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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Preparation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mattel, Inc. ("Mattel") and its subsidiaries. All wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated and included in Mattel's consolidated financial statements. Mattel does not have any minority stock ownership interests in which it has a controlling financial interest that would require consolidation. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Use of Estimates Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates. Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents include short-term investments, which are highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates market value. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses Credit is granted to customers on an unsecured basis. Credit limits and payment terms are established based on extensive evaluations performed on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year of the financial performance, cash generation, financing availability, and liquidity status of each customer. Customers are reviewed at least annually, with more frequent reviews performed as necessary, based on the customers' financial condition and the level of credit being extended. For customers who are experiencing financial difficulties, management performs additional financial analyses before shipping to those customers on credit. Customers' terms and credit limits are adjusted or revoked, if necessary, to reflect the results of the review. Mattel uses a variety of financial arrangements to ensure collectability of accounts receivable of customers, including requiring letters of credit, purchasing various forms of credit insurance with unrelated third parties, or requiring cash in advance of shipment. Mattel records an allowance for credit losses based on collection history and management's assessment of the current economic trends, business environment, customers' financial condition, accounts receivable aging, and customer disputes that may impact the level of future credit losses. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Expense associated with inventory obsolescence is recognized in cost of sales and establishes a lower cost basis for the inventory. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 10 to 30 years for buildings and building improvements, 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment, 3 to 10 years for software, and 10 to 20 years, not to exceed the lease term, for leasehold improvements. Tools, dies, and molds are depreciated using the straight-line method over 3 years. Estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed and, where appropriate, changes are made prospectively. The carrying amount of property, plant, and equipment is reviewed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Any potential impairment identified is initially assessed by evaluating the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying asset groups. When property, plant, and equipment are sold or retired, the cost of the property and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheets, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations. Leases Mattel routinely enters into lease agreements primarily for premises and equipment used in the normal course of business. Mattel excludes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less from the balance sheet, and combines lease and non-lease components for property leases, which primarily relate to ancillary expenses such as common area maintenance charges and management fees. Mattel determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception by assessing whether it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Mattel's leases may include one or more options to renew for additional terms of up to 10 years. Renewal and termination options are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that Mattel will exercise the option. Certain of these leases include escalation clauses that adjust rental expense to reflect changes in price indices, as well as renewal and termination options. A portion of Mattel's lease agreements include contingent rental payments based on a percentage of sales. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As substantially all of Mattel's leases do not provide an implicit rate, Mattel uses its incremental borrowing rate, based on the information available at the lease commencement date, to determine the present value of lease payments. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is allocated to reporting units for the purpose of evaluating whether goodwill is impaired. Mattel's reporting units are: (i) North America, which consists of the United States and Canada, (ii) International, and (iii) American Girl. Goodwill related to the American Girl reporting unit is included in the North America operating segment. Mattel's reportable segments are: (i) North America and (ii) International. Components of the operating segments have been aggregated into a single reporting unit as the components have similar economic characteristics. The similar economic characteristics include the nature of the products, the nature of the production processes, the customers, and the manner in which the products are distributed. Mattel tests its goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a reporting unit may exceed its fair value. Mattel also tests its amortizable intangible assets, which are primarily comprised of trademarks and trade names, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset's carrying amount may not be recoverable. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the amortizable intangible assets. Content Assets Mattel incurs and capitalizes direct costs associated with the production of episodic series, feature films, and other similar forms of content. Content assets are recorded within other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Mattel's content assets are predominately monetized individually and amortized based upon the ratio of the current period's revenues to the estimated remaining total revenues ("Ultimate Revenues"). Ultimate Revenues include revenues forecasted to be earned within ten years from the date of initial release of the content asset. Ultimate Revenues are reassessed each reporting period. If Mattel's estimate of Ultimate Revenues decreases, amortization of costs may be accelerated or result in an impairment. To the extent Mattel's estimate of Ultimate Revenues increases, cost amortization may be slowed. Content asset amortization is recorded within cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Unamortized content assets are tested for impairment at the individual content asset level when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of an asset may be less than its unamortized costs. Foreign Currency Translation Exposure Mattel's reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The translation of its net investments in subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies subjects Mattel to the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations in its results of operations and financial position. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates. Net income and cash flow items are translated at weighted-average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity. Foreign Currency Transaction Exposure Currency exchange rate fluctuations may impact Mattel's results of operations and cash flows. Mattel's currency transaction exposures include gains and losses realized on unhedged inventory purchases and unhedged receivables and payables balances that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. Gains and losses on unhedged inventory purchases and other transactions associated with operating activities are recorded in the components of operating income in the consolidated statements of operations. Transaction gains or losses on hedged intercompany inventory transactions are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the inventory is sold to customers. Gains and losses on unhedged intercompany loans and advances are recorded as a component of other non-operating expense (income), net in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the currency exchange rate changes. Derivative Instruments Mattel uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts as cash flow hedges primarily to hedge its purchases and sales of inventory denominated in foreign currencies. At the inception of the contracts, Mattel designates these derivatives as cash flow hedges and documents the relationship of the hedge to the underlying transaction. Hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and throughout the life of the hedge to ensure the hedge qualifies for hedge accounting. Changes in fair value associated with hedge ineffectiveness, if any, are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in fair value of cash flow hedge derivatives are deferred and recorded as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity until the underlying transaction affects earnings. In the event that an anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur, Mattel recognizes the change in fair value of the derivative in its consolidated statements of operations in the period the determination is made. Mattel uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge intercompany loans and advances denominated in foreign currencies. Due to the short-term nature of the contracts involved, Mattel does not use hedge accounting for these contracts, and as such, changes in fair value are recorded in the period of change in the consolidated statements of operations. Mattel periodically utilizes derivative contracts to hedge certain purchases of commodities, which are not material. Revenue Recognition and Sales Adjustments Revenue is recognized when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which is either upon shipment or upon receipt of finished goods by the customer, depending on the contract terms, with payment due typically within 60 days from the invoice date. Mattel routinely enters into arrangements with its customers to provide sales incentives, support for customer promotions, and allowances for returns or defective merchandise. Such programs are based primarily on customer purchases, customer performance of specified promotional activities, and other specified factors such as sales to consumers. Accruals for these programs are recorded in net sales as sales adjustments that reduce gross billings in the period the related sale is recognized. The accrual for such programs, which can either be contractual or discretionary in nature, is based on an assessment of customer purchases, customer performance of specified promotional activities, and other specified factors such as customer sales volume. In making these estimates, management considers all available information, including the overall business environment, historical trends, and information from customers. Mattel also enters into symbolic and functional licensing arrangements, whereby the licensee pays Mattel royalties based on sales of licensed product, and in certain cases are subject to minimum guaranteed amounts. The timing of revenue recognition for certain of these licensing arrangements with minimum guarantees is based on the determination of whether the license of intellectual property ("IP") is symbolic, which includes the license of Mattel's brands, or functional, which includes the license of Mattel's completed television or streaming content. Revenues from symbolic licenses of IP are recognized based on actual sales when Mattel expects royalties to exceed the minimum guarantee. For symbolic licensing arrangements in which Mattel does not expect royalties to exceed the minimum guarantee, an estimate of the royalties expected to be recouped is recognized on a straight-line basis over the license term. Revenues from functional licenses of IP are recognized once the license period has commenced and the licensee has the ability to use the delivered content. Mattel does not evaluate contracts of one year or less for the existence of a significant financing component. Multi-year contracts were not material. Advertising and Promotion Costs Advertising production costs are expensed in the period the underlying advertisement is first aired. The costs of other advertising and promotional programs are expensed in the period incurred. Product Recalls and Withdrawals Mattel establishes a reserve for product recalls and withdrawals on a product-specific basis when circumstances giving rise to the recall or withdrawal become known. Facts and circumstances related to the recall or withdrawal, including where the product affected by the recall or withdrawal is located (e.g., with consumers, in customers' inventory, or in Mattel's inventory), cost estimates for shipping and handling for returns, cost estimates for communicating the recall or withdrawal to consumers and customers, and cost estimates for parts and labor if the recalled or withdrawn product is deemed to be repairable, are considered when establishing a product recall or withdrawal reserve. These factors are updated and reevaluated each period, and the related reserves are adjusted when these factors indicate that the recall or withdrawal reserve is either not sufficient to cover or exceed the estimated product recall or withdrawal expenses. Design and Development Costs Product design and development costs primarily include employee compensation and outside services and are expensed in the period incurred. Employee Benefit Plans Mattel and certain of its subsidiaries have retirement and other postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees of these entities. Actuarial valuations are used in determining amounts recognized in the financial statements for certain retirement and other postretirement benefit plans (see "Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements—Employee Benefit Plans"). Share-Based Payments Mattel recognizes the cost of service-based employee share-based payment awards on a straight-line attribution basis over the requisite employee service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Mattel estimates and adjusts forfeiture rates based on a periodic review of recent forfeiture activity and expected future employee turnover. Mattel determines the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model which requires judgment in estimating the expected term that stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise. The expected volatility of Mattel’s stock price and the expected dividends to be paid over the period that the option is expected to be outstanding are also required to be estimated. The expected life of stock options used in this calculation is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding and has been determined based on historical exercise experience. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of Mattel's stock for a period approximating the expected life. Expected dividend yield is based on the annual rate of dividends expected to be paid over the expected life. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues approximating the expected life Mattel determines the fair value of restricted stock units ("RSUs"), excluding performance RSUs, based on the closing market price of Mattel's common stock on the date of grant, adjusted by the present value of the expected dividends for RSUs that are not entitled to a dividend during the vesting period. Mattel determines the fair value of the performance-related components of its performance RSUs based on the closing market price of Mattel's common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the market-related components of its performance RSUs is determined based on the Monte Carlo valuation methodology which requires judgment in estimating the expected volatility of Mattel's stock price and its correlation to an index of other public companies upon which the market-related components are measured. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of Mattel's stock for a period approximating the expected term of the award. Correlation is based on historical share prices of other public companies which comprise the index for a period approximating the expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues approximating the expected term. Income Taxes Certain income and expense items are accounted for differently for financial reporting and income tax purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory income tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Mattel evaluates the realization of its deferred tax assets based on all available evidence and establishes a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that they will not be realized. Mattel recognizes the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more likely than not that, based on technical merits, the position will be sustained upon examination. The tax benefits of the position recognized in the financial statements are then measured based on the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement with a taxing authority. In addition, Mattel recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the income tax provision. In the normal course of business, Mattel is regularly audited by U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign tax authorities. The ultimate settlement of any particular issue with the applicable taxing authority could have a material impact on Mattel's consolidated financial statements. Equity Method Investments Mattel utilizes the equity method when accounting for investments in which Mattel is able to exercise significant influence, but does not hold a controlling interest. Significant influence is generally presumed to exist when Mattel owns between 20% to 50% of the investee. Under the equity method of accounting, the initial equity investment is recorded at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is subsequently adjusted for Mattel's share of net income (loss) and distributions from the investee. Distributions from equity method investees are accounted for using the cumulative earnings approach whereby distributions received are considered to be returns on investment and recognized within cash flows from operating activities in Mattel's consolidated statement of cash flows, unless cumulative distributions exceed Mattel's equity share in the earnings of the investee. Mattel owns a 50% equity interest in Mattel163 Limited, a joint venture with a third party that develops and operates digital games. Mattel's portion of the joint venture's earnings and losses is recognized on a three-month lag as the joint venture's financial information is not available in a sufficiently timely manner. The joint venture was not significant for the periods presented. New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 requires enhanced income tax disclosures on an annual basis for specific categories in the rate reconciliation and disclosure of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance in ASU 2023-09 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Mattel adopted the guidance in ASU 2023-09 effective January 1, 2025 and applied the new disclosure requirements prospectively as of the adoption date. Refer to "Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements— Income Taxes" for additional information regarding Mattel's income taxes. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses for public business entities. ASU 2024-03 requires enhanced disclosures of each expense caption in the income statement to improve transparency and provide financial statement users with more detailed information about the nature, amount and timing of expenses impacting financial performance. Additionally, in January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 to clarify the effective date of ASU 2024-03. The guidance in ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU may be applied either (1) prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this ASU or (2) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2024-03 on its consolidated financial statements. In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets. ASU 2025-05 provides the option to use a practical expedient to address implementation challenges related to the estimation of expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current assets arising from transactions accounted for under revenue recognition (Topic 606) and assets acquired through business combinations. The practical expedient allows entities to assume current conditions as of the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of these assets when developing forecasts. The guidance allows entities to bypass the requirement to incorporate macro-economic data into their forecast when such data is not expected to materially affect the estimate. The guidance in ASU 2025-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-05 on its consolidated financial statements. In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software. ASU 2025-06 modernizes certain aspects of the accounting for software costs to develop or obtain software for internal use under Accounting Standards Codification 350-40. The ASU requires entities to begin capitalizing software costs when management authorizes and commits to funding the software project, and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used for its intended purpose. The guidance in ASU 2025-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in ASU 2025-06 permit entities to apply the new guidance using a prospective, retrospective, or modified transition approach. Mattel is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-06 on its consolidated financial statements.

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