Meanwhile, the countdown is on to a major test of presidential power. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will consider President Trump and his sweeping global tariffs when the justices hear arguments in a case brought against the US president by a toy maker. That toy maker, Rick Waldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, a company that sells learning based toys, joins us now.Rick, um it's good to have you on the program. Um, could you ever have imagined that you'd be in a courtroom where a seinal decision is being mad ...

Pop Mart, maker of the wildly popular toys, wants to be China’s Disney https://t.co/ynkdvTVEd0 ...

Core Insights - The "KPop Demon Hunters" film has become a significant cultural phenomenon, driving interest in K-pop and contributing to the $10 billion K-pop music industry [2][3] - Netflix reported that "KPop Demon Hunters" is the most popular film on its platform, surpassing 325 million views by October [2] - The collaboration between Netflix and Everland amusement park has created a themed zone to enhance the film's popularity and engage fans [1] Industry Impact - The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" is boosting the K-pop industry, which has evolved from a regional to a global phenomenon, with artists like PSY and BTS achieving remarkable streaming numbers [3][4] - The film's popularity has led to limited theatrical screenings and merchandise deals with major toy companies like Hasbro and Mattel, indicating a strategic move to capitalize on its success [3] - K-pop acts have consistently broken records, with BTS' "Dynamite" exceeding 2 billion streams and BLACKPINK's 2023 tour being the highest-grossing by a female group [4]

Core Insights - The toy category is experiencing a resurgence in Q3 2025, with a 14% year-over-year increase in licensed toys, driven by various themes including video games and sports [3][4] - The U.S. consumer's response to tariffs will significantly influence Q4 performance, with the toy industry showing resilience due to emotional connections and trends like adult self-gifting [4] - The U.S. toy market saw a 7% increase in dollar sales from January to September, indicating a return to growth after two stagnant years, primarily fueled by collectibles [7] Industry Trends - Seven out of eleven toy categories tracked by Circana reported dollar growth, with six categories showing unit growth [3] - Collectibles are a major driver of toy sales, with a notable 33% increase compared to the previous year, particularly in trading card games and action figures [7] - The toy industry benefits from trends such as nostalgia and digital wellness, which are expected to influence holiday purchases [4] Company Developments - Mattel projected its tariff exposure to be below $100 million but warned that the full impact may be felt in Q4 [5] - Toys R Us is planning to open over 30 new flagship and seasonal stores to compete for consumer spending during the holiday season [6]

Core Insights - JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has renewed its partnership with SEGA of America for the Sonic the Hedgehog Collection, extending the collaboration until 2029, which solidifies JAKKS as the lead global toy partner for the franchise [1][9] - The Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise line has experienced significant success since its launch in 2019, with popular products like the 4-inch Articulate Figures and Sonic Speed RC appealing to a wide range of fans [2][3] - JAKKS Pacific aims to build on the momentum of its successful product offerings and plans to introduce new merchandise that celebrates the legacy of Sonic the Hedgehog while looking towards the future [3] Company Overview - JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a prominent designer, manufacturer, and marketer of toys and consumer products, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, managing a diverse portfolio of licensed and owned intellectual property brands [3][6] - SEGA of America is a leading interactive entertainment company based in Tokyo, Japan, known for its innovative gaming experiences and popular franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog [4][6]

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway remains cautious about market conditions, accumulating a record cash reserve of $381.7 billion while profits increased [1][2] - The company has sold more stocks than it has purchased for 12 consecutive quarters, maintaining an equity portfolio valued at $283.2 billion [1][2] - Operating profit for the third quarter rose 34% to $13.49 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, while net income increased 17% to $30.8 billion [2][7] Financial Performance - Revenue growth was limited to 2%, which is slower than the overall growth rate of the U.S. economy [2] - Lower insurance losses contributed to the increase in operating profit, which translates to approximately $9,376 per Class A share [2][7] Market Position and Strategy - Economic uncertainty and declining consumer confidence have negatively impacted sales growth in various sectors, including homebuilding and consumer goods [3] - Berkshire Hathaway has not repurchased any of its own stock for five consecutive quarters, despite its stock price lagging behind the broader market [2][3] Leadership Transition - Warren Buffett is preparing to step down as CEO after a six-decade tenure, with Vice Chairman Greg Abel set to take over [4] - Abel is expected to adopt a more hands-on management style, though the future use of the company's cash reserves remains uncertain [4] Recent Transactions - Berkshire Hathaway plans to allocate $9.7 billion of its cash to acquire Occidental Petroleum's OxyChem chemicals business, a deal announced on October 2 [5]

Core Insights - FanttikRide has developed a customized left-pedal version of its N7 Ultra wiggle car for a young girl named Nyla, who has limb differences, demonstrating the company's commitment to inclusive innovation [2] - The delivery of the customized vehicle was captured in a documentary, highlighting Nyla's joyful reaction and symbolizing empowerment and inclusion [3] - The company emphasizes that every child deserves the freedom and joy of movement, inspired by Nyla's story to create inclusive products [4] Product Innovations - The N10 Classic electric wiggle car features dual manual and electric riding modes, 360° spinning, adjustable speed settings (1.7-3.1 mph), and a smart voice safety system for enhanced safety [6] - Additional features of the N10 Classic include dynamic RGB lights, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, and a detachable mop, all powered by a long-lasting battery with Type-C fast charging [6] Brand Philosophy - FanttikRide, as a sub-brand of Fanttik, aims to challenge conventions in the children's riding category, applying innovative and tech-styled principles from its parent brand [8] - The company believes in making play a universal right, ensuring that all children, regardless of physical abilities, can experience joy and freedom of movement [12] Marketing and Promotions - With the holiday season approaching, FanttikRide is promoting the N10 Classic and other bestselling models, encouraging families to find gifts that provide joy and adventure [10]

Financial Performance - Q3 2025 - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $211.2 million, a 34% decrease year-over-year[9] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $67.6 million, down from $108.8 million in Q3 2024, a 38% decrease[9, 45] - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $29.4 million, compared to $68.1 million in Q3 2024, a 57% decrease[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $36.5 million, compared to $74.4 million in Q3 2024[9] - Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders for Q3 2025 was $20.6 million ($1.80 per diluted share), compared to $54.0 million ($4.79 per diluted share) in Q3 2024[9] Financial Performance - Year to Date (9 Months) - Net sales year-to-date were $443.6 million, a 21% decrease year-over-year[9] - Gross profit year-to-date was $145.7 million, down 18% compared to $177.5 million in the first nine months of 2024[9] - Operating income year-to-date was $22.8 million, compared to $54.4 million in the first nine months of 2024[9] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2025 was $39.2 million, compared to $69.4 million in 2024[9] - Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders year-to-date was $20.6 million ($1.79 per diluted share), down from $50.0 million ($4.50 per diluted share) in 2024[9] Sales by Category - Toys/Consumer Products net sales for Q3 2025 were $156.1 million, a 41% decrease year-over-year[13] - Costumes net sales for Q3 2025 were $55.1 million, a 4% decrease year-over-year[17]

Core Insights - Spin Master Corp. reported a decline in revenue and net income for Q3 2025 compared to Q3 2024, primarily due to a decrease in toy revenue amid macroeconomic uncertainties and changes in retailer buying behavior [2][5][7]. Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue was $734.7 million, a decrease of 17.0% from $885.7 million in Q3 2024 [4][5]. - Operating income for Q3 2025 was $151.0 million, down 25.7% from $203.2 million in Q3 2024 [5][7]. - Net income for Q3 2025 was $106.8 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, compared to $140.1 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, in Q3 2024 [5][6]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $195.5 million, a decrease of $82.0 million from $277.5 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.6% compared to 31.3% [5][8]. Segment Performance - Toy revenue decreased by $160.5 million to $650.4 million, with significant declines in Preschool, Infant & Toddler and Plush categories [11][12]. - The Entertainment segment saw revenue decline to $32.8 million, down 11.6%, primarily due to lower distribution revenue from PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie [13][16]. - Digital Games revenue increased by 36.6% to $51.5 million, driven by strategic partnerships and user engagement in existing games [14][17]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash provided by operating activities was $62.6 million, down from $74.9 million in Q3 2024 [21]. - Free cash flow decreased to $21.6 million from $44.7 million, attributed to higher investments in various areas [23]. - As of September 30, 2025, the company had available liquidity of $472.2 million, consisting of $127.9 million in cash and $344.3 million under credit facilities [20]. Shareholder Returns - The company repurchased and canceled 482,362 subordinate voting shares for $7.9 million during Q3 2025 [5]. - A quarterly dividend of C$0.12 per outstanding subordinate voting share and multiple voting share was declared, payable on January 9, 2026 [24]. Recent Developments - On October 8, 2025, the company completed the acquisition of a Sweden-based digital reading and storytelling company for $20.0 million, which will be reported in the Digital Games segment [26].

Core Insights - Netflix is leveraging the success of its KPop Demon Hunters franchise by partnering with Hasbro and Mattel for toy licensing, aiming to further monetize the film's popularity [1][2][4] Group 1: Franchise Success - KPop Demon Hunters is Netflix's most-viewed movie, achieving over 325 million views within three months, contributing to a 17% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3 [4] - The film's soundtrack, featuring the single "Golden," topped the Billboard charts for eight weeks and grossed approximately $18 million during a limited theatrical release [5] Group 2: Toy Licensing Strategy - Netflix has appointed Hasbro and Mattel as global co-master toy licensees, allowing them to produce merchandise while paying Netflix for the brand rights [13] - This strategy aims to capitalize on the diverse fanbase of KPop Demon Hunters, with Hasbro focusing on plush toys and board games, while Mattel will produce dolls and accessories [9][10] Group 3: Financial Implications - The potential for significant revenue generation exists, as successful merchandise could yield hundreds of millions in licensing fees with minimal costs to Netflix [14] - However, the impact on Netflix's financials may not be measurable until at least Q2 2026, as much of the merchandise will not be available until then [14]