Mattel, Inc., designs, manufactures, and markets toy products worldwide. Mattel’s toys include BarbieTM fashion dolls and accessories, Hot WheelsTM, and Fisher-Price brands. For a recent year, Mattel reported the following net cash flows from operating activities on thousands):
First quarter ending March 31 $ (214,807)
Second quarter ending June 30 (135.003)
Third quarter ending September 30 31,003
Forth quarter December 31 1,102,915
Explain why Mattel reported negative net cash flows from operating activities during the first two quarters, a small positive net cash flow in the third quarter, and a large positive cash flow for the fourth quarter with overall net positive cash flow for the year.