Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) Sees Unusually-High Trading Volume – Should You Buy?

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday. Approximately 23,412,209 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 388% from the previous session’s volume of 4,798,625 shares. The stock last traded at $14.9660 and had previously closed at $12.66.

Key Mattel News

Here are the key news stories impacting Mattel this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Takeover interest is the primary catalyst. Reports say Authentic Brands Group has expressed interest in acquiring Mattel, prompting a significant revaluation of the stock and temporarily triggering volatility-related trading halts. Mattel attracts takeover interest from Authentic Brands Group
• Positive Sentiment: Investors are positioning for further upside. Unusually heavy call-option activity—7,239 contracts purchased versus typical volume of roughly 2,953—indicates heightened speculative interest following the buyout reports. Retail traders are reportedly looking for prices above $20. MAT Stock Eyes Best Week on Mattel Buyout Buzz
• Positive Sentiment: Mattel is expanding its entertainment and experience businesses. The company unveiled plans for a Mattel-themed indoor waterpark in Bellevue, scheduled to open in 2027, featuring Barbie and Hot Wheels attractions. The initiative could provide licensing and consumer-engagement opportunities, though financial benefits are longer term. Mattel Unveils Indoor Waterpark in Bellevue

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Mattel in a research report on Thursday. Roth Capital dropped their price target on Mattel from $16.00 to $15.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 14th. Weiss Ratings lowered Mattel from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Mattel from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating and cut their price objective for the company from $15.00 to $12.00 in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, Argus reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $22.00 price objective on shares of Mattel in a research report on Tuesday, August 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $17.80.

Mattel Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $4.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.23, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a current ratio of 1.90, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $14.35 and a 200-day moving average of $14.44.

Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 4th. The company reported $0.01 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.04 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.10 billion. Mattel had a return on equity of 16.20% and a net margin of 7.79%.The business’s revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.19 EPS. Mattel has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.270-1.390 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Mattel, Inc. will post 1.31 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Mattel

In related news, EVP Roberto Isaias sold 39,083 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.02, for a total value of $587,026.66. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 144,390 shares in the company, valued at $2,168,737.80. This represents a 21.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mattel

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MAT. Tidal Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Mattel by 184.6% during the 2nd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 160,814 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,232,000 after acquiring an additional 104,302 shares during the period. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC acquired a new position in Mattel in the 2nd quarter worth about $37,000. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its position in Mattel by 47.0% during the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 3,481,088 shares of the company’s stock worth $48,318,000 after purchasing an additional 1,112,467 shares in the last quarter. Nykredit A S purchased a new position in Mattel during the second quarter worth approximately $105,000. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new position in shares of Mattel during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $271,000. 97.15% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Mattel Company Profile

Mattel, Inc (NASDAQ:MAT) is a global toy and entertainment company that designs, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of toys, games and related consumer products. Its brands include Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, Matchbox, UNO, MEGA, Masters of the Universe and Magic 8 Ball.

The company develops products across categories such as dolls, vehicles, preschool toys, building sets, games and outdoor play. Mattel also extends its brands through entertainment content, digital gaming, consumer products, live experiences and licensing partnerships.

Founded in 1945, Mattel serves consumers in markets around the world through retail, e-commerce and other distribution channels.