Hasbro lifts annual forecasts on "Magic: The Gathering" demand boost

Company Overview - Hasbro raised its annual revenue and core profit forecasts, driven by strong demand for digital games like "Magic: The Gathering" despite tariff uncertainties affecting the holiday season [1][4] - The company expects annual revenue to increase by high-single-digits, up from previous expectations of mid-single-digit growth [4] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $1.24 billion and $1.26 billion, an increase from the prior forecast of $1.17 billion to $1.20 billion [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for the third quarter rose 8% to $1.39 billion, surpassing analysts' average estimate of $1.34 billion [4] - The Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment saw a significant revenue increase of 42%, compared to a 5% decrease in the same quarter last year [5] - Adjusted profit per share was reported at $1.68, exceeding estimates of $1.63 [5] Strategic Initiatives - Hasbro implemented job cuts and a $1 billion cost-savings program earlier in the year to mitigate potential impacts from tariffs [2] - The company aims to reduce its reliance on Chinese imports from 50% to about 40% by 2027 [2] - Finance chief Gina Goetter emphasized the company's agility in managing tariff volatility and maintaining margins through cost productivity and pricing discipline [2] Industry Context - The toy industry faces risks from tariff uncertainties, particularly with a potential 100% duty on Chinese imports looming [1] - Peer company Mattel maintained its annual outlook after missing third-quarter revenue and profit, indicating a cautious approach from retailers [3] - Despite the cautious retail environment, Hasbro's core brands are performing well, contributing positively to the company's outlook [3]