Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Q2 2025 were down 20% compared to the prior year, with first half sales down 3% overall [6][11] - U.S. sales decreased by 10% year-over-year, while all other markets experienced a 33% increase [6][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $2.3 million, down from $12.3 million in the same quarter last year, but up from a loss of $4.9 million in the first half of last year [21] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.03 per share in the quarter, unfavorable compared to $0.65 per share last year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Worldwide toy and consumer business was down 23% in the quarter, while the costume business was down 12% [11][12] - International growth was led by Europe, which grew by 65% in the first half of the year [12][25] - The company is focusing on maintaining a lean inventory, with a decrease of 8% year-over-year in the U.S. while international inventory is higher [45][62] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen limited increases in consumer prices in the U.S., but there are concerns about reduced unit sales due to these price hikes [10][11] - Major U.S. customers are delaying traditional second half planogram resets, impacting the productivity of new product introductions [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is taking a proactive approach to its manufacturing strategy, diversifying supply chains to mitigate risks associated with tariffs [7][8] - There is a focus on cash generation and prudent inventory management, especially in the U.S. market [45][72] - The company is exploring acquisition opportunities and remains cautiously optimistic about future growth despite current economic uncertainties [24][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the unpredictability of the U.S. market due to ongoing tariff changes and is adapting strategies accordingly [5][6] - There is a cautious outlook for the second half of the year, with a focus on profitability and cash generation rather than aggressive sales targets [50][51] - The company is optimistic about the upcoming holiday season, particularly with new product launches and strong consumer interest in established franchises [27][31] Other Important Information - The Board has approved a $0.25 per share dividend for the third quarter [21] - The company completed refinancing its credit facility, providing a predictable source of funds at attractive borrowing rates [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Short-term levers to mitigate tariff impacts - The company is implementing a duplicate tool initiative to allow flexibility in manufacturing locations to reduce tariff impacts [38] Question: Adjustments to the supply chain - The company is focusing on manufacturing certain products outside of China, particularly in Vietnam, while maintaining quality and efficiency [40][41] Question: Comments on full year 2025 outlook - The company is taking a cautious approach, focusing on sell-through rates and profitability rather than aggressive inventory builds [49][50] Question: Potential for empty shelves during the holiday period - Management believes retailers will focus on proven products and lower price points, with a wait-and-see approach during the Halloween period [54]

Core Insights - The U.S. toy industry is facing significant challenges due to increased tariffs imposed by President Trump, with a 10% baseline tariff affecting nearly all countries and much higher tariffs on China (54%) and Vietnam (46%) [3][5][6] - The tariffs are expected to lead to substantial price increases for consumers, with estimates suggesting potential hikes of 35% to 50% on toys [8][9] - Major toy companies like Hasbro and Mattel are already experiencing stock declines, with Mattel shares dropping over 16.5% and Hasbro losing more than 12% following the tariff announcements [7] Industry Impact - Approximately 77% of toys imported into the U.S. come from China, with Vietnam being a significant secondary source [4] - The tariffs are causing toy companies to scramble for solutions, including potential production shifts to other countries, but these alternatives are also facing tariffs [5][6] - Analysts predict that companies will attempt to renegotiate contracts and alter packaging to mitigate costs, but ultimately, consumers will bear the burden of the increased tariffs [7][8] Consumer Effects - The Toy Association anticipates that price hikes will align with the back-to-school season, disproportionately affecting lower-income consumers [9] - The industry's profit margins are already thin, making it difficult for companies to absorb the tariff costs without passing them on to consumers [8]