Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that Mattel (MAT) is well-positioned to continue its earnings-beat streak, particularly due to its strong historical performance in exceeding earnings estimates [1][3]. - Mattel reported earnings of $1.14 per share for the last quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.94 per share, resulting in a surprise of 21.28% [2]. - The company has an average surprise of 20.01% over the past two quarters, indicating a consistent ability to exceed expectations [1][2]. Group 2 - There has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Mattel, with a positive Earnings ESP of +7.69%, suggesting increased analyst optimism regarding its near-term earnings potential [3][6]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) indicates a high likelihood of another earnings beat, with historical data showing that such combinations lead to positive surprises nearly 70% of the time [4][6]. - The next earnings report for Mattel is anticipated to be released on February 4, 2025 [6].

Earnings Report and Estimates - Mattel Inc (MAT) is scheduled to report Q4 2024 results on Feb 4 after market close [1] - Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q4 earnings is 24 cents per share, down 17.2% YoY [2] - Revenue consensus estimate is $1.68 billion, up 3.4% YoY [2] - Earnings estimates for Q4 have been revised upward by 1 cent per share in the past 7 days [2] Factors Influencing Q4 Performance - Strong demand for Hot Wheels expected to boost Q4 revenue [3] - IP-driven toy business, portfolio innovations, and entertainment expansion are positive factors [4] - Demand creation initiatives and licensing partnerships likely contributed to performance [4] - Higher input costs, unfavorable fixed cost absorption, and supply chain costs may hurt profitability [6] - Increased severance, restructuring expenses, incentive compensation, and pay raises could negatively impact bottom line [6] Brand Performance Estimates - Worldwide gross billings estimates for top brands: - Barbie: $419 million (down 11.4% YoY) [5] - Fisher-Price: $250 million (up 2% YoY) [5] - Hot Wheels: $467 million (up 11.7% YoY) [5] Earnings Prediction Model - Mattel currently has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [8] - Earnings ESP of -11.02% suggests lower likelihood of earnings beat [7] Other Stocks with Earnings Potential - Life Time Group Holdings (LTH): - Earnings ESP +14.29%, Zacks Rank 1 [9] - Expected 5.3% earnings increase for upcoming quarter [10] - Beat earnings in 3 of last 4 quarters with 46.2% average surprise [10] - Trip.com Group (TCOM): - Earnings ESP +0.97%, Zacks Rank 1 [11] - Expected 7.1% earnings decrease for upcoming quarter [11] - Beat earnings in last 4 quarters with 42.8% average surprise [11] - Rush Street Interactive (RSI): - Earnings ESP +22.22%, Zacks Rank 1 [11] - Expected 800% earnings increase for upcoming quarter [12] - Beat earnings in last 4 quarters with 225% average surprise [12]

Core Viewpoint - Mattel (MAT) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ending December 2024, with the actual results being crucial for the stock's near-term price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for February 4, 2025, with expectations that better-than-expected key numbers could lead to a stock price increase, while missing expectations may result in a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for Mattel's quarterly earnings is projected at $0.24 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 17.2%, while revenues are expected to reach $1.68 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 36.77%, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts regarding the company's earnings outlook [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Mattel is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -11.02%, suggesting a bearish sentiment among analysts [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict the likelihood of actual earnings deviating from consensus estimates, with a positive reading being a strong predictor of an earnings beat [6][8]. - Despite the negative Earnings ESP, the stock holds a Zacks Rank of 3, complicating predictions of an earnings beat [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Mattel exceeded the expected earnings of $0.94 per share by delivering $1.14, resulting in a surprise of +21.28% [12]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [13]. Conclusion - While the potential for an earnings beat exists, various factors can influence stock movement beyond just earnings results, making it essential to consider other elements before making investment decisions [14][16].

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Core Insights - Mattel, Inc. is collaborating with TOKYOPOP to create original manga-style graphic novels based on its Hot Wheels and Barbie brands, targeting children aged 8 to 12 [1][2] - The first series inspired by Hot Wheels and a new Barbie title will debut in 2026, featuring original stories and fresh artwork [2] - This partnership aims to enhance fan engagement through storytelling and expand the reach of Mattel's iconic franchises [3] Company Overview - Mattel's premier brands, Hot Wheels and Barbie, have been category leaders, with Hot Wheels particularly popular among young boys and girls [4] - The company has diversified its product offerings for Barbie, including theatrical releases and mobile games, contributing to its global recognition [4] Financial Performance - In Q3 2024, Hot Wheels brand gross billings increased by 12% year-over-year, supported by strong demand for die-cast vehicles and new product innovations [5] - A multi-year licensing partnership with Formula One is expected to enhance Hot Wheels' long-term growth potential [5] - Following the success of the Barbie movie, Mattel is optimistic about launching a new Barbie mobile game in collaboration with Take-Two Interactive [5] Market Position - Mattel's shares have decreased by 4% over the past month, while the Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies industry has seen a 5% decline [6] - Concerns include soft sales trends in North America and a limited target audience, but new product innovations and enhanced marketing efforts are anticipated to improve performance in 2025 and beyond [6]

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – January 9, 2025 – Today, Zacks Equity Research Mattel, Inc. (MAT) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (JAKK) .Industry: Toys - Games - HobbiesLink: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2393555/2-stocks-gaining-traction-in-the-promising-toys-games-industryThe Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies industry benefits from the robust demand for smart toys, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys, sports toys, and fashion dolls and accessories. Industry participants have been undertaking e ...

While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies.Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they ...

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.Of these, perhaps no stock market trend is more popular than value investing, which is a strategy that has proven to be successful in all sorts of market environments. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to ...

Toy giant Mattel is being sued by a mother who says her daughter accessed a porn website via a link on the packaging for a Wicked doll. The company released dolls of characters played by British actress Cynthia Erivo and US singer Ariana Grande in the film version of the hit musical. But instead of featuring an address to the movie's website, a porn site sharing the name of the movie was mistakenly printed on the packaging.The mistake was spotted last month and the dolls were recalled on 11 November.A class ...