Hasbro (HAS) FY Conference Transcript

Hasbro (HAS) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Company: Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) - Date of Conference: May 14, 2025 - Key Speakers: Gina Gedder (CFO and COO) Key Points Organizational Changes and Strategy - Hasbro is undergoing a multi-year transformation, with approximately two and a half years completed and another two and a half years expected to finalize the process [8][9] - The initial focus was on simplifying operations, reducing complexity, and divesting from the eOne entertainment business [9] - SKU count has been reduced by nearly 80%, and efforts have been made to clean up inventory and balance sheets [10] - The "Playing to Win" strategy was launched in February, emphasizing play, partnership, and profitability [10][12] - The strategy includes three business categories: growth, optimized, and reinvent, with growth businesses accounting for about 75% of revenue [12][13] Financial Performance and Projections - Midterm revenue growth target is set at a mid-single-digit rate, with annual margin expansion of 0.5 to 1 percentage point [26] - The first quarter saw a 46% growth in the Magic business, indicating strong demand and player engagement [30][34] - The company has not observed significant changes in consumer behavior despite tariff pressures, with holiday sales expected to remain strong [38][40] Tariff Impact and Pricing Strategy - The company is navigating tariff implications, with a recent reduction in anticipated tariff rates from 145% to 30%, which is expected to lessen the financial burden [42][50] - Pricing strategies are being adjusted based on the new tariff landscape, with a focus on maintaining competitive price points [46][48] - Approximately 45-50% of the product portfolio is priced at $20 or less, which is crucial for consumer accessibility [46] Balance Sheet and Debt Management - Hasbro has prioritized balance sheet health, focusing on inventory management and debt reduction following the eOne acquisition [66][68] - Inventory levels are reported to be healthy, returning to pre-COVID levels, allowing for better cash flow management [66] - The company aims to reduce debt to around 2.5 times leverage, with ongoing efforts to buy back or pay down debt [68] Future Growth and Investment - Hasbro is committed to investing in growth opportunities, particularly within the Wizards segment, which includes video games and other gaming initiatives [62][63] - The company is exploring direct-to-consumer sales channels, which currently represent a $100 million business [77] - Future plans include potential share buybacks starting in 2026, contingent on debt reduction and cash flow from new game launches [87][88] Consumer Trends and Market Position - Hasbro is adapting to changing consumer behaviors, particularly the shift towards digital gaming, while leveraging its IP across various platforms [72][74] - The company is focusing on improving demand planning and supply chain management in response to the loss of traditional retail partners like Toys R Us [80][79] Additional Insights - The executive team has undergone significant changes, with about 70% of leadership being new to their roles [15][16] - AI implementation is in the early stages, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and analytical capabilities [19][20] - The company is actively reshoring some production to the U.S. to mitigate supply chain risks [55]