UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): February 7, 2008
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HASBRO, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
RHODE ISLAND 1-6682 05-0155090
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(State of (Commission (IRS Employer
Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
1027 NEWPORT AVE., PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND 02862
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(401) 431-8697
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
(17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On February 11, 2008 Hasbro, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that Alfred J. Verrecchia would step down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective May 22, 2008, the date of the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Company’s shareholders. Effective May 22, 2008, Mr. Verrecchia will become the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Alan G. Hassenfeld, currently the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, will remain a member of the Board and will continue to Chair the Board’s Executive Committee, but upon Mr. Verrecchia’s appointment as Chairman, Mr. Hassenfeld will step down from that role.
Effective May 22, 2008, Brian Goldner, currently the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Mr. Verrecchia as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Goldner was appointed to the Company’s Board effective on February 7, 2008.
On February 6, 2008 the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), which Committee administers Hasbro’s 2004 Senior Management Annual Performance Plan (the “Plan”), took the following actions, which actions were approved by the full Board on February 7, 2008: (A) the Committee designated those officers who are eligible to participate in the Plan and potentially receive cash bonus awards for fiscal 2008, (B) the Committee set the performance criteria and performance objectives for each such criterion under the Plan for fiscal 2008, and (C) the Committee set the maximum cash bonus awards associated with varying levels of performance against those objectives, subject in each case, however, to the Committee’s discretion to reduce such bonus awards even if the 2008 objectives are achieved.
The Hasbro officers selected to participate in the Plan for fiscal 2008 were Alfred Verrecchia, Brian Goldner and David Hargreaves, Executive Vice President, Finance and Global Operations and Chief Financial Officer.
For Mr. Verrecchia, Mr. Goldner and Mr. Hargreaves, whose 2008 performance will be evaluated 100% based upon Hasbro’s corporate level performance, the 2008 performance criteria and their relative weights designated under the Plan are as follows: total net revenues, 40%; operating margin, 40%; and free cash flow, 20%. The Plan provides that performance bonuses can range from 0% to a maximum of 300% of the executive’s base salary.
In the cases of each of Mr. Verrecchia, Mr. Goldner and Mr. Hargreaves, the cash bonus awards attributable to achievement of the corporate objectives under the Plan will be reviewed by the Committee following the end of the fiscal year and the Committee may exercise negative discretion to reduce any such awards to reflect the individual performance of the executive in question.
Hasbro’s other executive officers who will not participate in the Plan with respect to fiscal 2008 are all eligible to receive cash bonus awards under the Company’s Management Incentive Plan (“MIP”) for 2008. The executive officers participating in the MIP for 2008 are: John Frascotti, Global Chief Marketing Officer; Duncan Billing, Global Development Officer; Barry Nagler, Senior Vice President and General Counsel; Deborah Thomas Slater, Senior Vice President and Controller; and Martin Trueb, Senior Vice President and Treasurer.
The corporate performance criteria under the MIP for 2008 are the same as the criteria described under the Plan above for 2008. All of the foregoing executive officers participating in the MIP will receive awards under the MIP based 100% on Hasbro’s corporate level performance for fiscal 2008.
In addition to setting the performance criteria and objectives for fiscal 2008 under the MIP, on February 6, 2008 the Committee set, and the Board approved on February 7, 2008 for the executive officers participating in the MIP, the target cash bonus awards associated with varying levels of performance against those objectives for each such executive officers, subject in each case, however, to the Company’s discretion to modify such bonus awards based upon personal performance. The MIP provides that performance bonuses can range from 0% to a maximum of 200% of the executive’s base salary.
On February 6, 2008 the Committee also granted non-qualified stock options and contingent stock performance awards to certain of the Company’s executive officers and certain other employees of the Company. For the Company’s executive officers, those grants were approved by the full Board on February 7, 2008. These awards were all made under the Company’s 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan, as amended (the “Plan”) and will all be effective as of February 13, 2008.
The non-qualified stock options will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock, par value $.50 per share (“Common Stock”) on the February 13, 2008 effective date of the grants. This fair market value will be computed as the average of the high and low sales prices of the Common Stock on that date. The options vest in three cumulative installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and expire seven years from the date of grant. The non-qualified stock options, granted effective on February 13, 2008, to the Company’s executive officers listed below cover the following numbers of shares of the Company’s Common Stock: Alfred J. Verrecchia, 493,827 shares; Brian Goldner, 164,609 shares; David D.R. Hargreaves, 108,025; and Barry Nagler, 73,303 shares.
The contingent stock performance awards (the “Stock Performance Awards”) provide the recipients with the ability to earn shares of the Company’s Common Stock based on the Company’s achievement of stated cumulative diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) and cumulative net revenue (“Revenues”) targets over a three-year period beginning December 31, 2007 and ending December 26, 2010 (the “Performance Period”). Each Stock Performance Award has a target number of shares of Common Stock associated with such award which may be earned by the recipient if the Company achieves the stated EPS and Revenues targets set for the Performance Period, subject in all cases to the ability of the Committee to lower the actual number of shares which are awarded. The Stock Performance Awards granted, effective on February 13, 2008, to the Company’s executive officers listed bel ow have the following target numbers of shares of Common Stock associated with 100% achievement of the stated EPS and Revenues targets: Alfred J. Verrecchia, 92,628 shares; Brian Goldner, 30,876 shares; David D.R. Hargreaves, 20,262; and Barry Nagler, 13,750 shares.
Item 8.01 Other Events
On February 7, 2008 Hasbro, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing that the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) had authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $500 million of the Company’s common stock, par value $.50 per share (the “Common Stock”). The press release is furnished as an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein.
The Company’s Board had previously authorized the repurchase of up to $350 million of the Company’s Common Stock in May of 2005, an additional $350 million of the Company’s Common Stock in July 2006, and an additional $500 million in August of 2007. As of February 7, 2008 only $48 million remained available under this August 2007 authorization, which amount remains available in addition to the $500 million repurchase authorization approved on February 7, 2008.
These shares may be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares under the authorization, and the timing, actual number and value of shares which are repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the price of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company may suspend or discontinue its repurchase program at any time.
Also on February 7, 2008, the Company issued a press release announcing that the Board had increased the quarterly dividend, payable May 15, 2008 to record holders of the Company’s Common Stock on May 1, 2008, from $.16 to $.20 per share.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(c) Exhibits
99.1
Press Release, dated February 7, 2008, announcing additional share repurchase authorization.
99.2
Press Release, dated February 7, 2008, announcing quarterly dividend.
99.3
Press Release, dated February 11, 2008.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
HASBRO, INC.
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(Registrant)
Date: February 12, 2008 By: /s/ David D.R. Hargreaves
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David D.R. Hargreaves
Executive Vice President,
Finance and Global Operations and
Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer)
HASBRO, INC.
Current Report on Form 8-K
Dated February 12, 2008
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
99.1
Press Release, dated February 7, 2008, announcing additional share repurchase authorization.
99.2
Press Release, dated February 7, 2008, announcing quarterly dividend.
99.3
Press Release, dated February 11, 2008.
EXHIBIT 99.1
For Immediate Release | Contact: | |
February 7, 2008 | Karen A. Warren (Investor Relations) | 401-727-5401 |
| Wayne S. Charness (News Media) | 401-727-5983 |
HASBRO, INC. ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL $500 MILLION
SHARE REPURCHASE AUTHORIZATION
Pawtucket, R.I. (February 7, 2008) -- Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase an additional $500 million in common stock. Repurchases of the Company’s common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions. These shares may be purchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Hasbro has no obligation to repurchase shares under the authorization, and the timing, actual number and value of shares which are repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the price of the Company’s common stock. The Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase program at any time.
“This program reflects the continuing commitment of the Board of Directors and Hasbro management to pursue opportunities that create value for our shareholders,” said Alfred J. Verrecchia, President and Chief Executive Officer.
The Company announced a $500 million share repurchase authorization in August 2007, which has $48.3 million remaining in the authorization. Since May 2005, the Company has spent $1.152 billion to repurchase 48,495,100 shares (not including $200 million spent to retire the Lucas warrants for 15,750,000 million shares in May 2007).
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
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EXHIBIT 99.2
For Immediate Release | Contact: | |
February 7, 2008 | Karen A. Warren (Investor Relations) | 401-727-5401 |
| Wayne S. Charness (News Media) | 401-727-5983 |
HASBRO, INC. ANNOUNCES AN INCREASED QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND ON COMMON SHARES
Pawtucket, R.I. (February 7, 2008) -- Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, an increase of $0.04 per share or 25% from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.16 per common share. The dividend will be payable on May 15, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2008.
“The Board’s decision to increase the dividend, recognizes the Company’s continued strong earnings and cash flow, and demonstrates Hasbro’s commitment to returning excess cash to shareholders,” said Alfred J. Verrecchia, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
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EXHIBIT 99.3
CONTACT:
Karen A. Warren (Investor Relations)
401-727-5401
Wayne S. Charness (News Media)
401-727-5983
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HASBRO’S AL VERRECCHIA TO BECOME CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD;
BRIAN GOLDNER NAMED NEXT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PAWTUCKET, RI – February 11, 2008 — Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) today announced that after 43 years with the Company, Al Verrecchia, 64, has decided to step down as CEO and will become the Company’s Chairman of the Board. Brian Goldner, 44, currently Hasbro’s Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Mr. Verrecchia as Chief Executive Officer. These changes will be effective on May 22nd, the date of Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Goldner was also named to the Company’s Board of Directors.
Alan Hassenfeld, currently the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board will step down from that role in May, but remain a board member and continue to Chair the Board’s Executive Committee. Mr. Verrecchia will remain Chairman through the end of 2008, at which time he will transition to be the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
“During Al’s long and dedicated career at Hasbro, he has been one of the key architects -- especially during his 5 years as CEO -- of making Hasbro the successful global company it is today,” said Mr. Hassenfeld. “Al’s loyalty, integrity and work ethic, embody all that is great about our company.”
“I have achieved all of the goals I set when I became CEO and I thought now was a great time to step aside,” said Mr. Verrecchia. “Hasbro is a company on the rise. We’re financially strong, with great momentum and I am really excited to turn the leadership of this company over to Brian. I have worked closely with him during the last 7 years and I know his entrepreneurial spirit, creative stewardship and strong leadership, will serve Brian well as he takes Hasbro to the next level.”
“I am honored to succeed Al as CEO,” said Mr. Goldner. “This is a very exciting time for the Company; we have a tremendous team at Hasbro who all share a common goal of continuing to grow our world class portfolio of brands through creativity and innovation.”
Brian Goldner joined Hasbro in 2000 and was named the Company’s Chief Operating Officer in 2006. Prior to that, Goldner was President of the U.S. Toy Segment. He came to Hasbro from Bandai America Inc. where he was Chief Operating Officer. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College.
Mr. Verrecchia joined Hasbro in 1965 as a staff accountant. He has served in a variety of key senior executive positions, including Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer. Over the years, Mr. Verrecchia has also served as Hasbro's Executive Vice President, Global Operations; Chief Financial Officer; and President, Hasbro Manufacturing Services.
Alan Hassenfeld joined Hasbro in 1970 as a special assistant to the President following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked his way up the ranks of the business that his grandfather started in 1923, including stints in marketing and sales. He was one of the key architects of Hasbro's international operations and spent extensive time traveling overseas. He was named President of the Company in 1984 and became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in 1989. He stepped down as CEO in 2003, giving the day to day responsibilities of running the Company to Al Verrecchia and retired to become Non-Executive Chairman of the Board at the end of 2005.
Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
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