NEW YORK (AP) -- Investors will be watching to see how Mattel Inc. fared during the all-important holiday season when the No. 1 toymaker, which makes Barbie and Hot Wheels toys, reports fiscal fourth-quarter results on Tuesday.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Analysts believe strong international results will help offset any weakness in North America. Sterne Agee analyst Margaret Whitfield said that Mattel had a stronger lineup for toys during the holidays compared to its chief rival Hasbro Inc. Hasbro, which reports results on Feb. 6, cut its outlook for the quarter earlier this month.
But Mattel toys, including Barbie, Monster High dolls and toys tied into "Cars 2," were likely more in demand than Hasbro's toys, Whitfield said.
"We noted that a basket of Mattel top toys was largely out of stock at the end of holiday, with price points rising over the period," she said. She kept her "Buy" rating on the stock.
WHY IT MATTERS: The holiday quarter is all-important for toy makers because they can earn up to half of annual revenue during the period.
WHAT'S EXPECTED: Analysts expect earnings of $1 per share on revenue of $2.21 billion.
LAST YEAR'S QUARTER: The El Segundo, Calif.-based company reported adjusted net income of 81 cents per share on revenue of $1.96 billion.
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