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Under mounting toy pressures, Hasbro has a secret sauce that Mattel hasn't matched
CNBC· 2026-02-21 13:00
Core Insights - The competitive landscape between Hasbro and Mattel is shifting, with Hasbro gaining an edge due to its successful trading card game division, Wizards of the Coast [3][4]. Financial Performance - For fiscal year 2025, Hasbro's revenue increased by 14% to $4.7 billion, while Mattel's net sales decreased by 1% to $5.3 billion [4]. - Hasbro's stock rose approximately 46% over the past year, trading around $100, whereas Mattel's shares fell over 20%, trading at about $17 [5]. Business Segments - Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast division, which includes Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, saw a revenue increase of 45% to $2.1 billion in 2025, contributing significantly to the company's profits [9][12]. - The digital gaming segment of Hasbro also experienced a 6% revenue increase in 2025, driven by the success of "Monopoly Go!" [14]. Market Trends - The overall toy industry in the U.S. saw a 6% increase in total annual dollar sales in 2025, with unit sales rising by 3%, indicating a stable demand despite economic pressures [19][20]. - Mattel's flagship brands, including Barbie and Fisher-Price, are facing sales declines, while its vehicles division reported an 11% increase in gross billings [17]. Future Outlook - Hasbro plans to launch new Magic sets based on popular franchises in 2026, forecasting mid-single-digit growth for its Wizards business [13]. - Mattel is beginning to invest in digital gaming, acquiring full ownership of its Mattel163 joint venture, which could enhance its profit margins over time [15][16].