Ariel Fund Posts 12.39% Q3 Return, Spotlights Mattel’s Margin Progress and Manchester United’s Upgraded Outlook

Overview

• Ariel reported a +12.39% third‑quarter return, topping the Russell 2500 Value’s +8.17% but slightly trailing the Russell 2000 Value’s +12.60%.
• The firm cites the Federal Reserve’s first 2025 rate cut, robust earnings, AI enthusiasm, and a rotation into small caps as key market drivers.
• On Mattel, Ariel flagged mixed results as Q3 net sales fell 6% to $1.74 billion due to retailer order timing tied to tariff uncertainty, while gross margins expanded, EPS beat consensus, and management still targets revenue growth and market‑share gains.
• Ariel said Manchester United delivered better‑than‑expected revenue and profit, raised full‑year guidance, and is pursuing capital projects including the Carrington redevelopment and discussions about a potential new stadium.
• Recent signals include Mattel closing at $19.18 on Oct. 23 with a $6.18 billion market cap and hedge‑fund holders rising to 33, while Manchester United closed at $18.47 with a $3.185 billion market cap, a one‑month return of 19.86%, and hedge‑fund holders up to 21.