April 29 - Mattel said it has increased its full-year adjusted profit-per-share guidance after posting quarterly revenue that exceeded analyst expectations, a result the company attributed to persistent consumer demand for toys and expansion of its entertainment offerings.
The toymaker, best known for Barbie and Hot Wheels, reported first-quarter net sales of $862.2 million, topping analysts' estimates of $804.7 million compiled by LSEG. On that basis the company raised its adjusted earnings-per-share forecast for the year to a range of $1.27 to $1.39, up from prior guidance of $1.18 to $1.30, while keeping its annual sales target unchanged.
Mattel said its updated outlook takes into account potential impacts from the conflict in the Middle East, but it did not include any expected benefits from possible U.S. import tariff refunds. The company has started the refund process and is actively working through the system, though "the timing and the ultimate outcome are still not clear," CEO Ynon Kreiz said.
Management pointed to progress in its strategy to prioritize intellectual-property-led play and family entertainment, citing films such as "Masters of the Universe" and "Matchbox," along with a growing roster of licensing and digital partnerships, as drivers of demand beyond traditional toy channels. "We continued to make progress on our strategy to grow our IP-driven play and family entertainment business and are seeing top-line acceleration in the second quarter to date," Kreiz said.
As part of that strategic push, Mattel completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in its joint venture with China-based NetEase. The company also previewed new product plans, including a lineup of "KPop Demon Hunters" dolls scheduled for later this year after missing an opportunity to benefit from a popular streaming hit during the holiday season.
Despite the sales beat and upward revision to full-year adjusted EPS, Mattel reported margin headwinds. Adjusted gross margin fell to 45.1% from 49.6%, with the company attributing the decline to tariff-related costs and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar. On an adjusted basis, Mattel posted a loss per share of $0.20 for the quarter, slightly better than analysts' estimates of a $0.21 loss.
The company also noted competitor activity in the sector, referencing that rival Hasbro recently disclosed preliminary quarterly sales that exceeded analysts' expectations.
What this means
- Mattel is leaning into entertainment and IP to diversify demand beyond traditional toy sales.
- Near-term profitability is under pressure from tariffs and currency movements despite top-line momentum.