Mattel (MAT) UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference summary

Strategic vision and brand management

• Transitioning to an IP-driven, brand-centric company, leveraging iconic brands and expanding entertainment and digital offerings.

• Focused on operational excellence, margin expansion, and maximizing value across consumer touchpoints.

• Emphasis on capturing value beyond physical products, including entertainment, digital games, and licensing.

• Leveraging digital play and artificial intelligence to optimize operations and scale business.

• 2026 identified as an inflection year, with growth expected from innovation, partnerships, and entertainment releases.

Growth drivers, investments, and innovation

• Investing up to $150 million in 2026 to accelerate organic growth, especially in mobile games, digital marketing, and first-party data.

• Strategic investments in 2026 will impact short-term profit but are expected to be highly accretive by 2027, with ROI payback in less than a year.

• Mobile games development is outsourced, enabling capital-light, high-margin growth and rapid scaling.

• Expansion into adult fan and collector segments, with strong double-digit growth through direct-to-consumer channels.

• Operating in six major toy categories, combining owned and licensed brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Disney properties.

Entertainment, partnerships, and digital expansion

• Major entertainment partnerships with Warner Bros., Netflix, and Paramount, and projects like Masters of the Universe and Matchbox.

• Entertainment vertical expected to drive high-margin growth, reinforcing toy sales and vice versa.

• Location-based entertainment expanding with seven permanent attractions in development, including themed cafes and parks.

• Digital games and branded experiences on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite have achieved top rankings with minimal marketing.

• Developing new business models and location-based entertainment to capture full value of intellectual property.