Issues 2023 Guidance and Provides Update to Medium and Long-term Financial Targets

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a global branded entertainment leader, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2022.

Full-year revenues of $5.86 billion were down 9% year-over-year, a decline of 6% on a constant currency basis. Operating profit of $407.7 million, or 7.0% operating profit margin, and adjusted operating profit of $922.5 million, or 15.8% adjusted operating profit margin.

Fourth quarter revenues of $1.68 billion, down 17% year-over-year, a decline of 14% on a constant currency basis. Operating loss of $125.7 million, or -7.5% operating profit margin, and adjusted operating profit of $269.2 million, or 16.0% adjusted operating profit margin.

"As we announced previously, our fourth quarter and full-year 2022 results came in below our expectations," said Chris Cocks, Hasbro chief executive officer. "Despite this, we delivered our first billion-dollar brand in MAGIC: THE GATHERING and another record year at Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, we grew key investment areas including licensing and direct to consumer, and we improved adjusted operating profit margin. We also reduced owned and retail inventory levels from the third quarter peak and we are working to reduce them further this year. Only a few months in, we have made meaningful progress in implementing Blueprint 2.0 with a heightened focus on innovation, data driven investment in key brands and disciplined cost management."

"For 2023, we have a focused plan to grow share in our key categories and further improve our margins. We are capitalizing on a fantastic entertainment slate, including Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves in March and exciting new product launches, while facing a challenging consumer discretionary environment and approximately $300 million in revenue headwinds from exited licenses, brands and markets as well as foreign exchange," said Cocks. "Our strategy is centered on what makes our brands great - play, supported by compelling storytelling and disciplined brand management."

"We are making significant headway in the execution of Blueprint 2.0 - including investing in higher return brands and projects, ending low return initiatives, modernizing our organization and lowering our cost base," said Deborah Thomas, Hasbro chief financial officer. "We forecasted a challenging 2022, and that came to fruition. We also invested to grow, including the $146 million acquisition of D&D Beyond, which was earnings accretive in Q4, and returned $510 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchase. Our current cash position adequately supports our business needs in the short-term, and operating cash flow is expected to nearly double in 2023."

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Financial Results

Fourth quarter and full-year 2022 net earnings were impacted by the following after-tax amounts, which are excluded from adjusted net earnings, respectively:

• $228.3 million and $231.9 million for the quarter and full-year 2022, respectively, of asset impairments and charges related to the Company's Blueprint 2.0 strategy focused on fewer, bigger brands. In the fourth quarter 2022 these charges primarily relate to a non-cash charge of $215.2 million related to a partial impairment of POWER RANGERS due to changes in entertainment strategy and plans; and incremental asset charges related to exiting brands, consisting of inventory and asset write offs of $13.1 million.
• Charges of $64.6 million and $89.2 million for the fourth quarter and full-year 2022, respectively, related to severance and other employee charges, consultant fees and the program transformation office associated with the Company's Operational Excellence program.
• A full-year charge of $21.1 million related to the loss on the sale of non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment.
• $13.9 million and $59.4 million of acquired intangible amortization and $4.0 million and $12.9 million of acquisition-related costs in the fourth quarter and full-year 2022, respectively, in connection with the eOne acquisition.

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Brand Portfolio Performance

MAGIC: THE GATHERING had a record year and exceeded $1 billion in revenue for the first time, led by strong growth in tabletop gaming. Each tent pole set release through the first three quarters crossed $100 million in revenue for the first time and the fourth quarter release, The Brothers War, is on track to do so in 2023. Warhammer 40K Universes Beyond Commander deck was reprinted three times to meet robust player demand and Dominaria Remastered released on January 13, 2023 and was supported by initial shipments in the fourth quarter of 2022.

PEPPA PIG and PLAY-DOH, including the holiday feature item PLAY-DOH Ice Cream Truck, were also strong performers in 2022. Hasbro products for the partner brand Marvel portfolio delivered a record year and Hasbro's product revenue for Star Wars was up year-over-year. Despite growth in select new items, declines in NERF, Hasbro Gaming and the transition out of select licenses contributed to lower revenue.

Company Outlook

Reflecting on the current environment and an expected flat to declining toy and game market in 2023, the Company's full-year 2023 guidance includes:

• Revenue down low-single digits
• Adjusted operating profit margin expansion of 50 to 70 basis points, excluding Operational Excellence charges and other non-GAAP items1
• Adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $4.45 to $4.55
• Adjusted EBITDA approximately flat with 2022 Adjusted EBITDA
• Operating cash flow in the range of $600 to $700 million

1The Company is not able to reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP adjusted operating profit margin, adjusted earnings per diluted share and adjusted EBITDA measures because the Company cannot predict with certainty the timing and amounts of discrete items such as charges associated with its cost-savings program, which could impact GAAP results.

Given the full-year 2022 results and its progress on implementing Blueprint 2.0, Hasbro updated its medium and long-term outlook with the following financial targets:

• Mid-single digit revenue CAGR through 2027
• High-single digit operating profit CAGR to achieve 20% adjusted operating profit margin by full-year 2027
• Operating cash flow improvement with a target of $1 billion annually by full-year 2025
• $250-$300 million annualized run-rate cost savings by year-end 2025

Targets are based off 2022 results and do not reflect the potential sale of select entertainment assets. The Company plans to update its outlook upon completion of this process if it results in the sale of non-core entertainment assets.

Blueprint 2.0 & Operational Excellence

At the Company's investor day on October 4, 2022, Hasbro unveiled its Blueprint 2.0. This new consumer-centric approach focuses on fewer, bigger brands, expanded licensing, branded entertainment, and driving high-margin growth in games, digital and direct to consumer.

In support of the Blueprint 2.0, Hasbro announced an Operational Excellence program to deliver $250-300 million in annualized run-rate cost savings by year-end 2025. In 2022, $50 million of run-rate cost savings was achieved with $20 million of actualized savings. The Company remains on track to achieve $150 million in run-rate cost savings for the full-year 2023. Expected cash costs to implement the program are approximately $200 million, of which $15 million was spent in 2022. A $89.2 million after-tax charge was recorded in the full-year 2022 primarily from workforce reductions and related fees associated with the execution of the Blueprint 2.0 strategy.

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Major Segment Performance

Full-Year 2022 Segment Commentary & 2023 Outlook

Consumer Products segment revenues decreased 10%.

• Revenue decreased 7% excluding a negative $117.5 million impact of foreign exchange, $92.3 million of which was in Europe.
• The segment's decline in adjusted operating profit is the result of lower revenue as well as higher allowances, close outs and warehousing costs associated with higher inventory levels. These items were partially offset by savings realized from the Company’s Operational Excellence program within cost of sales and distribution expense, as well as lower air freight, royalties, advertising and incentive compensation expenses.
• For the full year 2023, revenue is expected to decline mid-single digits from full-year 2022 with adjusted operating profit margin improvement of 150 to 200 basis points from the adjusted 7.6% in 2022.

Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment revenues increased 3%.

• Revenues increased 5% excluding a negative $27.9 million impact of foreign exchange.
• Tabletop gaming revenue increased 12%, more than offsetting the 23% decline in digital revenue due to fewer new digital gaming releases in 2022 versus 2021.
• Operating profit of $538.3 million was down 2% and reflects higher product cost, royalties due to Universes Beyond growth and product development. These items were partially offset by lower costs associated with the digital game Dark Alliance that released in 2021 as well as lower incentive compensation.
• For the full year 2023, we expect mid-single digit revenue growth. Operating profit margin is expected to be in the high 30% range as we continue to build on the Universes Beyond franchise and invest for long-term growth in these valuable brands.

Entertainment segment revenue decreased 17% and was down 12% excluding $65 million of music revenue associated with the business sold in 2021.

• Revenues declined 15%, excluding a negative $21.0 million impact of foreign exchange.
• Film & TV revenue declined 10% reflecting lower film revenues with fewer new releases in 2022 vs. 2021 and the timing of deliveries. TV revenues increased behind strong scripted TV deliveries.
• Family Brands revenue declined 40% primarily due to the delivery of My Little Pony: A New Generation film in the third quarter 2021 which did not have a comparable film in 2022.
• Music and Other declined, including $65 million of revenues associated with the music business sold in 2021.
• Adjusted operating profit decreased 19% on lower revenues. These declines were partially offset by reductions in royalty, advertising and promotion, and incentive compensation expense.
• For the full-year 2023, we expect revenue to increase low-single digits and adjusted operating profit margin is expected to increase slightly from 8.6% in 2022. Guidance will be updated upon completion of the sale process of our non-core entertainment assets.

Capital Priorities and Dividend

During the fourth quarter, Hasbro paid $96.7 million in cash dividends to shareholders. For the full-year 2022, the Company paid $385.3 million in cash dividends to shareholders. The next dividend of $0.70 per common share was previously declared and will be payable on May 15, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2023.

Given the progress made toward reducing debt, the Company repurchased 1.4 million shares of Hasbro common stock at a total price of $125.0 million during the full-year 2022. $241.6 million remains available in the Company's share repurchase program.

The Company continues to target Debt to EBITDA of 2.0 to 2.5 times. For 2023, progress is expected against this target. Pending the outcome of the sale of non-core film and TV assets, the Company anticipates prioritizing the sale proceeds toward paying down debt. The Company remains committed to maintaining our investment grade rating.

Conference Call Webcast

Hasbro will webcast its fourth quarter and full-year 2022 earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today. To listen to the live webcast and access the accompanying presentation slides, please go to https://investor.hasbro.com. The replay of the call will be available on Hasbro’s website approximately 2 hours following completion of the call.

About Hasbro

Hasbro is a global branded entertainment leader whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through gaming, consumer products and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit corporate.hasbro.com.

© 2023 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Forward Looking Statement Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases, include statements relating to: our business strategies and plans for growth; expectations relating to products, gaming and entertainment; anticipated cost savings and cash costs to achieve savings; financial targets; and anticipated financial performance for 2023 and medium to long-term targets. Our actual actions or results may differ materially from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:

• our ability to successfully execute on our Blueprint 2.0 strategy, including to focus on and scale select business initiatives and brands to drive profitability;
• our ability to design, develop, manufacture, and ship products on a timely, cost-effective and profitable basis;
• our ability to successfully compete in the global play and entertainment industry;
• our ability to successfully evolve and transform our business and capabilities to successfully address the global consumer landscape;
• inflation and downturns in global and regional economic conditions impacting one or more of the markets in which we sell products, which can negatively impact our retail customers and consumers, result in lower employment levels, consumer disposable income, retailer inventories and spending, including lower spending on purchases of our products;
• our dependence on third party relationships, including with third party manufacturers, licensors of brands, studios, content producers and entertainment distribution channels;
• risks relating to the concentration of manufacturing for many of our products in the People’s Republic of China and our ability to successfully diversify sourcing of our products to reduce reliance on sources of supply in China;
• our ability to successfully develop and continue to execute plans to mitigate the negative impact of the coronavirus on our business;
• risks related to other economic and public health conditions or regulatory changes in the markets in which we and our customers, partners, licensees, suppliers and manufacturers operate, such as inflation, rising interest rates, higher commodity prices, labor costs or transportation costs, or outbreaks of disease, the occurrence of which could create work slowdowns, delays or shortages in production or shipment of products, increases in costs or delays in revenue;
• risks associated with international operations, such as currency conversion, currency fluctuations, the imposition of tariffs, quotas, shipping delays or difficulties, border adjustment taxes or other protectionist measures, and other challenges in the territories in which we operate;
• the success of our key partner brands, including the ability to secure, maintain and extend agreements with our key partners or the risk of delays, increased costs or difficulties associated with any of our or our partners’ planned digital applications or media initiatives;
• risks related to our leadership changes;
• our ability to attract and retain talented and diverse employees;
• our ability to realize the benefits of cost-savings and efficiency and/or revenue and operating profit enhancing initiatives;
• risks relating to the impairment and/or write-offs of products and content we acquire and produce;
• risks relating to loss of data or security breaches;
• risks relating to investments, acquisitions and dispositions, including the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquired assets or businesses;
• fluctuations in our business due to seasonality;
• the concentration of our customers, potentially increasing the negative impact to our business of difficulties experienced by any of our customers or changes in their purchasing or selling patterns;
• the bankruptcy or other lack of success of one or more of our significant retailers, licensees and other partners; and
• other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.

The statements contained herein are based on our current beliefs and expectations. We undertake no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The financial tables accompanying this press release include non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC rules, specifically Adjusted operating profit, Adjusted net earnings and Adjusted net earnings per diluted share, which exclude, where applicable, acquisition and related costs, acquired intangible amortization, Blueprint 2.0 implementation charges; Operational Excellence charges as well as 2021 losses on the music sale and charges from UK tax reform. Also included in this press release are the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA represents net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. excluding interest expense, income tax expense, net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, depreciation and amortization of intangibles. Segment EBITDA represents segment operating profit (loss) plus other income or expense, less depreciation and amortization of intangibles. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes Blueprint 2.0 implementation charges, Operational Excellence charges and the impact of stock compensation (including acquisition-related stock expense). As required by SEC rules, we have provided reconciliations on the attached schedules of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management believes that Adjusted net earnings, Adjusted net earnings per diluted share and Adjusted operating profit provide investors with an understanding of the underlying performance of our business absent unusual events. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are appropriate measures for evaluating the operating performance of our business because they reflect the resources available for strategic opportunities including, among others, to invest in the business, strengthen the balance sheet and make strategic acquisitions. The impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates used to translate the consolidated statements of operations is quantified by translating the current period revenues at the prior period exchange rates and comparing this amount to the prior period reported revenues. The Company believes that the presentation of the impact of changes in exchange rates, which are beyond the Company’s control, is helpful to an investor’s understanding of the performance of the underlying business. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, net earnings or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP as more fully discussed in our consolidated financial statements and filings with the SEC. As used herein, "GAAP" refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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