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2 Stocks to Keep an Eye on From Promising Toys & Games Industry

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The Zacks Toys - Games – Hobbies industry benefits from the robust demand for smart toys, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys, sports toys, and fashion dolls and accessories. Industry participants have been undertaking efforts on the digital front and focusing on better execution of marketing and promotional initiatives to drive growth. Stocks like Hasbro, Inc. (HAS - Free Report) and Mattel, Inc. (MAT - Free Report) are likely to gain from these trends.

Industry Description

The Zacks Toys - Games – Hobbies industry comprises companies that design, manufacture and sell various games and toys. While traditional toymakers primarily focus on marketing and selling action figures, accessories, dolls, youth electronics, and arts and crafts, other industry players develop and market content and services on video game consoles, personal computers and mobile. Some industry participants offer video game platforms, playing cards, Karuta and other products, as well as handheld and home console hardware systems and related software. Some companies develop and operate retail and online military simulation games, and offer multi-player and single-player games.

3 Trends Shaping the Future of Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies Industry

STEM Toys Gaining Popularity: The increasing demand for educational experiences outside traditional classrooms is a significant factor driving market growth. Parents are increasingly looking for toys that promote problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking in their children. STEM toys, in particular, are gaining popularity due to their ability to spark curiosity and develop practical skills, making them a top choice for many families. Factors such as heightened interest in coding and robotics toys have significantly shaped the market landscape. Industry players are capitalizing on new distribution methods, developing digital-play components, exploring ventures with other industries and focusing on international expansion to drive growth. The industry has enormous growth potential in China and Brazil.

Focus on Emerging Markets: Industry participants are focusing on expanding their presence in emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin and South America. Emerging markets offer greater opportunities for revenue growth than developed markets.

High Costs Remain Concerning: Cost inflation hurt the industry due to rising raw material prices. Higher employee-related expenses are also hurting the industry. The firms have been resorting to product launches and shifting toward more technology-driven toys to boost sales, which might drive profits in the long haul. However, costs related to the initiatives might prove detrimental.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects

The Zacks Toys – Games – Hobbies industry is grouped within the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary Sector.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates bright near-term prospects.

The Zacks Toys – Games – Hobbies industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #81, which places it in the top 33% of 247 Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Before we present a few stocks that investors can take a look at, let us analyze the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.

Industry Underperforms the S&P 500

The Zacks Toys – Games – Hobbies industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Index. The industry has declined 59.2% over this period against the S&P 500’s rise of 10%. In the same time frame, the sector has risen 2.1%.

One-Year Price Performance

Industry's Current Valuation

Comparing the industry with the S&P 500 Index on the basis of forward 12-month price-to-earnings, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing the industry, we see that the industry is trading at 9.28X, lower than the S&P 500’s 20.68X and the sector’s 17.47X.

Over the last five years, the industry traded as high as 29.30X and as low as 8.75X, with the median being 14.02X, as the chart shows.



Two Zacks Toys Stocks to Keep an Eye On

Mattel: The company is benefiting from the Optimizing for Profitable Growth program and strong demand for Hot Wheels. This and strategic initiatives toward capturing the full value of its IPs and transforming itself into a high-performing toy company bode well. The company is expecting to realize incremental benefits from the upcoming digital content in 2025.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company have gained 2.1% in the past year. The company’s 2025 earnings are likely to witness a year-over-year increase of 4.9%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Price & Consensus: MAT

Hasbro: The company is benefiting from strong performance across the MAGIC ecosystem. Also, growth in licensing and lower promotional discounts across retailers added to the positives. Going forward, the company emphasizes on Playing to Win strategy to enhance cost efficiency, brand expansion, and digital innovation. Also, focus on entertainment pipeline, strategic partnerships, and new product innovations bode well. 

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 12.2% in the past year. The company’s 2025 earnings are likely to witness a year-over-year increase of 5.2%. 

Price & Consensus: HAS




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