Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) Cut to “Strong Sell” at Zacks Research

Zacks Research lowered shares of Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report issued on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports.

MAT has been the topic of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on Mattel in a research report on Wednesday. They set an “overweight” rating and a $19.00 target price on the stock. DA Davidson cut their target price on Mattel from $25.00 to $18.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of Mattel from $25.00 to $19.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Mattel from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c)” rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 4th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Mattel from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $18.44.

Mattel Trading Down 1.0%

MAT opened at $16.06 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.75 and a beta of 0.72. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $19.00 and its 200-day moving average is $18.95. Mattel has a 52-week low of $13.94 and a 52-week high of $22.48. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 2.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04.

Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.53 by ($0.14). Mattel had a net margin of 7.44% and a return on equity of 20.72%. The firm had revenue of $1.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.85 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.35 earnings per share. Mattel’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Mattel has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.180-1.300 EPS. Analysts expect that Mattel will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mattel

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC boosted its holdings in Mattel by 537.7% in the third quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 1,352 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,140 shares during the period. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Mattel during the third quarter worth $28,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Mattel in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Mattel in the 4th quarter worth about $36,000. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Mattel by 107.5% in the 4th quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,023 shares of the company’s stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 1,048 shares during the period. 97.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Headlines Impacting Mattel

Here are the key news stories impacting Mattel this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Serenity Capital Management opened a roughly $43M Mattel stake, signaling institutional confidence and potential buying support. Serenity Capital Management Opens $43 Million Mattel Position
• Positive Sentiment: Management is pushing a brand‑centric pivot into IP, gaming and entertainment as the next growth phase — a strategic shift that could expand revenue streams beyond toys if execution succeeds. Mattel bets on IP, gaming and entertainment to drive next phase of growth
• Neutral Sentiment: CEO commentary (interviews and conference appearances) emphasizes 2026 as a transformational year converting Mattel into an IP/entertainment platform — useful for long‑term thesis but dependent on milestones. Mattel CEO: 2026 is transformational year for brand-centric strategy
• Neutral Sentiment: Mattel presented at the UBS Global Consumer & Retail conference (slides/transcript available) — ongoing investor outreach that can reduce informational uncertainty but won’t immediately change fundamentals. Mattel, Inc. (MAT) Presents at UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference – Slideshow
• Neutral Sentiment: Marketing/brand programs (e.g., Hot Wheels Legends Tour) sustain consumer engagement and merchandising opportunities but are low near‑term earnings drivers. Hot Wheels Legends Tour Now Accepting Entries
• Negative Sentiment: The Portnoy Law Firm announced an investigation into possible securities fraud and may file a class action — legal risk increases uncertainty and could lead to costs or management distraction. Mattel, Inc. Investigated by the Portnoy Law Firm
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks downgraded Mattel from “hold” to “strong sell,” which can amplify selling pressure from retail and momentum traders. Zacks.com

Mattel Company Profile

Mattel, Inc is a leading global toy company headquartered in El Segundo, California. Founded in 1945 by Harold “Matt” Matson and Elliot and Ruth Handler, the company has grown into a major player in the toy and family products industry. Mattel designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of toys, games and entertainment products under well-known brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO and Matchbox. In addition to its proprietary labels, Mattel holds licenses with global entertainment franchises, partnering with Disney, Warner Bros., WWE and other studios to create character-driven play experiences.