Recent developments in the toy market have drawn significant attention, especially after Mattel's $MAT shares jumped an impressive 14% in premarket trading on Wednesday. This positive trend followed the company's announcement of an upbeat profit forecast and indications of stabilizing demand for toys, despite uncertainties in the global economy.

Financial Forecast and Pricing Strategy

Mattel has outlined its future plans, focusing on increasing product prices to mitigate potential adverse effects of the recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. While tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico have been temporarily suspended, those on Chinese imports have already taken effect.

According to UBS analysts, the company's announcement of profit growth was quite unexpected, given the context of U.S. tariffs. Mattel projects robust revenue growth despite these duties, highlighting the company's adaptability to changes in international trade policies.

Production Strategy Adaptation

Mattel's production strategy incorporates several key adjustments aimed at optimizing supply chains:

1. Shifting production from China to other regions to minimize dependence on Chinese imports.

2. Revising the product portfolio to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

3. Increasing inventory levels ahead of the holiday season and fluctuating trade conditions.

By 2027, Mattel plans to ensure no single country produces more than 25% of the company's global output, which may involve closing a factory in China. Analysts estimate that China currently accounts for about 40% of Mattel's toy production and 20% for the U.S. market, which represents a significant portion of the company’s global sales.

Competition and Prospects

Meanwhile, Hasbro $HAS is set to release its quarterly earnings report on February 20. While Hasbro's shares have also seen a rise, it hasn't been as pronounced as Mattel's. Mattel's price-to-earnings ratio for the next 12 months stands at 11.07, which is lower than Hasbro's 12.90. This difference may suggest an opportunity for Mattel's stock price to appreciate over a longer timeframe.