Core Insights - The rise in return fraud on Amazon is impacting small businesses negatively, leading some sellers to exit the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program [1][2][3] - In 2024, nearly 14% of all U.S. retail returns were fraudulent, significantly up from 5% in 2018, costing retailers $890 billion [4] - Amazon has introduced new fees for sellers with high return rates, which has led to a decrease in return rates for some sellers [5][7] Impact on Small Businesses - Small business owners express concern that consumers do not understand how their return habits affect them [3] - Specific incidents of fraud have led to significant losses for small businesses, with one owner reporting a return incident that severely damaged her business [3][15] - Sellers are experiencing higher return rates on Amazon compared to other platforms, with one seller noting a return rate three times higher than on eBay [9][11] Amazon's Response - Amazon has implemented measures to combat return fraud, including denying refunds and requiring customer identity verification [8] - The company has also started adding warning labels to frequently returned items, which may be contributing to a decrease in return rates [6] - Amazon has introduced programs to help sellers manage returns, such as "Grade and Resell" and FBA Liquidation, allowing sellers to recoup some losses [20][21] Environmental Concerns - Returns generated an estimated 29 million metric tons of carbon emissions in 2024, with 9.8 billion pounds of returns ending up in landfills [19] - Amazon has faced criticism for destroying millions of pounds of unused products, although it claims that the majority of returns are resold, liquidated, or donated [20][21] Market Trends - A survey indicated that 65% of sellers raised prices in 2024 due to Amazon's fee changes and returns fraud [7] - The e-commerce analysis company Helium 10 reported a nearly 5% drop in return rates for U.S. Amazon sellers after the new fee was implemented [5]

Mattel reportedly teamed with OpenAI to weave artificial intelligence into its products.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The toymaker, whose brands include Barbie and Hot Wheels, signed a deal to use ...

Core Insights - Mattel, Inc. reported first-quarter 2025 results with both revenue and earnings exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, showing year-over-year improvement [1][3] - The company plans to increase prices on select toys in the U.S. due to rising costs from new tariffs, despite efforts to shift production away from China [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted loss per share was 3 cents, better than the expected loss of 11 cents, compared to a loss of 5 cents in the same quarter last year [3] - Net sales reached $826.6 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $800 million by 3.4%, with a 2% increase year-over-year and a 4% increase in constant currency [3] Segment Performance - North America segment net sales increased by 3% year-over-year, while the International segment saw a 1% increase [4] - Gross billings in North America rose by 4%, driven by growth in Dolls, Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other [4] - International gross billings increased by 1%, primarily due to growth in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions [5] Category Performance - Worldwide gross billings from Mattel Power Brands increased by 3% year-over-year to $924.2 million [6] - Gross billings for Hot Wheels grew by 4%, while Fisher-Price saw a decline of 3% [7] Operating Results - Adjusted gross margin improved to 49.6%, up 130 basis points year-over-year, attributed to better inventory management and efficiencies from the Optimizing for Profitable Growth initiative [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $57.2 million, compared to $53.5 million in the prior-year quarter [9] Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $1.24 billion, up from $1.13 billion at the end of 2024 [11] - Total inventories decreased to $658.4 million from $669.3 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt remained stable at $2.33 billion [11]

Core Viewpoint - Mattel is raising prices on some toys and reducing reliance on China-sourced products due to a volatile macro-economic environment and evolving U.S. tariff landscape [1][5]. Group 1: Financial Impact and Strategy - Mattel expects around $270 million in incremental costs from tariffs in 2025, but plans to offset these costs through various mitigating actions [2]. - The company is taking steps to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China-sourced products, aiming to cut imports from China to under 15% by next year [6][11]. - Despite tariffs not affecting Mattel's first quarter financial results, the company is implementing measures to fully offset potential future cost impacts [5]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Consumer Behavior - The current macro-economic environment makes it difficult to predict consumer spending and U.S. sales for the remainder of the year and holiday season [5]. - Many companies have halted production and shipping to the U.S. due to tariffs from China, indicating significant disruption in the industry [2]. Group 3: Production Adjustments - Mattel is increasing production of its UNO card game in India as part of its strategy to mitigate tariff impacts [9]. - The company imports Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels toys from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, which have also faced tariffs [9].

Mattel (MAT) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 05, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Jenn Kettnich - VP - Investor RelationsYnon Kreiz - Chairman & CEOAnthony DiSilvestro - Chief Financial OfficerArpine Kocharian - Executive DirectorStephen Laszczyk - Vice PresidentMegan Clapp - Executive DirectorKylie Cohu - Consumer Equity ResearchAlexander Perry - Director, Equity Research Conference Call Participants Eric Handler - MD & Senior Research AnalystChristopher Horvers - Senior Analyst Operator Ladies and gentleme ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales grew 2% as reported and 4% in constant currency to $827 million [6][25] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 130 basis points to 49.6% [6][25] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 7% to $57 million [6][25] - Cash balance at quarter end was $1.24 billion, an increase of $113 million year-over-year [32] - Total debt remained approximately $2.34 billion [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dolls gross billings increased 2%, driven by Disney Princess and Wicked, while Barbie and American Girl were comparable to the prior year [26][15] - Vehicles increased 6%, with Hot Wheels growing 7% [26][15] - Infant toddler and preschool overall declined 5%, primarily due to declines in baby gear and Power Wheels [26] - Challenger categories overall increased 14%, driven by growth in Action Figures and Games [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross billings increased 4% in North America, including double-digit growth in Canada [29] - EMEA increased 8% with growth across almost every market [29] - Asia Pacific increased 12%, driven by growth in Australia, India, and China [29] - Latin America declined 7%, reflecting the impact of retailers reducing inventory levels [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is diversifying its supply chain to reduce reliance on China, with plans to relocate production of 500 toy SKUs from China to other locations in 2025 [9][10] - Aiming to reduce U.S. imports from China to less than 15% of global production by 2026 and less than 10% by 2027 [13][12] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and executing a $600 million share repurchase program for 2025 [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in mitigating actions to offset potential tariff impacts, emphasizing a strong balance sheet and operational excellence [22][23] - The company is pausing full-year 2025 guidance due to uncertainty in consumer spending and the evolving tariff situation [21][22] - Management noted that the toy industry has historically proven resilient during uncertain times [22] Other Important Information - The company reported a strong first quarter with top-line growth and gross margin expansion [6][23] - The entertainment strategy is progressing, with several movies in production and partnerships with major entertainment companies [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you outline the roadmap to offset the impact of incremental tariffs? - Management indicated that Q1 was not impacted by tariffs and expects Q2 to be unaffected as well, with potential impacts starting in Q3 [42] - Current exposure to tariffs is estimated at $270 million, before considering mitigating actions [43][44] Question: What flexibility exists in the supply chain to transition out of China? - The company has established a flexible, modular supply chain over seven years, sourcing from multiple countries [50][52] Question: How confident is the company in passing along pricing to retailers? - Management emphasized long-standing relationships with retailers and a strategic approach to pricing, ensuring affordability [55][59] Question: What is the current state of inventory levels post-Easter? - The company reported that both owned and retail inventories are at appropriate levels, with some increases due to the later Easter holiday [78] Question: Have there been changes in retailer buying behavior? - No significant changes in buying behavior were noted, but some volatility is expected in gross billings due to direct import assessments [82][84]

Core Viewpoint - Mattel, Inc. is expected to report a decline in revenues and earnings for the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to underperformance in the Barbie brand and adverse macroeconomic conditions [1][3][5]. Financial Performance - In the last quarter, Mattel's earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 52.2%, while revenues fell short by 0.5%. Year-over-year, earnings and revenues increased by 20.7% and 2%, respectively [1]. - For the upcoming quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a loss of 11 cents per share, representing a 120% decline year-over-year. Revenue is projected at $799.7 million, down 1.2% from $809.5 million a year ago [2]. Brand Performance - The decline in revenues is attributed to weak performance from the Barbie brand in both North America and international markets, despite improvements in the Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price brands [3]. - Worldwide gross billings for the top three Power Brands are estimated at $165 million for Barbie (down 7.3%), $95 million for Fisher-Price (up 2.2%), and $263 million for Hot Wheels (up 1.9%) [4]. Cost and Expenses - The company's bottom line is expected to be negatively impacted by increased selling and administrative expenses, particularly due to higher employee compensation and elevated advertising costs [4]. Market Conditions - Ongoing macroeconomic challenges, including suppressed discretionary spending and inflationary pressures, are likely to hinder the company's performance despite its focus on cost control and diversified entertainment offerings [5]. Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model suggests that Mattel is unlikely to achieve an earnings beat this quarter, with an Earnings ESP of -4.76% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [6].