Stock to Watch: Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT)

[Zacks] Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) disappointed once again as it posted lower-than-expected third quarter 2014 results due to weak demand for its traditional toys. Net sales of $2.02 billion in the third quarter missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6% and also declined 8% year over year, primarily reflecting poor performance in the domestic as well as international markets. In fact, this was the fourth consecutive quarter of poor sales.Stock PerformanceTaking a look at the company’s recent performance, Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT) reported third quarter earnings for fiscal 2014 on October 16^th. The company reported actual earnings per share of $.97 against the consensus Street estimate of $1.06. Mattel, Inc posted revenue of $2.02 billion against estimates of $2.19 billion.Mattel, Inc. (MAT) is currently valued at $10.46 billion and closed the last trading session at $30.88. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $33.50 and a 200-day moving average of $36.97.

Is this a Buying Opportunity?There are currently thirteen analysts that we track that cover the stock. Of those thirteen, one has a Buy rating, ten have a Hold rating and two have a Sell rating. On a consensus basis this yields a score of 1.92 and a Buy. The combined price objective of these covering analysts is $38, which represents a 20.87% upside difference to the last closing price.The most recent analyst activity consisted of BMO Capital Marketsupgrading their Market Perform stance on the company. BMO Capital Markets has a price target of $31.00 which represents a downside of 0.35% from the last closing price. On the date of the report, the stock closed at $31.11.Another research firm weighing in recently was MKM Partners who downgraded their neutral stance on the stock. On September 29^th MKM Partners downgraded their price target on the stock $41 to $32.00, a 4.99% upside to the current price. On the day of the report, MATshares closed at $30.48.Company ProfileMattel, Inc. (MAT) designs, manufactures, and markets a range of toy products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: North America, International, and American Girl. It also publishes Advice and Activity books and the American Girl magazine. The company offers dolls and accessories, vehicles and play sets, and games and puzzles under the Mattel Girls & Boys brands, including Barbie, Monster High, Disney Classics, Ever After High, Little Mommy, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tyco R/C, CARS, Disney Planes, Radica, Toy Story, Max Steel, WWE Wrestling, and Batman. Mattel also provides its products under the Fisher-Price brands, such as Fisher-Price, Little People, BabyGear, Laugh & Learn, Imaginext, Thomas & Friends, Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Disney Jake, the Never Land Pirates, and Power Wheels.