Mattel, Inc (NASDAQ:MAT) is expected to see improved growth in 2026, according to Jefferies, which raised its forecasts and price target for the toymaker, citing potential upside from its entertainment-driven product slate. Jefferies has increased its fiscal 2026 sales growth estimate to 6.6% year over year, up from a prior 4.5% and above the roughly 6% consensus.
MAT tops Q1 estimates as net sales rise 4% to $862M, powered by Vehicles momentum - while margins slide on tariffs, FX and inflation.
Mattel is transforming from a stagnant toy manufacturer into a brand-driven IP company, leveraging movies and mobile gaming for growth. MAT's $1.5B buyback plan could retire 35% of shares in three years, following a prior 15% reduction, enhancing per-share value. The Barbie movie's success validated MAT's brand monetization strategy, with future films and full ownership of Mattel 163 driving high-margin growth.
Mattel, Inc. (MAT) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Mattel is downgraded to 'hold' after persistent underperformance, margin pressures, and disappointing execution despite a surprise Q1 profit. Tariff headwinds are fading, but oil-driven cost inflation and continued weakness in the toddler segment offset potential margin recovery for MAT. MAT's Q1 benefited from a one-time accounting gain; underlying free cash flow guidance is cut to $300–375 million, with a 7% free cash flow yield.
The headline numbers for Mattel (MAT) give insight into how the company performed in the quarter ended March 2026, but it may be worthwhile to compare some of its key metrics to Wall Street estimates and the year-ago actuals.
Mattel (MAT) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.2 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.24. This compares to a loss of $0.03 per share a year ago.
Sales are accelerating so far in the current quarter, Chief Executive Ynon Kreiz said, as consumers continue to buy Hot Wheels cars and Uno playing cards despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
MAT heads into Q1 earnings with strength in Hot Wheels and UNO, but U.S. headwinds, weaker Barbie demand and rising costs may weigh on results.
Mattel (MAT) possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
Acquired 2,385,643 shares of Mattel; estimated trade size $47.33 million (based on quarterly average price). Quarter-end position value increased by $47.33 million, reflecting the new purchase.
Mattel (MAT) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock?