Group 1 - Hasbro, Inc. ranks among the best performing S&P 500 stocks in the last 3 months, with Goldman Sachs reaffirming a Buy rating and a price target of $89 following an investor meeting [1] - The analysis by Goldman Sachs focused on growth catalysts for Hasbro's Magic the Gathering franchise through 2026 and beyond, highlighting the trading card game's sustained relevance [1] - Hasbro's planned release of Exodus, its first self-published video game, was discussed, along with potential margin effects from this strategic shift [2] Group 2 - Increased profitability prospects in Hasbro's Consumer Products division were a significant topic at the investor meeting, along with considerations of how future tariffs may impact this business unit [2] - Hasbro operates in four business segments: Consumer Products, Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, Entertainment, and Corporate and Other [3]

Sep 8, 2025 1:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time A New Era of Play: Hasbro Makes a Move to Boston The 400 Summer Street facility, developed and owned by WS Development, will house teams that power some of the world's most iconic brands, occupying seven floors across 265,000 square feet. The new space will be home to at least 700 full-time employees expected to transition from Rhode Island to Boston by the end of 2026. "We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and we ...

The Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies industry benefits from strong franchise and licensing partnerships, robust e-commerce and omnichannel sales, and consistent innovation in product categories. The robust demand for smart toys, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys, sports toys, and fashion dolls and accessories bodes well. Industry participants have been focusing on the better execution of marketing and promotional initiatives to drive growth. Stocks like Hasbro, Inc. ((HAS) and Mattel, Inc. ( ...

PAWTUCKET, R.I. & BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a leading games, IP and toy company, and Disney Consumer Products today announced a new, expanded collaboration between the PLAY-DOH brand and Disney to champion the power of imagination through immersive sensory play, storytelling, and experiences. The collaboration will feature PLAY-DOH compound-led play systems inspired by the magic of beloved Disney characters and stories. The debut collection of PLAY-DOH playse. ...

Market Overview - U.S. stocks have shown strong performance in August, continuing a two and a half year upward trend, but volatility has returned in September, historically the worst month for U.S. stocks [1][2] Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - Recent labor market weakness has increased expectations for a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, with a 97.6% probability of a 25 basis-point cut indicated by the CME FedWatch tool [3] Recommended Growth Stocks - Five growth stocks are recommended for September, all of which have delivered double-digit returns in the past three months: Amphenol Corp. (APH), AppLovin Corp. (APP), Hasbro Inc. (HAS), Micron Technology Inc. (MU), and Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) [4][8] Amphenol Corp. (APH) - Amphenol specializes in connectivity solutions utilizing AI and machine learning, with a strong portfolio in high-density, high-speed connectors and interconnect systems [6][9] - The company commands an estimated 33% market share in AI/data center interconnects, benefiting from rising demand in hyperscale data centers and 5G deployments [9][10] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 41.5% and 59.8%, respectively, with a 1.3% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [12] AppLovin Corp. (APP) - AppLovin operates a software platform for mobile app developers, enhancing marketing and monetization, and has seen significant growth due to its AI engine, Axon 2.0 [13][14] - The company is targeting a 20-30% year-over-year growth rate, primarily driven by its gaming segment and AI-driven ad monetization [16][17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 16.7% and 97.6%, respectively, with a 1.8% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [17] Hasbro Inc. (HAS) - Hasbro focuses on high-margin segments and strategic partnerships to drive growth, with digital gaming and licensing projected to contribute about 25% of revenues by 2027 [18][19] - The company has raised its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 6.6% and 21.5%, respectively [20] Micron Technology Inc. (MU) - Micron is a leader in the AI infrastructure boom, driven by demand for high-bandwidth memory solutions, particularly in data centers [21][22] - The company is diversifying its revenue base by focusing on resilient verticals like automotive and enterprise IT, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 33.9% and 60.8%, respectively [23][24] Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) - Robinhood operates a financial services platform allowing users to trade various assets, with expectations for improved trading revenues due to higher retail market participation [25][26] - The company has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 35.8% and 42.2%, respectively, with a 2% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 30 days [27]

Market Overview - Wall Street has continued its bull run in 2025, with the S&P 500 recording 20 all-time highs year to date, including five in August alone [1] - Historically, September is the worst-performing month for U.S. equities, with an average decline of 0.7% since 1950, and a more pronounced average decline of 2% over the last 10 years [2] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in low-beta, high-yielding stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank, including Assurant Inc. (AIZ), Hasbro Inc. (HAS), The Mosaic Co. (MOS), Virtu Financial Inc. (VIRT), and Houlihan Lokey Inc. (HLI), all of which have a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [3][10] Assurant Inc. (AIZ) - Assurant is focused on both inorganic and organic growth strategies, expecting adjusted EBITDA to increase modestly in 2025, driven by improved performance in Global Housing and growth in Global Lifestyle [13] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 5.7% and an earnings growth rate of 5.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 7.6% over the last 30 days [15] Hasbro Inc. (HAS) - Hasbro is concentrating on high-margin segments such as Wizards, Licensing, and Digital, which are expected to support bottom-line growth [16] - The company anticipates that digital gaming and licensing partnerships will contribute about 25% of corporate revenues by 2027, with an expected revenue growth rate of 6.6% and an earnings growth rate of 21.5% for the current year [19] The Mosaic Co. (MOS) - The Mosaic is expected to benefit from higher demand for fertilizers, with strong grower economics and crop commodity prices driving global fertilizer demand [20] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 16.4% and an earnings growth rate of 60.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 13.2% over the last 30 days [22] Virtu Financial Inc. (VIRT) - Virtu Financial's diversified business model supports sustainable long-term growth, with ongoing cost-control initiatives improving adjusted net margins [24] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 18.9% and an earnings growth rate of 33.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 17.9% over the last 60 days [25] Houlihan Lokey Inc. (HLI) - Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, and financial advisory services [26] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 13.1% and an earnings growth rate of 21.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings improving by 6.7% over the last 60 days [27]

Company Performance - Hasbro's stock closed at $79.75, down 1.76%, underperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.69% [1] - Prior to the recent trading session, Hasbro shares had gained 5.57%, lagging behind the Consumer Discretionary sector's gain of 6.08% and outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 3.79% [1] Upcoming Earnings - The upcoming earnings release is projected to show an EPS of $1.64, indicating a 5.20% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Revenue is estimated at $1.33 billion, reflecting a 3.85% increase from the equivalent quarter last year [2] Full Year Estimates - For the full year, analysts expect earnings of $4.87 per share and revenue of $4.41 billion, representing changes of +21.45% and +6.64% respectively from last year [3] - Recent revisions in analyst estimates suggest optimism regarding Hasbro's business and profitability [3] Zacks Rank and Valuation - Hasbro currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), with a proven track record of outperformance [5] - The Forward P/E ratio for Hasbro is 16.65, which is a premium compared to the industry average of 11.34 [5] Industry Metrics - The Toys - Games - Hobbies industry, part of the Consumer Discretionary sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 12, placing it in the top 5% of over 250 industries [7] - The average PEG ratio for the Toys - Games - Hobbies industry is 1.64, while Hasbro's PEG ratio is 1.05 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hasbro's recent earnings report shows a mixed performance with a decline in revenues but an increase in earnings, leading to raised full-year guidance despite macroeconomic challenges [2][3][10]. Financial Performance - In Q2 fiscal 2025, Hasbro reported adjusted EPS of $1.3, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents, and up from $1.22 in the prior year [4]. - Net revenues were $980.8 million, beating the consensus mark of $877.3 million, but down 1% from $995.3 million in the previous year [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $302 million, compared to $313.5 million a year ago [7]. Segment Performance - Consumer Products segment revenues decreased 16% year over year to $442.4 million, although it beat expectations due to strong licensing revenues [5]. - The Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment saw revenues increase by 16% to $522.4 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 46.3% [6]. - The Entertainment segment's revenues fell 15% to $16 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 63.1% [6]. Guidance and Outlook - Hasbro raised its full-year revenue guidance, now expecting mid-single-digit growth on a constant currency basis, up from slight growth expectations [10]. - Adjusted operating margin is now anticipated to be between 22% and 23%, and adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $1.17-$1.2 billion, an increase from prior estimates [10]. Balance Sheet Highlights - As of June 29, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $546.9 million, down from $626.8 million a year ago, while inventories increased to $417.1 million from $357.6 million [9]. - Long-term debt decreased to $3.32 billion from $3.46 billion year over year [9]. Market Sentiment - Estimates for Hasbro have trended upward recently, contributing to a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [11][13].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group like-for-like net fees decreased by 11% to £972 million, with pre-exceptional operating profit down 56% to £45.6 million [6][15][29] - Cash from operations increased by 14% to £128.3 million, ending the year with a cash position of £37 million [15][25] - Pre-exceptional earnings per share decreased by 67% to 1.31p, driven by lower operating profit and higher finance charges [16][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Temporary and contracting fees decreased by 7%, while permanent fees decreased by 17% [6][17] - Consultant net fee productivity increased by 5%, with enterprise solutions net fees growing by 8% [7][33] - In Germany, like-for-like net fees declined by 10%, while the UK and Ireland saw a 15% decline [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market showed strong performance with a 38% increase in net fee productivity [12][34] - In Rest of World, like-for-like net fees declined by 8%, with the US delivering strong growth [12][13] - Italy, Poland, and Spain reported positive growth in net fees, with Italy growing by 29% [40][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a five-lever strategy to increase exposure to high-potential markets and improve operational resilience [4][32] - Plans to deliver an additional £45 million in structural cost savings by FY 2029, building on previous savings [21][42] - Continued investment in technology and data to enhance productivity and client service [43][44] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing economic and political uncertainty affecting business confidence and recruitment markets [3][47] - The company expects to see improved performance in EMEA, particularly in France, but recovery timelines are uncertain [62][63] - Current trading in July and August is in line with expectations, with no significant changes in trading momentum [30][31] Other Important Information - The company has restructured its operations, closing offices and reducing headcount to improve profitability [22][29] - A full pension buy-in has been completed, significantly reducing future cash flow requirements related to pension contributions [27][70] - The final dividend proposed is 0.29p per share, reflecting a cautious approach to capital allocation amid uncertain trading conditions [28][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx spend for fiscal 2026 - The increase in CapEx is driven by technology investments and is expected to continue at a higher level over the next few years [53][54] Question: Job flow and conversion metrics - Currently, there is a 25% drop in placements, but pricing improvements are helping to mitigate this decline [56] Question: Expected performance improvement in EMEA - Recovery in EMEA is anticipated, but the timeline for profitability is uncertain, particularly in France [62][63] Question: Cash performance and expectations for FY 2026 - Cash performance was strong in FY 2025, but restructuring costs and increased CapEx may impact cash levels in FY 2026 [66][70] Question: Cost-saving program details - The company aims to achieve £45 million in additional structural cost savings, with significant progress expected in the next twelve months [76][78] Question: Temp and contracting business capacity - The company is satisfied with current consultant headcount levels but is shifting resources within countries to optimize productivity [81]

Financial Performance - Group net fees decreased by 11% to £972.4 million[10], while operating profit decreased by 56% to £45.6 million[10] - Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) decreased by 67%[49] - The company delivered approximately £35 million per annum of structural cost savings in FY25[10, 66, 69, 113] Regional Performance - Germany's net fees decreased by 10% to £308.9 million[12], representing 32% of the Group's net fees[12] - UK & Ireland's net fees decreased by 15% to £192.2 million[21], accounting for 20% of the Group's net fees[21], with an operating loss of £(5.8) million[21] - Australia & New Zealand's net fees decreased by 13% to £116.2 million[29], contributing 12% to the Group's net fees[29] - Rest of World's net fees decreased by 8% to £355.1 million[35], making up 36% of the Group's net fees[35] Segment Performance - Temp & Contracting net fees decreased by 7%[10], while Perm net fees decreased by 17%[10] - Temp & Contracting accounted for 62% of Group net fees in FY25[111] Operational Efficiency - Consultant headcount was reduced by 14% year-over-year[10, 65], leading to a 5% increase in consultant net fee productivity[10, 67] - The company closed 29 offices as part of operational restructurings[65]