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Mattel Lifts Profit Outlook After Sales Beat as Hot Wheels Rises, Barbie Falls

The toymaker lifted its earnings outlook on stronger sales tied to an entertainment push.

Mattel signage is displayed during the New York Toy Fair in New York City, U.S., February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Overview

  • Mattel reported first‑quarter net sales of $862.2 million that topped Wall Street estimates and raised its full‑year adjusted EPS target to $1.27–$1.39 from $1.18–$1.30.
  • Brand performance split sharply, with Hot Wheels up 17% and Barbie down 16%, making vehicles and action figures the company’s main growth engines.
  • Adjusted gross margin fell to 45.1% because of U.S. import tariffs, higher supply‑chain costs, and a stronger dollar.
  • Despite higher revenue, the quarter posted an adjusted operating loss of about $70 million and a 20‑cent adjusted loss per share, slightly better than forecasts.
  • Mattel advanced an IP‑led shift into films and mobile games, completing the Mattel163 purchase and buying the rest of its NetEase venture, while international sales outpaced a weaker North America.