ADVERTISEMENT

Hasbro Soars After Profit Tops Estimates on Frozen 2 Toys

Hasbro Reports Higher Sales on Frozen 2 and Star Wars Toys

(Bloomberg) -- Hasbro Inc. posted earnings that topped analysts’ estimates as toys based on Frozen 2 and Star Wars helped it overcome the fallout from President Donald Trump’s trade war with China. The shares jumped the most in almost seven months.

Excluding some items, profit of $1.24 a share far outpaced the 88-cent average projection. Revenue rose 3% to $1.43 billion, the Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based toymaker said Tuesday. That was shy of estimates for $1.44 billion.

Hasbro has bounced back after the threat of tariffs weighed on the third quarter, disrupting the company’s supply chain and leading some retailers to cancel shipments. It has been working to diversify its supply chain to reduce its reliance on sourcing in China.

Hasbro Soars After Profit Tops Estimates on Frozen 2 Toys

On an earnings call with analysts Tuesday, Chief Financial Officer Deborah Thomas said the coronavirus has disrupted Hasbro’s supply chain and commercial operations in China. She said the impact on its business to date is small, though it’s difficult now to quantify the potential magnitude.

Shares of Hasbro rose as much as 8.5% to $109.50 in New York, the biggest intraday gain since July. The stock had dropped 4.5% this year through Monday’s close after advancing 30% last year.

Revenue in the entertainment, licensing and digital segment rose 22% last year. Hasbro recently completed a $4 billion, all-cash purchase of British production and distribution company Entertainment One Ltd., giving it access to new content with brands like Peppa Pig and PJ Masks.

Magic: The Gathering Arena and the Transformers: Bumblebee film helped drive entertainment and licensing revenue. Analysts forecast Hasbro bested its rival Mattel Inc. over the holiday season, with a strong showing from Frozen and Star Wars branded products.

--With assistance from Janet Freund.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kelly Gilblom in Los Angeles at kgilblom@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Turner at nturner7@bloomberg.net, Lisa Wolfson, Jonathan Roeder

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.