018, will replace Ynon Kreiz, who has led Mattel since 2018 and helped bring it Hollywood stardom with the movie "Barbie." In February, Mattel announced weak holiday sales and said it expected another slow year after its iconic Barbie doll lost some popularity, and this year the company says it will increase its focus on making more digital games and toys tied to movie franchises. Mattel returned to theaters this year with "Masters of the Universe," a movie centered on the action hero He-Man that disappointed at the box office. Mattel shares tumbled more than 5% in early trading Wednesday, and its stock price is down more than 35% so far this year.
MAT · Capital · Negative Mattel names new CEO Roger Lynch amid weak holiday sales, a slow-year outlook, and a disappointing 'Masters of the Universe' box office, with shares down over 35% this year.
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz May Take Senior Role at Paramount-Warner Bros
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz may be headed to David Ellison's Paramount-Warner Bros. in a senior role, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The report comes shortly after Mattel announced that Kreiz would step down as chairman and CEO, with Roger Lynch set to succeed him; Mattel said Kreiz would take a senior leadership position at another public company but did not identify the company. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are in the process of combining under Ellison's leadership, and The Hollywood Reporter said the potential move would place Kreiz in a senior position at the combined entertainment company. Kreiz has led Mattel since 2018 and has overseen its expansion into film and television, including the success of "Barbie," according to the report. The report did not provide further details on Kreiz's potential title or responsibilities at the combined company.
PSKY · Capital · Positive Reported potential hire of Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz into a senior role at the combined Paramount-Warner Bros. strengthens the merged company's leadership.
WBD · Capital · Positive Kreiz may take a senior role at the combined Paramount-Warner Bros. entity that Warner Bros. Discovery is merging into.
MAT · · Neutral CEO Ynon Kreiz reportedly leaving for Paramount-Warner Bros. after already announcing his departure as Mattel chairman/CEO; no clear positive or negative driver for Mattel.
Toys "R" Us to Open 120 New U.S. Stores With Go! Retail Group
Toys "R" Us plans to open 120 new standalone stores in the U.S. ahead of the holiday season, lifting its standalone footprint to 160 locations from about 40 today. The expansion is being executed with Go! Retail Group, a specialist in seasonal and experiential retail formats, and builds on the brand's recent run of 24 holiday pop-ups and airport activations. The move marks a major step in rebuilding the toy chain's U.S. presence after its 2017 bankruptcy and the 2018 liquidation of its American stores, a collapse driven less by Amazon than by roughly $5B in debt, much of it from a 2005 leveraged buyout. Toys "R" Us is owned by WHP Global, the New York brand management and licensing firm that acquired it in 2021 and also manages Babies R Us. The added locations could lift overall holiday toy inventory, a positive for Mattel and Hasbro, while drawing attention from Walmart, Target, Amazon, Costco and specialty sellers such as GameStop.
Mattel Launches Thomas & Friends Content and Bluey Licensing Deal With BBC Studios
Mattel has launched a new Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories content line and signed a Bluey licensing deal with BBC Studios, placing fresh content and toys at the center of its strategy. The moves come as Mattel shares trade at US$13.31, up 1.10% on the day but down 33.58% year to date, with a 1-year total shareholder return of negative 23.20%. The most followed analyst narrative pins Mattel's fair value at $26.97, framing the current price as 51% undervalued, on the view that creative IP revitalization, major licensing partnerships and a push into movies and streaming content can unlock higher-margin recurring revenue beyond traditional toy sales. That bullish case could crack if digital entertainment keeps pulling children away from physical play, or if brand fatigue hits legacy franchises like Barbie and Hot Wheels harder than expected.
MAT · Demand · Positive Mattel launched a new Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories content line and signed a Bluey licensing deal with BBC Studios, expanding its product/content offerings.
MAT · Capital · Positive Analyst narrative pins Mattel's fair value at $26.97, framing the current price as 51% undervalued on IP revitalization and licensing.
BBC Studios · Demand · Neutral BBC Studios is the licensing partner in the Bluey deal, but the article gives no detail on terms or impact for BBC Studios itself.
Mattel Q2 Revenue Rises 10.5% to $1.13 Billion but EPS Miss Sinks Stock
Mattel reported second-quarter revenues of $1.13 billion, up 10.5% year on year and 2.4% above analysts' expectations, yet the toy maker missed analysts' EPS and EBITDA estimates and its stock has fallen 7.1% since reporting to trade at $13.81. The results came as the four consumer discretionary toys and electronics stocks tracked in the roundup collectively beat consensus revenue estimates by 3.8%, with next quarter's revenue guidance 5% above expectations and share prices up 2.4% on average since the latest earnings results. Bark posted the group's best quarter, with revenues of $78.82 million, down 23.4% year on year but 2.4% ahead of expectations, alongside beats on EPS and EBITDA, sending its stock up 4.7% to $9.59. Hasbro reported revenues of $1.14 billion, up 16.2% year on year and 6.6% above estimates, with EPS and EBITDA also beating, and its stock is up 10.3% at $89.99. Funko logged revenues of $207.7 million, up 7.4% year on year and 3.7% above expectations, with EPS and EBITDA beats, and its stock is up 1.8% at $5.38.
Lego's First Half Sees Revenue and Profit Growth, World Cup and F1 Products Attract New Customers
Danish toy giant Lego reported a 21% increase in revenue to 41.9 billion Danish kroner ($6.54 billion) and a 32% rise in net profit to 8.6 billion kroner for the first half of the year, achieving growth in both revenue and profit. Products themed around the soccer World Cup and Formula One attracted new customers, boosting performance. Lego's strategy of partnering with movies and popular series, along with increased production of adult-oriented sets, has led to growth surpassing competitors like Mattel and Hasbro in the U.S., expanding its market share. CEO Niels Christiansen said, "The product portfolio is very strong, and we have successfully captured new popular areas." In the first half, Lego launched over 330 new sets, including a $199.99 replica of the World Cup trophy and Pokemon sets. However, rising plastic costs due to high oil prices stemming from the situation in Iran could impact the second half of the year.
Mattel Q2 Sales Beat Estimates as Margin Pressure Squeezes Earnings
Mattel reported second-quarter 2026 net sales of $1.13 billion, up 10% year over year and 4.2% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08 billion, while adjusted earnings fell to 1 cent per share from 21 cents a year earlier and missed the consensus estimate of 3 cents by 66.7%. Worldwide Vehicles gross billings increased 11% in constant currency to $463 million, mainly on Hot Wheels growth, and Action Figures, Building Sets, Games and Other gross billings rose 33% in constant currency to $358 million, helped by games, Mattel163 and action figures tied to theatrical releases. Adjusted gross margin declined 260 basis points year over year to 48.6%, with tariffs reducing margin by 170 basis points, inflation by 120 basis points, higher royalties by 110 basis points and foreign exchange by 60 basis points, while Mattel163 contributed 120 basis points of benefit and tariff-mitigation actions and Optimizing for Profitable Growth savings added another 80 basis points. Management reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance for constant-currency net sales growth of 3% to 6%, adjusted operating income of $580 million to $630 million, adjusted earnings of $1.27 to $1.39 per share and adjusted gross margin of about 50%, with sequential improvement expected in the second half. The stock carries a Zacks Rank of 3, or Hold, with a Value Score of A and VGM Score of B, while its Growth Score of C and Momentum Score of D are less favorable.
Mattel Launches Game Studios to Expand Digital Play
Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios to create original digital interactive experiences based on its toy brands. The move builds on Mattel's recent acquisition of mobile game developer Mattel163 and deepens its presence in digital gaming. Mattel Game Studios focuses on extending core franchises into virtual and interactive formats that sit alongside physical products. The initiative marks a further push into gaming and virtual experiences that could influence how the company positions its brands with consumers. The key marker to watch is the planned global rollout of Uno Wild in early 2027 under Mattel Game Studios.
MAT · Technology · Positive Launch of Mattel Game Studios to create digital interactive experiences based on its toy brands, expanding into digital gaming.
Mattel Brick Shop Unveils 1:1 Scale XBOX Console Building Set
Mattel has announced a new premium building set from its Mattel Brick Shop brand, a 1:1 scale model of the original Microsoft XBOX console celebrating the console's 25th anniversary. The 3,509-piece set, priced at $329.99 and available for presale now at select retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and Mattel Creations, recreates the console and its iconic 'The Duke' controller with interactive lights, sounds and hidden scenes from Halo: Combat Evolved, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and Psychonauts. The set includes 12 NanoWorld figures and modular game-inspired scenes that can be displayed individually, with the controller activating illuminated effects and authentic game soundtracks. Ted Wu, SVP, Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel, said the company obsessed over every detail to faithfully recreate the original XBOX console.
Mattel to Report Q2 Earnings with Revenue Expected to Rise 7.9%
Mattel is set to report its second-quarter earnings this Tuesday after the market closes, with analysts expecting revenue to grow 7.9% year on year, a reversal from the 5.7% decline in the same quarter last year. The company beat revenue expectations last quarter, reporting $862.2 million, up 4.3% year on year, and provided full-year EPS guidance that exceeded analyst estimates. Analysts have largely maintained their estimates over the past 30 days, though Mattel has missed revenue estimates multiple times in the last two years. Among peers, Hasbro reported a 16.2% revenue increase, beating expectations by 6.6%, while AMC Entertainment posted 14.2% growth, topping estimates by 8.7%. Mattel shares have risen 15.9% over the past month, compared to an average 2.4% decline for consumer discretionary stocks, and the average analyst price target stands at $18.31 versus the current share price of $15.09.
Mattel and Lucha Libre AAA Announce Worldwide Licensing Partnership
Mattel and WWE have announced a new multi-year global licensing agreement that expands Mattel's WWE portfolio to include Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, one of Mexico's most iconic lucha libre promotions. Beginning Fall 2027, Mattel will launch an all-new line of AAA action figures inspired by the promotion's legendary stars, iconic masks, and vibrant storytelling. The collection will feature recognizable talent including Psycho Clown, El Hijo del Viking, La Parka, and Mr. Iguana, with a made-to-order Mr. Iguana action figure debuting at San Diego Comic-Con as the first product. This deal reinforces Mattel's position as the home of WWE action figures, with its WWE Elite Collection ranked as the number one action figure in 2025. WWE acquired AAA in August 2025 in partnership with Mexico-based sports and entertainment holding company Fillip.
Mattel unveils San Diego Comic-Con 2026 exclusive collectibles lineup
Mattel announced an exclusive lineup of action figures and dolls for San Diego Comic-Con 2026, featuring franchises such as Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, Monster High, Jurassic World and Masters of the Universe, with items priced between US$25 and US$80 and available at the convention and on MattelCreations.com from July 23. The limited-run, fan-focused merchandise reinforces Mattel's strategy of turning its brands into broader entertainment and merchandising ecosystems, though these collectibles are unlikely to significantly impact near-term financial results. The company continues to balance IP expansion with a high debt load, and investor opinions on fair value range widely from US$18.69 to US$37.53.
Mattel Q1 revenue beats estimates but shares fall 6.6%
Mattel reported first-quarter revenues of $862.2 million, up 4.3% year on year and exceeding analysts' expectations by 6.6%, the biggest beat among four tracked consumer discretionary toys and electronics stocks. The company also raised its full-year EPS guidance above estimates and posted a decent beat on adjusted operating income. Despite the strong results, Mattel shares have fallen 6.6% since the report, trading at $13.90. Among peers, Hasbro delivered the fastest revenue growth at $1 billion, up 12.7%, but its stock dropped 13.4%, while Funko shares surged 21.7% after beating estimates and raising guidance. Bark was the weakest performer, with revenues down 25% to $86.57 million, missing estimates and issuing disappointing guidance.
Mattel unveils three new Hot Wheels collectibles for San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Mattel announced three new Hot Wheels collectibles that will debut at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, available starting July 23 at the Mattel booth and on MattelCreations.com. The "Fandom in the Fast Lane" collection includes a KPop Demon Hunters Porsche 911 GT3 R priced at $30, a Stranger Things 10th Anniversary Hawkins Van diorama at $40, and a Top Gun 40th Anniversary Set at $35. The die-cast cars are inspired by Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters and Stranger Things, and Paramount Pictures' Top Gun, and are designed for modern collectors at the intersection of pop culture and play. Nick Karamanos, Senior Vice President at Mattel, said the collaborations capture the energy and iconic spirit of each title in an authentic way for fans.
Disney Eyes $280 Million Global Opening for Toy Story 5
Disney is poised for a major box office weekend as Toy Story 5 heads into theaters with expectations of one of the strongest openings of the year. Early forecasts suggest the latest Pixar installment could generate $145 million to $150 million domestically across roughly 4,400 screens, with international markets adding another $135 million or more, putting its global opening above $280 million. That would top the opening performance of many recent family releases and surpass the $120 million debut of Toy Story 4. The film features returning voice actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, along with a new song by Taylor Swift, while favorable conditions such as summer school breaks and light competition support its prospects. A strong opening would reinforce the value of Disney's family franchises and benefit theater operators, IMAX screens, and merchandise partners like Mattel, with the U.S. box office already up 11.6% year over year to $4.13 billion.
DIS · Demand · Positive Toy Story 5 is expected to have a $280M global opening, boosting Disney's box office revenue and reinforcing its family franchise value.
MAT · Demand · Positive Strong Toy Story 5 opening benefits Mattel as a merchandise partner for the franchise.
BRANDmania licensing festival returns to Essen with expanded programme and new interactive zones
BRANDmania, Europe's largest B2B networking festival for licensing and partnerships, will take place on 24 and 25 June at the Zeche Zollverein site in Essen, Germany. The event, organized by the Spielwarenmesse Group, features an expanded programme including a new BRANDmania Ink Lab where attendees can get a free tattoo of a licensed design, a Glow Up Area, and a Collab Culture Lounge. Major licensors such as Hasbro, Mattel, Paramount Global, Universal Products & Experiences, and Warner Bros. Discovery will host exclusive screenings previewing upcoming themes and franchises. The Stage programme, presented by Licensing International Germany, will open with insights from the Global Licensing Industry Study 2026 and include a blindmate® session with Duolingo seeking a brand match.
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