This is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox.Happy Monday. With the Winter Olympics officially wrapped up, many athletes are leaving Italy with more than just a medal.Stock futures are lower this morning following a winning week for all three major indexes.Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:1. If at first you don't succeedU.S. President Donald Trump answers questions during a press briefing held at the White House Feb ...

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].

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said he’ll be focusing even more on video games and the collector card game Magic: The Gathering to reduce the company’s exposure to tariffs associated with traditional toys https://t.co/XEzwBZrTGj ...

Core Insights - Hasbro is experiencing significant growth in its digital gaming business, particularly with franchises like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, which are fostering community engagement [1][2] - The company's shares rose by 8% following strong fourth-quarter profit results and positive guidance for 2026 [2] - Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast division saw an 86% increase in sales year-over-year, contributing to improved operating margins [3] Financial Performance - The company has implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures and is benefiting from strong sales momentum in its digital gaming segment [3] - Hasbro's outlook indicates continued top-line growth and expansion of operating margins in the coming years [3] Analyst Perspectives - Jefferies analyst Kylie Cohu views Hasbro as a leading investment opportunity in the toy sector, citing the strength of its Wizards/MTG business and a solid entertainment lineup [4] - Cohu raised Hasbro's price target by 24% to $120, aligning with the higher end of Wall Street analyst targets [5] Industry Trends - The toy industry has faced a decline of low-single-digit percentages annually over the past three years, but signs indicate stabilization and potential flat growth in the next two to three years [6] - Hasbro is expected to benefit from a strong innovation portfolio and upcoming toy releases tied to major Disney movie launches [3]

Core Insights - Both toymakers experienced a challenging holiday season impacted by tariffs and the need for promotions [1] Group 1: Industry Challenges - The holiday season was difficult for the toy industry, primarily due to tariffs affecting pricing and profit margins [1] - Promotions were necessary to attract consumers, indicating a competitive market environment [1] Group 2: Company Specifics - One of the toymakers has a unique product offering, specifically "Magic: The Gathering," which may provide a competitive edge [1]

Core Insights - Hasbro's shares surged 7.5% to a 6-year high following strong fourth-quarter earnings and an optimistic outlook for 2026 [1] - The company reported a 31% increase in revenue year-over-year, reaching $1.45 billion, with adjusted earnings per share rising to $1.51 from $1.04 [1][2] - The stock has more than doubled since late 2023, when the company faced challenges and laid off 20% of its workforce [3] Financial Performance - Revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 31% compared to the same period last year, totaling $1.45 billion [1] - Adjusted earnings per share rose to $1.51, up from $1.04 in the same quarter of 2024 [1] - The company's revenue forecast for 2026 predicts an increase of 3% to 5%, exceeding analysts' expectations [6] Strategic Initiatives - CEO Chris Cocks has implemented a turnaround strategy called "Playing to Win," focusing on digital gaming and the Wizards of the Coast division [4] - The company divested its film and TV subsidiary eOne to Lionsgate in December 2023, shifting focus away from Hollywood [4] - Hasbro is leveraging licensing deals with major franchises such as Harry Potter, Kpop, and Voltron to enhance its product offerings [5] Licensing and Partnerships - Hasbro announced a multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for Harry Potter toys and games, coinciding with the franchise's 25th anniversary [5] - The licensing agreement for Kpop, a major animated film, is shared with Mattel, targeting a diverse audience [4][5] - Voltron is set for a live-action reboot, reinforcing its status as a significant collector brand from the 1970s and 80s [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, Hasbro reported net revenue of $1.5 billion, a 31% increase year-over-year, with adjusted operating profit rising 180% to $315 million, resulting in a 21.8% operating margin [17][18] - For the full year, net revenue grew 14% to $4.7 billion, with adjusted operating profit increasing 36% to $1.1 billion and an adjusted operating margin of 24.2%, up nearly 400 basis points from the previous year [18][20] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $5.54 for the full year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Wizards of the Coast segment saw revenue grow 86% in Q4 to $630 million, with Magic sales up 141% driven by successful releases [18][19] - Consumer products revenue in Q4 was $800 million, up 7%, while for the full year, it declined 4% to $2.4 billion, reflecting resilience despite tariff impacts [20] - The entertainment segment performed in line with expectations, delivering stable revenue and adjusted margins [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hasbro's brands now reach over 1 billion people annually, significantly exceeding initial estimates of 585 million [4] - The company reported a 22% year-over-year increase in unique players participating in organized play for Magic, with over 1 million players by the end of 2025 [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Hasbro's strategic roadmap, "Playing to Win," focuses on two pillars: play and partnership, aiming to drive growth and profitability [4] - The company is expanding its partnerships with major franchises, including Harry Potter and K-Pop, to enhance its product offerings and market reach [7][12] - Hasbro is leveraging AI to improve productivity and innovation, aiming to free up over 1 million hours of lower-value work for more creative endeavors [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory despite market volatility, highlighting the successful execution of the "Playing to Win" strategy [16] - The outlook for 2026 anticipates consolidated revenue growth of 3% to 5% year-over-year, with operating margins expected to be between 24% and 25% [22][23] - The company expects Wizards to remain a primary growth engine, supported by a robust pipeline and sustained engagement across gaming [22] Other Important Information - Hasbro generated $893 million in operating cash flow and ended the year with $777 million in cash, returning $393 million to shareholders through dividends [22] - The board has authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase program, indicating confidence in the company's cash flows [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you unpack the assumptions underlying the Magic guide for the year? - Management highlighted several growth vectors, including distribution growth and robust player engagement, indicating a virtuous cycle of increased participation and sales [32][33] Question: What is driving the momentum in expanded partnerships? - Management noted that Hasbro's unique ability to engage consumers across generations makes it a partner of choice, leading to a strong pipeline of multi-generational brands [37][39] Question: How do you view the toy industry POS outlook for 2026? - Management indicated that while traditional toy markets may decline, Hasbro's focus on gamified and entertainment-driven categories is expected to see robust growth [88] Question: What are the expectations for Monopoly Go in 2026? - Management expects stable performance with a run rate of $12 million to $14 million per month, indicating effective value capture strategies [72]

Hasbro more than doubled year-over-year revenue from its popular card game Magic: The Gathering in the fourth quarter https://t.co/POlAJoMYAS ...

Core Insights - Hasbro, Inc. has successfully executed a turnaround strategy, particularly through its Magic: The Gathering franchise, which has generated significant financial momentum [1] - Cost-saving measures implemented by the company are helping to mitigate some financial challenges [1] Financial Performance - The financial momentum driven by the Magic: The Gathering strategy indicates strong performance in the games and toy sector [1] - The company's overall financial health appears to be improving as a result of strategic initiatives [1]

Core Insights - Hasbro is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of CEO Chris Cox and CFO Gina Getter, focusing on reducing complexity and revitalizing its brand portfolio to adapt to changing consumer preferences [6][7][8] - The company is emphasizing its gaming segment, particularly through franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, which are expected to drive substantial revenue growth [29][52] - Hasbro's strategic plan, "Playing to Win," aims to return to its core strengths and broaden its customer base by tapping into the concept of play beyond traditional toys [9][12] Leadership and Strategy - Chris Cox views his role as a CEO as a blend of analytical and storytelling skills, drawing parallels between game design and corporate leadership [1] - Gina Getter's dual role as CFO and COO allows for a cohesive approach to financial and operational decisions, linking every action back to financial outcomes [4][5] - The leadership team is focused on a five-point strategic plan to address the company's challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities [9][42] Financial Performance and Challenges - Hasbro's consumer products revenue has been declining, particularly in toy sales, leading to a need for a strategic rethink [7][11] - The company has reduced its SKU count by approximately 80% to streamline operations and focus on high-impact products [8] - Despite challenges, Hasbro's stock has been gaining ground, and the company continues to prioritize paying dividends while managing debt [50][51] Market Position and Consumer Trends - The toy market remains resilient, with parents prioritizing affordable entertainment for their children even in tougher economic conditions [11] - Hasbro is diversifying its supply chain to reduce dependence on China, aiming to lower this reliance from 50% to around 30% by 2027 [21][22] - The company is leveraging its intellectual property (IP) for licensing opportunities, which has become a significant revenue stream, accounting for about 35% of toy retail sales globally [46][47] Innovation and Future Outlook - Hasbro is investing heavily in video game development, with a focus on in-house projects like "Exodus," which is set in a space-themed universe [37][40] - The company is committed to maintaining the integrity of its gaming franchises while also innovating to attract new players [31][34] - Looking ahead, Hasbro aims to transition from being perceived solely as a toy company to a broader play and gaming company, which is seen as a key growth opportunity [53][54]