Mattel Q4 Earnings & Revenues Miss Estimates, Stock Down

Core Insights - Mattel, Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2025 results with earnings and revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, leading to a 30.8% drop in shares during post-market trading [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q4 was 39 cents, missing the consensus estimate of 53 cents, and down from 35 cents in the prior-year quarter [3] - Net sales reached $1.77 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $1.84 billion, but increased by 7% year over year [3] - Adjusted gross margin fell to 46%, down 480 basis points year over year due to higher discounts, inflation, and unfavorable foreign exchange [8][9] Segment Performance - North America segment net sales increased by 5% year over year, while the International segment saw an 11% increase [4][5] - Gross billings for Mattel Power Brands rose by 8% year over year to $2.04 billion, with Barbie's gross billings increasing by 2% [6][7] Operational Challenges - Management acknowledged underperformance in the U.S. market, with December growth softer than expected, and cited margin pressures from discounting, inflation, and foreign exchange [2] - The company anticipates ongoing investments in digital games and technology will continue to pressure near-term margins [2] 2025 Highlights - Total net sales for 2025 were $5.35 billion, slightly down from $5.38 billion in 2024, with net income at $397.6 million compared to $541.8 million in 2024 [11] Strategic Developments - Mattel entered a multiyear licensing agreement with Paramount for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, set to launch various consumer products starting in 2027 [12] - The company agreed to acquire the remaining 50% stake in Mattel163 from NetEase for $318 million, enhancing its mobile game development capabilities [13][14] 2026 Outlook - Management expects 2026 net sales to increase by 3-6% year over year, with adjusted EPS projected between $1.18 and $1.30, lower than 2025 levels [15]