The Labubu Economic Landscape
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 25 2025
0mins
Should l Buy MAT?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Collectibles Economy Discussion: The podcast features Motley Fool analysts discussing the collectibles economy, focusing on the nature of crazes, the psychology behind them, and how companies like Pop Mart leverage these trends to generate profit through products like Labubus.
Investment Insights: Analysts provide insights on investing in the collectibles market, suggesting that while direct investments in craze-driven companies can be risky, diversifying through established companies like Mattel or marketplaces like eBay may offer more stable opportunities.
Pop Mart's Business Model: Pop Mart is highlighted as a key player in the collectibles space, transitioning from licensing to owning intellectual property, which has significantly boosted its revenue and market presence, although concerns about the sustainability of its success are raised.
Caution on Fads: The analysts emphasize the cyclical nature of collectible crazes, advising caution for investors due to the unpredictable lifespan of trends and the potential for significant fluctuations in company performance tied to these fads.
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Analyst Views on MAT
Wall Street analysts forecast MAT stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for MAT is 24.43 USD with a low forecast of 20.00 USD and a high forecast of 30.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
8 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 21.110
Low
20.00
Averages
24.43
High
30.00
Current: 21.110
Low
20.00
Averages
24.43
High
30.00
About MAT
Mattel, Inc. is a global toy and family entertainment company. The Company's operating segments include North America and International. The North America segment markets and sells toys and consumer products in the United States and Canada. Products marketed and sold by the International segment are generally the same as those marketed and sold by the North America segment, although some are developed or adapted for particular international markets. Its franchise brands include Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA, and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that it owns or licensed in partnership with global entertainment companies. Its offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. The Company’s products are sold directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and various third-party e-commerce channels.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Key Earnings Reports and Economic Outlook This Week
- DuPont Earnings Expectations: DuPont is expected to report earnings of $0.43 per share and revenue of $1.69 billion for Q4 2025, with analysts noting ongoing pressure in short-cycle businesses, while slight improvements in the automotive sector may influence investor sentiment.
- Cisco's AI Focus: Cisco anticipates earnings of $1.02 per share and revenue of $15.1 billion for Q2 FY2026, with CEO highlighting a major multi-year campus networking refresh, making AI infrastructure demand a critical growth driver.
- Importance of Employment Report: The January employment report is expected to show an addition of 80,000 nonfarm payrolls and an unchanged unemployment rate of 4.4%, directly impacting private consumption and U.S. GDP, making it crucial for investors to monitor.
- Consumer Price Index Insights: The January CPI is projected to increase by 2.5% year-over-year, with core CPI rising by 2.6%, providing essential inflation details despite not being the Fed's preferred measure, particularly regarding persistent shelter cost inflation.
See More
Expedia Partners with Mattel for Ken Brand Super Bowl Ad
- Brand Ambassador: Expedia has entered a year-long partnership with Mattel to celebrate Ken's 65th anniversary, positioning him as Expedia's new brand ambassador, which is expected to attract more attention from younger consumers and enhance brand relevance.
- Ad Placement Strategy: The Super Bowl ad will feature a 30-second spot in the U.S., with 20-second and 30-second placements in Canada and Mexico respectively, aiming to leverage high visibility to boost brand awareness and market share significantly.
- New Brand Platform: This advertisement marks the launch of Expedia's new brand platform, “The One Place You Go to Go Places™,” underscoring its role as a one-stop service for travelers, which is anticipated to enhance user experience and increase customer loyalty.
- Interactive Campaign: Expedia will engage with Ken on social media for an interactive Q&A and launch a Ken-themed sweepstakes offering 65 prizes of $1,000 in OneKeyCash™, aiming to enhance brand loyalty through increased user engagement.
See More
Thomas & Friends Unveils Bold Brand Relaunch
- Brand Image Refresh: Thomas & Friends launches a bold new look that honors over 80 years of storytelling while introducing a modern aesthetic aimed at engaging today's children and fans of all ages, marking the first step in the brand's evolution.
- Design Considerations: Mattel undertook a thoughtful design process informed by extensive research and creative exploration, ensuring the new look ranked highest in appeal, personality, and emotional connection among preschoolers and their parents, reflecting the brand's core values.
- Introduction of New Elements: The refreshed design features an updated Thomas & Friends logo, new brand design elements, and character designs rooted in their iconic heritage, laying the groundwork for future adventures with additional announcements expected throughout 2026.
- Market Strategy Expansion: This brand relaunch is not just a visual update but also aims to expand through live experiences, products, publishing, and content, further solidifying Mattel's leadership position in the global toy and family entertainment market.
See More
Thomas & Friends Franchise Relaunches with New Look
- Franchise Relaunch: The Thomas & Friends brand is set for a full relaunch this fall with a bold new look aimed at modern families, honoring over 80 years of storytelling while reinforcing emotional connections.
- Design Innovation: The new design blends classic train culture with a contemporary aesthetic, receiving high appeal ratings from preschoolers and their parents, showcasing stronger emotional resonance and connection.
- Storytelling Heritage: The refreshed design emphasizes warmth, authenticity, and dependability, aiming to forge deeper emotional ties with today's families while ensuring the brand's lasting appeal.
- Future Outlook: The franchise will unveil a new logo and character designs, with plans for additional product and content announcements throughout 2026, marking the next adventure for Thomas & Friends and solidifying its market position.
See More
Mattel Partners with Netflix for KPop Toy Line
- Global Partnership: Mattel (MAT) has entered a global co-master toy partnership with Netflix (NFLX), securing rights to develop toys and consumer products based on the KPop franchise Demon Hunters, which is expected to significantly enhance brand visibility and market share.
- Diverse Product Portfolio: The lineup includes fashion dolls, singing dolls, action figures, playsets, and collectibles centered around the girl group HUNTR/X and other key characters, likely attracting a broad consumer base and enhancing brand loyalty.
- Varied Price Range: The new series features price points ranging from approximately $8 for Polly Pocket minis to $40-$45 for singing fashion dolls, catering to diverse consumer needs and expected to drive sales growth and overall revenue.
- Marketing Strategy: The first major product drop is slated for this summer and will extend into fall 2026, with reservations already being accepted, indicating Mattel's proactive approach in market promotion and consumer engagement aimed at maximizing sales potential.
See More
Mattel Launches Autistic Barbie, Enhancing Representation for Neurodivergent Children
- Educational Impact: Bridges Middle School affirms the educational significance of Mattel's newly launched autistic Barbie, emphasizing that representation in toys and media is crucial for fostering belonging among students with learning differences.
- Product Design: Developed over 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Barbie features design elements that cater to the autistic community, including articulated elbows and wrists for stimming, a gaze reflecting how some autistic individuals process eye contact, and sensory-friendly clothing.
- Market Positioning: Priced at $11.87, the autistic Barbie is available through Mattel's online shop, Target, and Amazon, with Walmart availability starting in March, aiming to meet the diverse needs of children through a varied product line.
- Social Responsibility: Mattel will donate 1,000 autistic Barbies to hospitals serving autistic children, reflecting the company's commitment to social responsibility while enhancing its brand image.
See More
Key Earnings Reports and Economic Outlook This Week
- DuPont Earnings Expectations: DuPont is expected to report earnings of $0.43 per share and revenue of $1.69 billion for Q4 2025, with analysts noting ongoing pressure in short-cycle businesses, while slight improvements in the automotive sector may influence investor sentiment.
- Cisco's AI Focus: Cisco anticipates earnings of $1.02 per share and revenue of $15.1 billion for Q2 FY2026, with CEO highlighting a major multi-year campus networking refresh, making AI infrastructure demand a critical growth driver.
- Importance of Employment Report: The January employment report is expected to show an addition of 80,000 nonfarm payrolls and an unchanged unemployment rate of 4.4%, directly impacting private consumption and U.S. GDP, making it crucial for investors to monitor.
- Consumer Price Index Insights: The January CPI is projected to increase by 2.5% year-over-year, with core CPI rising by 2.6%, providing essential inflation details despite not being the Fed's preferred measure, particularly regarding persistent shelter cost inflation.
See More
Expedia Partners with Mattel for Ken Brand Super Bowl Ad
- Brand Ambassador: Expedia has entered a year-long partnership with Mattel to celebrate Ken's 65th anniversary, positioning him as Expedia's new brand ambassador, which is expected to attract more attention from younger consumers and enhance brand relevance.
- Ad Placement Strategy: The Super Bowl ad will feature a 30-second spot in the U.S., with 20-second and 30-second placements in Canada and Mexico respectively, aiming to leverage high visibility to boost brand awareness and market share significantly.
- New Brand Platform: This advertisement marks the launch of Expedia's new brand platform, “The One Place You Go to Go Places™,” underscoring its role as a one-stop service for travelers, which is anticipated to enhance user experience and increase customer loyalty.
- Interactive Campaign: Expedia will engage with Ken on social media for an interactive Q&A and launch a Ken-themed sweepstakes offering 65 prizes of $1,000 in OneKeyCash™, aiming to enhance brand loyalty through increased user engagement.
See More
Thomas & Friends Unveils Bold Brand Relaunch
- Brand Image Refresh: Thomas & Friends launches a bold new look that honors over 80 years of storytelling while introducing a modern aesthetic aimed at engaging today's children and fans of all ages, marking the first step in the brand's evolution.
- Design Considerations: Mattel undertook a thoughtful design process informed by extensive research and creative exploration, ensuring the new look ranked highest in appeal, personality, and emotional connection among preschoolers and their parents, reflecting the brand's core values.
- Introduction of New Elements: The refreshed design features an updated Thomas & Friends logo, new brand design elements, and character designs rooted in their iconic heritage, laying the groundwork for future adventures with additional announcements expected throughout 2026.
- Market Strategy Expansion: This brand relaunch is not just a visual update but also aims to expand through live experiences, products, publishing, and content, further solidifying Mattel's leadership position in the global toy and family entertainment market.
See More
Thomas & Friends Franchise Relaunches with New Look
- Franchise Relaunch: The Thomas & Friends brand is set for a full relaunch this fall with a bold new look aimed at modern families, honoring over 80 years of storytelling while reinforcing emotional connections.
- Design Innovation: The new design blends classic train culture with a contemporary aesthetic, receiving high appeal ratings from preschoolers and their parents, showcasing stronger emotional resonance and connection.
- Storytelling Heritage: The refreshed design emphasizes warmth, authenticity, and dependability, aiming to forge deeper emotional ties with today's families while ensuring the brand's lasting appeal.
- Future Outlook: The franchise will unveil a new logo and character designs, with plans for additional product and content announcements throughout 2026, marking the next adventure for Thomas & Friends and solidifying its market position.
See More
Mattel Partners with Netflix for KPop Toy Line
- Global Partnership: Mattel (MAT) has entered a global co-master toy partnership with Netflix (NFLX), securing rights to develop toys and consumer products based on the KPop franchise Demon Hunters, which is expected to significantly enhance brand visibility and market share.
- Diverse Product Portfolio: The lineup includes fashion dolls, singing dolls, action figures, playsets, and collectibles centered around the girl group HUNTR/X and other key characters, likely attracting a broad consumer base and enhancing brand loyalty.
- Varied Price Range: The new series features price points ranging from approximately $8 for Polly Pocket minis to $40-$45 for singing fashion dolls, catering to diverse consumer needs and expected to drive sales growth and overall revenue.
- Marketing Strategy: The first major product drop is slated for this summer and will extend into fall 2026, with reservations already being accepted, indicating Mattel's proactive approach in market promotion and consumer engagement aimed at maximizing sales potential.
See More
Mattel Launches Autistic Barbie, Enhancing Representation for Neurodivergent Children
- Educational Impact: Bridges Middle School affirms the educational significance of Mattel's newly launched autistic Barbie, emphasizing that representation in toys and media is crucial for fostering belonging among students with learning differences.
- Product Design: Developed over 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Barbie features design elements that cater to the autistic community, including articulated elbows and wrists for stimming, a gaze reflecting how some autistic individuals process eye contact, and sensory-friendly clothing.
- Market Positioning: Priced at $11.87, the autistic Barbie is available through Mattel's online shop, Target, and Amazon, with Walmart availability starting in March, aiming to meet the diverse needs of children through a varied product line.
- Social Responsibility: Mattel will donate 1,000 autistic Barbies to hospitals serving autistic children, reflecting the company's commitment to social responsibility while enhancing its brand image.
See More
