Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) reported worse-than-expected earnings and revenue for the fourth quarter but issued an upbeat profit outlook for fiscal 2024.
The stock climbed 0.2% in after-hours trading.
The toy maker posted Q4 earnings per share (EPS) of $0.29, missing the consensus estimates of $0.33. Revenue came in at $1.62 billion, also below the estimated $1.66 billion.
The company saw gross billings of $1.84 billion in Q4, of which $763.1 million was contributed by its dolls category performing. That marks a 29% year-over-year increase, and surpassing the estimate of $730.8 million.
Adjusted gross margin improved significantly to 48.8% from 43.1% year-over-year, narrowly missing the estimated 49%.
Adjusted EBITDA was $234 million, showing a robust 48% year-over-year growth, albeit below the expected $246.4 million.
For the new fiscal year, adjusted EPS is expected to be between $1.35 and $1.45, closely aligning with the estimated $1.37.
Mattel anticipates an adjusted gross margin between 48.5% and 49%, slightly above the estimate of 47.9%. The company's forecast for adjusted EBITDA ranges from $975 million to $1.03 billion, compared to an estimated $987.3 million.
Moreover, the firm also declared a $1 billion share buyback program, following repurchases amounting to $203 million in 2023.
“In the fourth quarter, we achieved double-digit growth in sales and earnings. For the year, we grew POS, generated significant cash flow, and exceeded our Optimizing for Growth cost savings program target,” said Anthony DiSilvestro, CFO of Mattel
“Looking ahead, we are launching a new cost savings program focused on profitable growth and expect to improve profitability and continue share repurchases in 2024.”