10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018

Commission file number 1-6682

Hasbro, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant, As Specified in its Charter)

 

Rhode Island   05-0155090
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

1027 Newport Avenue,

Pawtucket, Rhode Island

 

02861

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (401) 431-8697

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock   The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes      or    No  .

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes      or    No  .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes      or    No  .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes      or    No  .

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer  

 

    Accelerated Filer             Non-Accelerated Filer     Smaller Reporting Company    

Emerging Growth Company  

 

       

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes      or    No  .

The aggregate market value on June 29, 2018 (the last business day of the Company’s most recently completed second quarter) of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of the stock on that date, was approximately $10,601,897,195. The registrant does not have non-voting common stock outstanding.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 8, 2019 was 125,842,470.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of our definitive proxy statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.


Table of Contents
          Page  
   PART I   

Item 1.

   Business      3  

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      12  

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      27  

Item 2.

   Properties      27  

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      27  

Item 4.

   Mine Safety Disclosures      28  
   PART II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      29  

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      29  

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      30  

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      52  

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      53  

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      94  

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      95  

Item 9B.

   Other Information      97  
   PART III   

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      98  

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      98  

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      98  

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      98  

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      98  
   PART IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules      99  

Item 16.

   Form 10-K Summary      99  
  

Signatures

     105  


Table of Contents

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, including in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) and in our annual report to shareholders, we publish “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These “forward-looking statements” may relate to matters such as our business and marketing strategies, anticipated financial performance or business prospects in future periods, expected technological and product developments, relationships with customers and suppliers, purchasing patterns of our customers and consumers, the expected content of and timing for scheduled new product introductions or our expectations concerning the future acceptance of products by customers, expected benefits and plans relating to acquired brands and properties, the content and timing of planned entertainment releases including motion pictures, television and digital products, marketing and promotional efforts, research and development activities, geographic plans, adequacy of supply, manufacturing capacity and expectations to reduce manufacturing in China, adequacy of our properties, expected benefits and cost-reductions from certain restructuring actions, capital expenditures, working capital, liquidity, and other financial, tax, accounting and similar matters. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “looking forward,” “may,” “planned,” “potential,” “should,” “will” and “would” or any variations of words with similar meanings. We note that a variety of factors could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed or anticipated in our forward-looking statements. The factors listed below and in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K are illustrative and other risks and uncertainties may arise as are or may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K. We undertake no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K or in our annual report to shareholders to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the filing of this report

PART I

Except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, as used herein, “Hasbro”, the “Company”, “we”, or “us”, means Hasbro, Inc., a Rhode Island corporation organized on January 8, 1926, and its subsidiaries.

 

Item 1.

Business.

General Development and Description of Business and Business Segments

Overview

We are a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play Experiences. We strive to do this through deep consumer engagement and the application of consumer insights, the use of immersive storytelling to build brands, product innovation and the development of global business reach. We apply these principles to leverage our owned and controlled brands, including Franchise Brands BABY ALIVE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, as well as the brands of our partners included in our Partner Brands portfolio. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and other forms of digital entertainment and a comprehensive consumer products licensing program, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection for children and families around the world. Our entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, create entertainment-driven brand storytelling across mediums, including television, film and more.

Each of these principles are executed globally in alignment with our strategic plan, the brand blueprint. At the center of this blueprint, we re-imagine, re-invent and re-ignite our owned and controlled brands and imagine, invent and ignite new brands, through product innovation, immersive entertainment offerings, including television and motion pictures, digital gaming and a broad range of consumer products. . As the global consumer landscape, shopping behaviors and the retail environment continue to evolve, we continue to transform and reimagine our business strategy. This transformation includes changing many of the ways we organize across our brand blueprint, re-shaping us to become a better equipped and adaptive, digitally-driven organization, including investing in the development of an omni-channel retail presence. In 2018, we also focused on adding new capabilities through the on-boarding of new skill sets and talent to lead in today’s converged retail environment based on our understanding of the consumer and how our retailers are going to market.

 

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Recent Events

POWER RANGERS Acquisition

On June 12, 2018, Hasbro, Inc. acquired POWER RANGERS and other entertainment assets from Saban Properties (“POWER RANGERS Acquisition”). The transaction was funded through a combination of cash and stock valued at $534 million.

Created by Haim Saban and launched in 1993, Mighty Morphin POWER RANGERS quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Today, POWER RANGERS is one of the longest running kids’ live-action series in television history with nearly 26 seasons and feature films. Saban’s POWER RANGERS currently airs in 180 markets around the world and is translated into numerous languages.

Hasbro plans to incorporate the POWER RANGERS brand into its brand blueprint, through the manufacturing and sale of toys and games, media distribution of future developed television and movie content and licensing of the brand to consumer products licensors. The first set of POWER RANGERS products from Hasbro will be available in spring 2019.

2018 Restructuring Actions

In 2018, in response to the continuing evolution of the global consumer landscape, shopping behaviors and the retail environment, Hasbro took certain actions as part of its ongoing efforts to transform and reimagine its business, to strengthen its connections with audiences and consumers, and enhance its ability to continue bringing meaningful brand experiences to life. These actions, referred to as the 2018 restructuring program, included a commercial reorganization as well as adding new capabilities based on our understanding of changing consumer behaviors and how our retailers are going to market, while also changing many of the ways we organize across our brand blueprint. We are committed to reimagining and redesigning our go-to-market strategy as we react to present-day industry trends, and progress into a more innovative and digitally-driven play and entertainment company. The actions also included headcount reductions aimed at right-sizing the Company’s cost-structure. Under the plan, the Company incurred pre-tax restructuring charges of $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2018, and $72 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 relating to severance and other employee costs. Once these actions are completed, the Company expects that it will generate approximately $70 million to $80 million in gross annualized cost-reductions by 2020. The Company expects that approximately $65 million of these gross savings will be realized in 2019. In line with the objectives of this program, the Company plans to reinvest approximately $10 to $15 million in new resources in 2019, generating a net savings of approximately $50 million to $55 million in 2019.

2018 Impairment Charges

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company took a number of actions to react to a rapidly changing mobile gaming industry that resulted in a modification to the Company’s long-term plan for its Backflip business. These modifications included organizational actions and related personnel changes, the extension of launch dates for games currently in or planned for development and the addition of partners for the development of future game releases. The modifications resulted in changes to the long-term projections for the Backflip business which led the Company to conclude the goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit was impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $86.3 million within administrative expense and in the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment, for the year ended December 30, 2018.

The Company also concluded that certain intangible assets were also impaired during the fourth quarter of 2018. These impairments were primarily the result of changes to revenue projections that became apparent after the recent holiday period. This resulted in recording an impairment charge of $31.3 million recorded within administrative expense and in the Company’s Corporate and Eliminations segment, in the year ended December 30, 2018.

For further discussion, see note 5 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Storytelling and Other Entertainment Initiatives

Our brand blueprint focuses on reinforcing storylines associated with our brands through several mediums, including television, motion pictures and digital content.

As part of our brand blueprint, we seek to build our brands through entertainment-based storytelling. Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation are responsible for entertainment-driven brand storytelling, including the development and global distribution of television programming and motion pictures primarily based on our brands.

 

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Television programming based on our brands currently airs in markets throughout the world. Domestically, Allspark Animation primarily distributes programming to Discovery Family Channel (the “Network”), a joint venture between Discovery Communications, Inc. (“Discovery”) and Hasbro which operates a cable television network in the United States dedicated to high-quality children’s and family entertainment and educational programming. Beginning in 2015, Allspark Animation began distributing certain programming domestically to other outlets, including Cartoon Network. Internationally, Allspark Animation distributes to various broadcasters and cable networks. Allspark Animation also distributes programming globally on various digital platforms, including Netflix and iTunes. In 2016, Hasbro acquired Boulder Media, an animation studio based in Dublin, Ireland. In addition to working on a variety of projects for Allspark Animation and Allspark Pictures, Boulder Media continues to produce non-Hasbro content under the Boulder name.

During 2014, we introduced Allspark Pictures, Hasbro’s film label, as a vehicle to produce both animated and live action theatrical releases based on our brands. Our plan is to continue to produce live action entertainment, including film and television, under the Allspark Pictures moniker, and to produce animated entertainment under the Allspark Animation label. In October 2017 the Company entered into an agreement with Paramount Pictures (“Paramount”) to produce and distribute live action and animated films, as well as television programming based on Hasbro brands over a five-year period. Hasbro’s Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation will play an active role alongside Paramount in content development and production under this relationship and Hasbro will play a more significant role in financing the films as well. The Company’s storytelling initiatives support its strategy of growing its brands well beyond traditional toys and games and providing entertainment experiences for consumers of all ages accessible anytime in many forms and formats.

Recent films released by Allspark Pictures include the following:

 

   

In October 2016, Allspark Pictures released OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL.

 

   

In October 2017, Allspark Pictures released MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE.

 

   

In December 2018, Hasbro and Paramount released BUMBLEBEE, a film centered on the TRANSFORMERS character, BUMBLEBEE.

In addition to film and television initiatives, Hasbro understands the importance of digital content to drive fan engagement, including in gaming and across other media, and of integrating such content with our products. Digital media encompasses digital gaming applications and the creation of digital environments for analog products through the use of complementary digital applications and websites which extend storylines and enhance play. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Backflip Studios, LLC (“Backflip”), a mobile game developer, produces digital applications. While certain of our trademarks, characters and other property rights are licensed by third parties in connection with digital gaming, we anticipate increasingly leveraging and applying Backflip’s digital gaming expertise to Hasbro brands in 2019 and beyond.

As we seek to grow our business in entertainment, licensing, digital gaming and innovative product offerings, we will continue to evaluate strategic alliances, acquisitions and investments, like Allspark Animation and Allspark Pictures, Boulder Media, the Network and Backflip, which may allow us to strengthen our competencies around the brand blueprint, such as in storytelling and digital, complement our current product offerings, allow us entry into areas which are adjacent or complementary to our existing business, allow us to add to our brand portfolio, or allow us to further develop awareness of our brands and expand the ability of consumers to experience our brands in different forms and formats.

Brand Portfolios

Hasbro organizes and markets owned, controlled and licensed intellectual properties within our brand architecture under the following four brand portfolios: (1) Franchise Brands; (2) Partner Brands; (3) Hasbro Gaming; and (4) Emerging Brands.

Franchise Brands Franchise Brands are Hasbro’s most significant owned or controlled properties which we believe have the ability to deliver significant revenues and growth over the long-term. Our seven Franchise Brands are BABY ALIVE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, Franchise Brands were 53%, 52% and 47% of total net revenues, respectively.

Partner Brands Partner Brands include those brands licensed by Hasbro from other parties for which Hasbro develops toy and game products. Significant Partner Brands include MARVEL, including SPIDER-MAN and THE AVENGERS, STAR WARS, DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN, DISNEY‘S DESCENDANTS, BEYBLADE, DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS and SESAME STREET. Partner brands MARVEL, STAR WARS, DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS, DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN are all owned by The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”).

 

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In 2017, Hasbro sold products supported by the four theatrical releases from our partners: Marvel’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 in May, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING in July, THOR: RAGNAROK in November and STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI in December. Hasbro’s products were also supported in 2017 by films featuring our Franchise Brands TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST NIGHT in June, and MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE.

In 2018, Hasbro product lines were supported by the following theatrical releases: BLACK PANTHER in February, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR in April and SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE in December.

In addition, Hasbro’s products were supported by the May release of SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY as well as BUMBLEBEE, a film featuring our Franchise Brand, TRANSFORMERS, in December 2018.

In 2019, Hasbro plans to sell products related to several expected partner theatrical releases, including CAPTAIN MARVEL in March, AVENGERS: END GAME in April, SPIDER MAN: FAR FROM HOME in July and STAR WARS: EPISODE IX in December. To support the Company’s DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN product lines, Hasbro plans to sell products related to ALADDIN, a theatrical release expected in May, and FROZEN 2 expected in November.

Hasbro Gaming Hasbro continues to revolutionize game play through our strong portfolio of Gaming Brands, digital integration, the mining of social media trends to garner consumer insights and capitalize on popular gaming themes, and the rapid introduction of innovative new gaming brands and play experiences. Hasbro Gaming includes brands such as CONNECT 4, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, JENGA, THE GAME OF LIFE, OPERATION, SCRABBLE, TRIVIAL PURSUIT and TWISTER as well as new social games including DON’T LOSE YOUR COOL, DON’T STEP IN IT, and SPEECH BREAKER; in addition, Hasbro’s games portfolio also includes many other well-known game brands. To successfully execute our gaming strategy, we consider brands which may capitalize on existing trends while evolving our approach to gaming using consumer insights and offering gaming experiences relevant to consumer demand for face to face, trading card and digital game experiences played as board, off-the-board, digital, card, electronic, trading card and role-playing games.

Emerging Brands Emerging Brands are those owned or controlled Hasbro brands which have not achieved Franchise Brand status, but many of which the Company believes have the potential to do so over time with investment and further development. Hasbro Emerging Brands include brands such as LITTLEST PET SHOP, EASY BAKE, FURBY, FURREAL FRIENDS, PLAYSKOOL, and most recently, the POWER RANGERS brand, which we purchased in 2018. In 2019, the POWER RANGERS brand will be supported by new television programming. The Emerging Brands portfolio also includes new brands such as LOST KITTIES, YELLIES, as well as brands currently being developed by the Company and other brands not captured in our other three categories.

Segments

Organizationally, our three principal segments are U.S. and Canada, International and Entertainment and Licensing. The U.S. and Canada and International segments engage in the marketing and selling of various toy and game products described above. Our toy and game products are primarily developed by cross-functional teams, including members of our global development and marketing groups, to establish a cohesive brand direction and assist the segments in establishing certain local marketing programs. The costs of these groups are allocated to our principal segments. Our U.S. and Canada segment covers the United States and Canada while the International segment primarily includes Europe, the Asia Pacific region and Latin and South America. The Entertainment and Licensing segment conducts our movie, television and digital gaming entertainment operations, including the operations of Allspark Pictures, Allspark Animation, Boulder Studios and Backflip as well as engages in the out-licensing of our trademarks, characters and other brand and intellectual property rights to third parties for digital gaming and consumer products. Our Global Operations segment is responsible for arranging product manufacturing and sourcing for the U.S. and Canada and International segments.

U.S. and Canada Our U.S. and Canada segment engages in the marketing and sale of our products in the United States and Canada. The U.S. and Canada segment promotes our brands through constant innovation and reinvention. This is accomplished through introducing new products and initiatives driven by consumer and marketplace insights and leveraging opportunistic toy and game lines and licenses. This strategy leverages efforts to increase consumer awareness of the Company’s brands through entertainment experiences, including motion pictures and television programming.

International The International segment engages in the marketing and sale of our product categories to retailers and wholesalers in most countries in Europe, Latin and South America, and the Asia Pacific region and through distributors in those countries where we have no direct presence. We have offices in more than 35 countries contributing to sales in more than 120 countries.

 

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In addition to growing brands, leveraging opportunistic product lines and driving our licensed business, we seek to grow our international business by continuing to strategically expand into emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin and South America. In 2018, we opened an office in Japan and in 2017, we opened offices in Argentina and India. Emerging markets are an area of high priority for us as we believe they offer greater opportunities for revenue growth than developed markets. Key emerging markets include Russia, Brazil and the People’s Republic of China (“China”). Net revenues from emerging markets represented 14% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2018, 2017 and 2016. In 2018, net revenues from emerging markets decreased 12% while in 2017, net revenues in emerging markets increased 5% from 2016.

In 2018, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against many of the foreign currencies within the Company’s International segment had a negative impact whereas in 2017, the International segment benefited from foreign currency translation. The impact from foreign currency translation on International segment net revenues as compared to the prior year translation rates for 2017 and 2016 was $(43.0) million and $75.3 million, respectively. Financial information with respect to foreign currency risk management is included in note 17 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Entertainment and Licensing Our Entertainment and Licensing segment includes our consumer products licensing, digital gaming, television and movie entertainment operations.

Our consumer products licensing category seeks to promote our brands through the out-licensing of our intellectual properties to third parties for promotional and merchandising uses in businesses which do not compete directly with our own product offerings, such as apparel, publishing, home goods and electronics, or in certain situations, to utilize them for toy products where we consider the out-licensing of brands to be more effective and profitable than developing and marketing the products ourselves.

Our digital gaming business seeks to promote our brands largely through the out-licensing of our intellectual properties to a number of partners who develop and offer digital games for play on mobile devices, personal computers, and video game consoles based on those brands. The Company has digital gaming relationships with Electronic Arts Inc., Activision, Ubisoft, Scopely and others. Lastly, we also license our brands to third parties engaged in other forms of gaming, including Scientific Games Corporation. Through Backflip, our owned mobile game development studio, we seek to complement the aforementioned out-licensing with the development of internal digital gaming resources. Backflip’s product offerings include games for tablets and mobile devices, including the DRAGONVALE and TRANSFORMERS: EARTH WARS games. Through Backflip, we intend to continue focusing on our existing game titles, and to launch new games, including further offerings based on Hasbro brands.

Major motion pictures and television programming based on our owned and controlled brands provide both immersive storytelling and the ability for our consumers to experience these properties in a different format, which we believe can result in increased product sales, royalty revenues, and overall brand awareness. To a lesser extent, we can also earn revenue from our participation in the financial results of motion pictures and related home entertainment releases and through the distribution of television programming. Revenue from toy and game product sales is a component of the U.S. and Canada and International segments, while royalty revenues, including revenues earned from movies and television programming, is included in the Entertainment and Licensing segment.

Global Operations Our Global Operations segment sources production of our toy and game products. Through August 2015, the Company owned and operated manufacturing facilities in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Waterford, Ireland which predominantly produced game products. These facilities were sold to Cartamundi NV (“Cartamundi”). Cartamundi continues to manufacture significant quantities of game products for us in their two facilities under a multi-year manufacturing agreement. Sourcing for our other production is done through unrelated third party manufacturers in various Far East countries, principally China, using a Hong Kong based wholly-owned subsidiary operation for quality control and order coordination purposes. Over time we are increasing the amount of product we source outside China, including in India and Vietnam. See “Manufacturing and Importing” below for more details concerning overseas manufacturing and sourcing.

Other Information To further extend our range of products in the various segments of our business, we sell a portion of our toy and game products to retailers on a direct import basis from the Far East. These sales are reflected in the revenue of the related segment where the customer is geographically located.

Certain of our products are licensed to other companies for sale in selected countries where we do not otherwise have a direct business presence.

Three of our four product categories, namely Franchise Brands, Partner Brands and Hasbro Gaming, generate approximately 10% or more of our net revenues. For more information, including the amount of net revenues attributable to each of our four product categories, see Note 21 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

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Working Capital Requirements

Our working capital needs are financed through cash generated from operations, primarily through the sale of toys and games and secondarily through our consumer products licensing and entertainment operations, and, when necessary, proceeds from short-term borrowings.

Our customer order patterns may vary from year to year largely due to fluctuations in the degree of consumer acceptance of product lines, product availability, marketing strategies and inventory policies of retailers, the dates of theatrical releases of major motion pictures for which we offer products, and changes in overall economic conditions. As such, a disproportionate volume of our net revenues is earned during the third and fourth quarters leading up to the retail industry’s holiday selling season, including Christmas. As a result, comparisons of unshipped orders on any date with those at the same date in the prior year are not necessarily indicative of our sales for that year. Moreover, quick response, or just-in-time, inventory management practices result in a significant proportion of orders being placed for immediate delivery. Although the Company may receive orders from customers in advance, it is general industry practice that these orders are subject to amendment or cancellation by customers prior to shipment and, as such, the Company does not believe that these unshipped orders, at any given date, are necessarily indicative of future sales. We expect that retailers will continue to follow this strategy. As such, our business generally earns more revenue in the second half of the year compared to the first half. In 2018 and 2017, the second half of the year accounted for approximately 65% of full year revenues with the third and fourth quarters accounting for 34% and 31%, respectively, of full year net revenues.

Historically, we commit to the majority of our inventory production and advertising and marketing expenditures for a given year, prior to the peak fourth quarter retail selling season. Our accounts receivable increase during the third and fourth quarter as customers increase their purchases to meet expected consumer demand in the holiday season. Due to the concentrated timeframe of this selling period, payments for these accounts receivable are generally not due until later in the fourth quarter or early in the first quarter of the subsequent year. The timing difference between expenses paid and revenues collected sometimes makes it necessary for us to borrow varying amounts during the year. During 2018, we primarily utilized cash from our operations, and, to a lesser extent, uncommitted lines of credit in certain international markets to meet our cash flow requirements.

Product Development and Royalties

Our success is dependent on continuous innovation in our play and entertainment offerings and requires continued development of new brands and products alongside the redesign of existing products to drive consumer interest and market acceptance. Our toy and game products are developed by a global development function, the costs of which are allocated to the selling entities which comprise our principal operating segments. These costs include activities related to the development, design and engineering of new products and their packaging (including products brought to us by independent designers) and on the improvement or modification of ongoing products. Much of this work is performed by our internal staff of designers, artists, model makers and engineers.

In addition to the design and development work performed by our own staff, we deal with a number of independent toy and game designers, for whose designs and ideas we compete with other toy and game manufacturers. Rights to such designs and ideas, when acquired or licensed by us, are usually exclusive and the agreements require us to pay the designer a royalty on our net sales of the item. These designer royalty agreements, in some cases, also provide for advance royalties and minimum guarantees.

We also produce a number of toys and games under licenses based on our partners’ trademarks and copyrights for the names or likenesses of characters from movies, television shows and other entertainment media, for whose rights we compete with other toy and game manufacturers. Licensing fees for these rights are generally paid as a royalty on our net sales of the item. Licenses for the use of characters may be exclusive for specific products or product lines in specified territories, or may be non-exclusive, in which case our product offerings may be competing with the product offerings of other licensees. In many instances, advance royalties and minimum guarantees are required by these license agreements. Our royalty expense in any given year may also vary depending upon the timing of movie releases and other entertainment media.

Marketing and Sales

While our global development function focuses on brand and product innovation and re-invention, our global marketing function establishes brand direction and messaging and assists the selling entities in establishing local marketing programs. The global marketing group works cross-functionally with the global development function to deliver unified, brand-specific points of view. The costs of this group are allocated to the selling entities which comprise our principal operating segments. In addition to the global marketing function, our local selling entities employ sales and marketing functions responsible for local market activities and execution.

 

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Our products are sold globally to a broad spectrum of customers, including wholesalers, distributors, chain stores, discount stores, drug stores, mail order houses, catalog stores, department stores and other traditional retailers, large and small, as well as internet-based “e-retailers.” Our own sales forces account for the majority of sales of our products with remaining sales generated by independent distributors who, for the most part, sell our products in areas of the world where we do not otherwise maintain a direct presence. Notwithstanding our thousands of customers, the majority of our sales are to large chain stores, distributors, e-retailers and wholesalers. Customer concentration provides us with certain benefits, such as potentially more efficient product distribution practices and other reductions in costs of sales and distribution; however, customer concentration can also create additional risks for our business. These risks include potential damage to our business resulting from the financial difficulties of one or more of our major customers which could lead to reductions in sales, or other unfavorable changes in our business relationships with one, or more, of our major customers. Customer concentration may also decrease the prices we are able to obtain for some of our products and reduce the number of products we would otherwise be able to bring to market.

During 2018, net revenues from our top five customers accounted for approximately 38% of our consolidated global net revenues, including our largest customers, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation, who represented 20% and 9%, respectively, of consolidated global net revenues. In the U.S. and Canada segment, approximately 60% of our net revenues were derived from our top three customers. The bankruptcy filing and subsequent liquidation of Toys“R”Us, had a significant negative impact on our sales and profitability in 2018. Prior to 2018, Toys“R”Us was Hasbro’s third largest U.S. customer and our second largest customer in Europe. In addition to lost sales, the Toys“R”Us liquidation in 2018 led to a significant amount of inventory sold at significant discount. We believe the bankruptcy of Toys“R”Us was partially a product of underlying changes in the industry including the rapid growth of on-line retail globally. In Europe, the bankruptcy of Toys“R”Us together with economic headwinds in a number of markets and the shifting retail environment magnified the negative impact to sales and profitability overall. These changes accelerated our efforts to diversify our retail mix in 2018 and we further prioritized a digital-first approach in order to become a more complete e-commerce partner. In 2019 and moving forward we plan to continue to focus on an ongoing evolution of our business to succeed in a digital-first, increasing e-commerce driven world and to better position us for long-term success amidst the rapidly changing retail environment.

We advertise many of our toy and game products extensively on television and through digital marketing and advertising of our brands. Products are strategically cross-promoted by spotlighting specific products alongside related offerings in a manner that promotes the sale of not only the selected item, but also those complementary products. In addition to those advertising initiatives, Allspark Animation produces entertainment based primarily on our brands which appears on Discovery Family Channel and other major networks globally as well as on various other digital platforms, such as Netflix and iTunes. In addition, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation produce both animated and live action theatrical releases based on our brands. We also introduce many of our new products to major customers within one to two years leading up to their year of retail introduction. We generally showcase certain new products in New York City at the time of the American International Toy Fair in February, as well as at other international toy shows, including in Hong Kong and Nuremburg, Germany. In 2018, 2017 and 2016, we incurred $439.9 million, $501.8 million, and $468.9 million, respectively, in expense related to advertising and promotional programs.

Manufacturing and Importing

During 2018 substantially all of our products were manufactured in third party facilities in the Far East, primarily China, as well as in two previously owned facilities located in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and Waterford, Ireland. These facilities were owned by the Company through August 2015, at which point they were sold to Cartamundi, who continues to manufacture significant quantities of game products for us under a multi-year manufacturing agreement. We are continuing our efforts to diversify our global sourcing mix and decrease our dependence on Chinese manufacturing by increasing production of our products in other countries, including India and Vietnam.

We believe that the manufacturing capacity of our third-party manufacturers, as well as the supply of components, accessories and completed products which we purchase from unaffiliated manufacturers, are adequate to meet the anticipated demand in 2019 for our products. Our reliance on designated external sources of manufacturing could be shifted, over a period of time, to alternative sources of supply for our products, should such changes be necessary or desirable. However, if we were to be prevented from obtaining products from a substantial number of our current Far East suppliers due to political, labor or other factors beyond our control, our operations and our ability to obtain products would be severely disrupted while alternative sources of product were secured and production shifted to those new sources. The imposition of trade sanctions, tariffs, border adjustment taxes or other measures by the United States or the European Union against a class of products imported by us

 

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from, or the loss of “normal trade relations” status with, China, or other countries where we manufacture significant numbers of products, or other factors which increase the cost of manufacturing in China, or other countries where we manufacture products, such as higher labor costs or an appreciation in the Chinese Yuan, could significantly disrupt our operations and/or significantly increase the cost of the products which are manufactured and imported into other markets and damage our sales and profitability.

Most of our products are manufactured from basic raw materials such as plastic, paper and cardboard, although certain products also make use of electronic components. All of these materials are readily available but may be subject to significant fluctuations in price. There are certain chemicals (including phthalates and BPA) that national, state and local governments have restricted or are seeking to restrict or limit the use of; however, we do not believe these restrictions have or will materially impact our business. We generally enter into agreements with suppliers at the beginning of a fiscal year that establish prices for that year. However, significant volatility in the prices of any of these materials may require renegotiation with our suppliers during the year.

The manufacturing processes of our vendors include injection molding, blow molding, spray painting, printing, box making and assembly.

Competition

We are a worldwide leader in the development, design, sale and marketing of toys and games and other family entertainment offerings, but our business is highly competitive. We compete with several large toy and game companies in our product categories, as well as many smaller United States and international toy and game designers, manufacturers and marketers. We also compete with other companies that offer branded entertainment specific to children and their families. Given the ease of entry into our business we view our primary competition as coming from content providers who are creating entertainment experiences that compete with our brand-driven storytelling and product experiences for consumer attention and spending. Businesses that create compelling content can readily translate that content into a full range of product offerings. Competition is based primarily on meeting consumer entertainment preferences and on the quality and play value of our products and experiences. To a lesser extent, competition is also based on product pricing. In entertainment, Allspark Animation, Allspark Pictures and Discovery Family Channel compete with other children’s and family television networks and entertainment producers, such as Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, for viewers, advertising revenue and distribution.

In addition to contending with competition from other toy and game and entertainment and storytelling companies, we contend with the phenomenon that children are increasingly sophisticated and have been moving away from traditional toys and games at a younger age. The variety of product and entertainment offerings available for children has expanded and product life cycles have shortened as children move on to more sophisticated offerings at earlier ages. We refer to this trend as “children getting older younger”. As a result, our products not only compete with those offerings produced by other toy and game manufacturers and companies offering branded family play and entertainment, we also compete, particularly in meeting the demands of older children, with entertainment offerings of many technology companies, such as makers of tablets, mobile devices, video games and other consumer electronic products and screens.

The volatility in consumer preferences with respect to family entertainment and low barriers to entry as well as the emergence of new technologies continually creates new opportunities for existing competitors and start-ups to develop products that compete with our entertainment and toy and game offerings.

Employees

At December 30, 2018, we employed approximately 5,800 persons worldwide, approximately 3,200 of whom were located in the United States.

Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents

We seek to protect our products, for the most part, and in as many countries as practical, through registered trademarks, copyrights and patents to the extent that such protection is available, cost effective, and meaningful. The loss of such rights concerning any particular product is unlikely to result in significant harm to our business, although the loss of such protection for a number of significant items might have such an effect.

Government Regulation

Our toy and game products sold in the United States are subject to the provisions of The Consumer Product Safety Act, as amended by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, (as amended, the “CPSA”),

 

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The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (the “FHSA”), The Flammable Fabrics Act (the “FFA”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder. In addition, a few of our products, such as the food mixes for our EASY-BAKE ovens, are also subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

The CPSA empowers the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the “CPSC”) to take action against hazards presented by consumer products, including the formulation and implementation of regulations and uniform safety standards. The CPSC has the authority to seek to declare a product “a banned hazardous substance” under the CPSA and to ban it from commerce. The CPSC can file an action to seize and condemn an “imminently hazardous consumer product” under the CPSA and may also order equitable remedies such as recall, replacement, repair or refund for the product. The FHSA provides for the repurchase by the manufacturer of articles that are banned.

Consumer product safety laws also exist in some states and cities within the United States and in many international markets including Canada, Australia and Europe. We utilize independent third party laboratories that employ testing and other procedures intended to maintain compliance with the CPSA, the FHSA, the FFA, other applicable domestic and international product standards, and our own standards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurance that our products are or will be hazard free. Any material product recall or other safety issue impacting our products could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition, depending on the product and scope of the recall, could damage our reputation and could negatively affect sales of our other products as well.

The Children’s Television Act of 1990 and the rules promulgated thereunder by the United States Federal Communications Commission, the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission, as well as the laws of certain other countries, also place limitations on television commercials during children’s programming and on advertising in other forms to children, and on the collection of information from children, such as restrictions on collecting information from children under the age of thirteen subject to the provisions of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

In addition to laws restricting the collection of information from children, our business is subject to other regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation which became effective in the European Union in May 2018, which restricts the collection, use, and retention of personal information. Failure to comply with those restrictions can subject us to severe liabilities.

Further we maintain programs to comply with various United States federal, state, local and international requirements relating to the environment, health, safety and other matters.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following persons are the executive officers of the Company. Such executive officers are elected annually. The position(s) and office(s) listed below are the principal position(s) and office(s) held by such persons with the Company. The persons listed below generally also serve as officers and directors of certain of the Company’s various subsidiaries at the request and convenience of the Company.

 

Name    Age      Position and Office Held    Period
Serving in
Current
Position
 

Brian D. Goldner(1)

     55      Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer      Since 2017  

John A. Frascotti(2)

     58      President and Chief Operating Officer      Since 2018  

Deborah M. Thomas(3)

     55      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer      Since 2013  

Tom Courtney(4)

    
58
 
   Executive Vice President, Chief Global Operations Officer      Since 2017  

Stephen Davis(5)

     57      Executive Vice President, Chief Content Officer      Since 2014  

Tarrant Sibley(6)

     50      Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary      Since 2018  

Dolph Johnson

    
60
 
   Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer      Since 2012  

Wiebe Tinga(7)

     58      Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer      Since 2013  

 

(1)  Prior thereto, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer from 2015 to 2017; prior thereto, President and Chief Executive Officer from 2008 to 2015.

(2) Prior thereto, President from 2017 to 2018; President Hasbro Brands from 2014 to 2017; Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer from 2013 to 2014; and Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer from 2008 to 2013.

 

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(3) Prior thereto, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2009 to 2013.

(4) Prior thereto, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Operations, from 2012 to 2017.

(5) Prior thereto, President, Hasbro Studios, from 2009 to 2014.

(6) Prior thereto, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since 2010.

(7) Prior thereto, President, North America from 2012 to 2013; prior thereto, President, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets from 2006 to 2012.

Availability of Information

Our internet address is http://www.hasbro.com. We make our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, available free of charge on or through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website at www.hasbro.com, under “Corporate — Investors”, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with our shareholders and the public about our Company, our products and other matters. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our Company to review the information we post on the social media channels listed on our investor relations website. Hasbro has used, and intends to continue to use, our investor relations website, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Further corporate governance information, including our articles of incorporation, bylaws, governance guidelines, committee charters, and code of business conduct and ethics, is also available on our investor relations website www.hasbro.com, under “Corporate — Investors — Corporate Governance.” The contents of our website are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

Forward-Looking Information and Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results

From time to time, including in this Form 10-K and in our annual report to shareholders, we publish “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These “forward-looking statements” may relate to matters such as our business and marketing strategies, anticipated financial performance or business prospects in future periods, expected technological and product developments, relationships with customers and suppliers, purchasing patterns of our customers and consumers, the expected content of and timing for scheduled new product introductions or our expectations concerning the future acceptance of products by customers, expected benefits and plans relating to acquired brands and properties, the content and timing of planned entertainment releases including motion pictures, television and digital products, marketing and promotional efforts, research and development activities, geographic plans, adequacy of supply, manufacturing capacity and expectations to reduce manufacturing in China, adequacy of our properties, expected benefits and cost-savings from certain restructuring actions, capital expenditures, working capital, liquidity, and other financial, tax, accounting and similar matters. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “looking forward,” “may,” “planned,” “potential,” “should,” “will” and “would” or any variations of words with similar meanings. We note that a variety of factors could cause our actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed or anticipated in our forward-looking statements.

The factors listed below are illustrative and other risks and uncertainties may arise as are or may be detailed from time to time in our public announcements and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K. We undertake no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K or in our annual report to shareholders to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the filing of this report.

 

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Our strategy involves focusing on franchise and key partner brands, and successfully developing, or in the case of partner brands, successfully working with our partners to develop, those brands across our brand blueprint in a wide array of innovative toys and games, consumer products, storytelling and digital experiences. If we are not successful in developing and expanding these critical brands our business will suffer.

We have made a strategic decision to focus on fewer, larger global brands as we build our business. We are moving away from SKU making behaviors, which involve developing a large number of different products across many brands, towards global brand building with an emphasis on developing our franchise and key partner brands, which we view as having the largest global potential. As we concentrate our efforts on a more select group of brands we can gain additional leverage and enhance the consumer experience. But this focus also means that our future success depends disproportionately on our and our partners’ ability to successfully develop this select group of brands across the brand blueprint and to maintain and extend the reach and relevance of these brands to global consumers in a wide array of markets. This strategy has required us to build and develop competencies in new areas, including storytelling, digital content and consumer products. Developing and growing these competencies has required significant effort, time and money.

In 2018, revenues from our seven franchise brands, BABY ALIVE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, totaled 53% of our aggregate net revenues. Revenues from our key partner brands, including BEYBLADE, DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN, MARVEL, STAR WARS, DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS, and YO-KAI WATCH, constituted 22% of our aggregate net revenues in 2018. Together our franchise and partner brands account for the substantial majority of our revenues. If we are unable to successfully maintain and develop our franchise and key partner brands in the future, continue to drive their relevance to consumers and grow sales of products and storytelling experiences based on those brands, our revenues and profits will decline and our business performance will suffer. In addition to continuing to grow and develop our existing franchise brands, successfully executing our brand strategy requires us to successfully develop other brands, such as current emerging brands, and elevate them to franchise brand status over time. There is no guarantee that we will be able to do this successfully. As an example of this process, in February 2018 we elevated BABY ALIVE to franchise brand status and moved LITTLEST PET SHOP, which we are in the process of reinventing and which requires a different developmental approach at this point, out of Franchise Brands and into Emerging Brands.

Consumer interests change rapidly, making it difficult to create storytelling experiences and to design and develop products which will be popular with children and families, or to maintain the popularity of successful products and brands.

The interests of children and families evolve extremely quickly and can change dramatically from year to year. To be successful we must correctly anticipate the types of entertainment content, products and play patterns which will capture children’s and families’ interests and imagination and quickly develop and introduce innovative products which can compete successfully for consumers’ limited time, attention and spending. This challenge is more difficult with the ever-increasing utilization of technology and digital media in entertainment offerings, and the increasing breadth of entertainment available to consumers. Evolving consumer tastes and shifting interests, coupled with an ever changing and expanding pipeline of entertainment and consumer properties and products which compete for children’s and families’ interest and acceptance, create an environment in which some products can fail to achieve consumer acceptance, and other products can be popular during a certain period of time but then be rapidly replaced. As a result, individual children’s and family entertainment products and properties often have short consumer life cycles. If we devote time and resources to developing and marketing entertainment and products that consumers do not find interesting enough to buy in sufficient quantities to be profitable to us, our revenues and profits may decline and our business performance may be damaged. Similarly, if our product offerings and entertainment fail to correctly anticipate consumer interests our revenues and earnings will be reduced.

Additionally, our business is increasingly global and depends on interest in and acceptance of our children’s and family entertainment products and properties by consumers in diverse markets around the world with different tastes and preferences. As such, our success depends on our ability to successfully predict and adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences in multiple markets and geographies and to design product and entertainment offerings that can achieve popularity globally over a broad and diverse consumer audience. There is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully develop and market products with global appeal.

 

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The challenge of continuously developing and offering products and storytelling experiences that are sought after by children is compounded by the sophistication of today’s children and the increasing array of technology and entertainment offerings available to them.

Children are increasingly utilizing electronic offerings such as tablet devices and mobile phones and they are expanding their interests to a wider array of innovative, technology-driven entertainment products and digital and social media offerings at younger and younger ages. Our products compete with the offerings of consumer electronics companies, digital media and social media companies. To meet this challenge we, and our competitors, are designing and marketing products which incorporate increasing technology, seek to integrate digital and analog play, and aim to capitalize on new play patterns and increased consumption of digital and social media.

With the increasing array of competitive entertainment offerings, there is no guarantee that:

 

   

Any of our brands, products or product lines will achieve popularity or continue to be popular;

 

   

Any property for which we have a significant license will achieve or sustain popularity;

 

   

Any new products or product lines we introduce will be considered interesting to consumers and achieve an adequate market acceptance; or

 

   

Any product’s life cycle or sales quantities will be sufficient to permit us to profitably recover our development, manufacturing, marketing, royalties (including royalty advances and guarantees) and other costs of producing, marketing and selling the product.

Engaging storytelling across media is an increasingly important factor for driving brand awareness and successfully building brands.

Entertainment media, in forms such as television, motion pictures, digital content and other media, have become increasingly important platforms for consumers to experience our brands and our partners’ brands and the success, or lack of success, of such media efforts can significantly impact the demand for our products and our financial performance. We spend considerable resources in designing and developing products in conjunction with planned media releases, both by our partners and our own media releases. Not only our efforts, but the efforts of third parties, such as licensors and motion picture studios with whom we work, heavily impact the amount, content and timing of media development, release dates and the ultimate consumer interest in and success of these media efforts.

In 2018, we developed and marketed significant product lines tied to the motion picture releases by key partners of BLACK PANTHER, AVENGERS: INFINITY WARS and SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY. In addition, we developed and marketed products related to BUMBLEBEE, a motion picture developed and released by us working with our partner Paramount Pictures. For 2019, we are developing and marketing significant product lines tied to the scheduled motion picture releases by key partners of a number of properties, including DISNEY’S ALADDIN, DISNEY’S FROZEN II and STAR WARS: EPISODE IX. Those motion pictures are all being developed and released by our partners and our partners control the content and schedule for such motion pictures. Other key partner product lines we are offering, such as BEYBLADE and YOKAI-WATCH, depend on television support by our partners for their successes. Similarly, we are developing and marketing products for entertainment we play a more active role in developing or develop ourselves, such as TRANSFORMERS and MY LITTLE PONY. If those motion pictures, television shows, or any other key entertainment content for which we develop and market products are not as successful as we and our partners anticipate, our revenues and earnings will fall.

The ultimate timing and success of such projects is critically dependent on the efforts and schedules of our licensors, and studio and media partners. We do not fully control when or if any particular motion picture projects will be greenlit, developed or released, and our licensors or media partners may change their plans with respect to projects and release dates or cancel development all together. This can make it difficult for us to get feature films developed, plan future entertainment slates and to successfully develop and market products in conjunction with future motion picture and other media releases, given the lengthy lead times involved in product development and successful marketing efforts, and the fact that third party partners of ours may decide not to develop such entertainment.

When we say that products or brands will be supported by certain media releases, those statements are based on our current plans and expectations. Unforeseen factors may increase the cost of these releases, delay these media releases or even lead to their cancellation. Any delay or cancellation of planned product development work, introductions, or media support may decrease the number of products we sell and harm our business.

 

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Lack of sufficient consumer interest in entertainment media we or our partners produce or for which we offer products can harm our business.

Motion pictures, television, digital content or other media we produce or for which we develop products may not be as popular with consumers as we anticipated. While it is difficult to anticipate what products may be sought after by consumers, it can be even more difficult to properly predict the popularity of media efforts and properties given the broad array of competing offerings. If our or our partners’ media efforts, and related product offerings, fail to garner sufficient consumer interest and acceptance, our revenues and the financial return from such efforts will be harmed.

Under the relationship we entered with Paramount in October 2017 we plan to play a more significant role in the production and financing of motion pictures based on our properties. That has the advantage of giving us more input to what and when properties are developed into motion pictures, and can allow us to earn a greater return from successful films, but it also increases the money we will directly spend on film production and puts that investment at risk. If our motion pictures are not as successful as we anticipate they will be, or if we are not able to produce and distribute films according to the schedule we have planned, due to creative or other difficulties or delays, our financial performance will be negatively impacted.

Discovery Family Channel, our cable television joint venture with Discovery Communications, Inc. in the United States, competes with a number of other children’s television networks for viewers, advertising revenue and distribution fees. There is no guarantee that Discovery Family Channel will be successful. Similarly, our programming distributed both domestically and internationally, Allspark Animation’s and Allspark Pictures’ releases and Backflip Studio’s digital products compete with content from many other parties. Lack of consumer interest in and acceptance of content developed by Hasbro Studios, Allspark Animation, Allspark Pictures and Backflip Studios, or other content appearing on Discovery Family Channel, and products related to that content, could significantly harm our business. Similarly, our business could be harmed by greater than expected costs, or unexpected delays or difficulties, associated with our investment in Discovery Family Channel, such as difficulties in increasing subscribers to the network or in building advertising revenues for Discovery Family Channel. During 2018 we spent $132.0 million for television programming and film projects we are developing and we anticipate that we will spend approximately $65.0 million to $85.0 million in 2019, and anticipate comparable or higher levels in future years.

At December 30, 2018, $236.9 million, or 4.5%, of our total assets, represented our investments in the Discovery Family Channel. If the Discovery Family Channel is not successful our investments may become impaired, which could result in a write-down through net earnings.

The children’s and family entertainment industry and consumer products industry are highly competitive and the barriers to entry are low. If we are unable to compete effectively with existing or new competitors or with our retailers’ private label toy products our revenues, market share and profitability could decline.

The children’s and family entertainment industry and the consumer products industry are, and will continue to be, highly competitive. We compete in the United States and internationally with a wide array of large and small manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of analog toys and games, digital gaming products, digital media, products which combine analog and digital play, and other entertainment and consumer products, as well as with retailers who offer such products under their own private labels. In addition, we compete with other companies who are focused on building their brands across multiple product and consumer categories. Across our business, we face competitors who are constantly monitoring and attempting to anticipate consumer tastes and trends, seeking ideas which will appeal to consumers and introducing new products that compete with our products for consumer acceptance and purchase. In 2018, for example, our NERF branded products faced significantly increased competition from both newer entrants into the blaster space, as well as private label offerings from major retailers. A number of these competitors sought to gain market share by offering products with less innovation than our products at price points below our products, particularly by offering blasters in the under $20 retail price range.

In addition to existing competitors, the barriers to entry for new participants in the children’s and family entertainment industry and in the consumer products industry are low, and the increasing importance of digital media, and the heightened connection between digital media and consumer interest, has further increased the ability for new participants to enter our markets, and has broadened the array of companies we compete with. New participants with a popular product idea or entertainment property can gain access to consumers and become a significant source of competition for our products in a very short period of time. These existing and new competitors may be able to respond more rapidly than us to changes in consumer preferences. Our competitors’ products may achieve greater market acceptance than our products and potentially reduce demand for our products, lower our revenues and lower our profitability.

 

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In recent years, retailers have also developed their own private-label products that directly compete with the products of traditional manufacturers and brand owners. Some retail chains that are our customers sell private-label children’s and family entertainment products designed, manufactured and branded by the retailers themselves. These products may be sold at prices lower than our prices for comparable products, which may result in lower purchases of our products by these retailers and may reduce our market share.

An inability to develop and introduce planned products, product lines and new brands in a timely and cost-effective manner may damage our business.

In developing products, product lines and new brands we have anticipated dates for the associated product and brand introductions. When we state that we will introduce, or anticipate introducing, a particular product, product line or brand at a certain time in the future those expectations are based on completing the associated development, implementation, and marketing work in accordance with our currently anticipated development schedule. There is no guarantee that we will be able to manufacture, source and ship new or continuing products in a timely manner and on a cost-effective basis to meet constantly changing consumer demands. This risk is heightened by our customers’ compressed shipping schedules and the seasonality of our business. Further, ecommerce is growing significantly and accounting for a higher portion of the ultimate sales of our products to consumers. Ecommerce retailers tend to hold less inventory and take inventory closer to the time of sale to consumers than traditional retailers. The risk is also exacerbated by the increasing sophistication of many of the products we are designing, and brands we are developing in terms of combining digital and analog technologies, utilizing digital media to a greater degree, and providing greater innovation and product differentiation. Unforeseen delays or difficulties in the development process, significant increases in the planned cost of development, or changes in anticipated consumer demand for our products and new brands may cause the introduction date for products to be later than anticipated, may reduce or eliminate the profitability of such products or, in some situations, may cause a product or new brand introduction to be discontinued.

Our success depends on our ongoing ability to successfully evolve our capabilities and business to meet the challenges of a changing retail landscape and to successfully develop new aspects of our business

2018 was a year of significant retail disruption in our industry. Our future success depends on our ability to continue evolving and transforming our business to address a changing global consumer landscape and retail environment, one in which online shopping accounts for an increasing percentage of total sales to consumers, digital first marketing is critical to garner and develop consumer interest, ecommerce focused companies like Amazon.com, Inc. are now among our largest customers, traditional brick and mortar retailers face challenges to their businesses from the disintermediation caused by the expanding prevalence of online shopping, and the presence of specialty toy retailers has been significantly reduced in many of our markets due to bankruptcies, such as that of Toys “R” Us, potentially reducing, at least in the shorter term, physical shelf space available to offer family entertainment properties. These market conditions require that we drive a digital-first orientation throughout our Company, adapt the way we produce and distribute our products to meet the needs of ecommerce retailers, and continue developing alternate retail channels to reach our consumers and recapture shelf space lost by specialty retailers.

In addition to successfully driving our business in a changing retail landscape, our future success depends on developing new areas of our business. A prime example of that is our initiative to drive our MAGIC: THE GATHERING brand through digital gaming and esports. We have invested considerable time and resources in our MAGIC: THE GATHERING Arena online game, which is currently in open beta, and our MAGIC: THE GATHERING esports initiative. Those initiatives require different skills, investments and business strategies than more traditional areas of our business and our ability to successfully and profitably develop and deploy those skills and strategies, and drive those businesses, will be a major factor in achieving future success for our Company.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can significantly impact our reported financial performance.

Our global operations mean we produce and buy products, and sell products, in many different jurisdictions with many different currencies. As a result, if the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a local currency for an international market in which we have significant sales or operations changes, our financial results as reported in U.S. dollars, may be meaningfully impacted even if our business in the local currency is not significantly affected. As an example, if the dollar appreciates 10% relative to a local currency for an international market in which we had $200 million of net revenues, the dollar value of those sales, as they are translated into U.S. dollars, would decrease by $20 million in our consolidated financial results. As such, we would recognize a $20 million decrease in our net revenues, even if the actual level of sales in the foreign market had not changed. Similarly, our expenses can be

 

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significantly impacted, in U.S. dollar terms, by exchange rates, meaning the profitability of our business in U.S. dollar terms can be negatively impacted by exchange rate movements which we do not control. During 2018, certain key currencies, such as the Euro, Russian Ruble, and Brazilian Real depreciated significantly against the U.S. dollar. This depreciation had a significant negative impact on our revenues and earnings. Depreciation in key currencies during 2018 and beyond may have a significant negative impact on our revenues and earnings as they are reported in U.S. dollars.

Global and regional economic downturns that negatively impact the retail and credit markets, or that otherwise damage the financial health of our retail customers and consumers, or other factors negatively impacting retail sales, can harm our business and financial performance.

We design, manufacture and market a wide variety of entertainment and consumer products worldwide through sales to our retail customers and directly to consumers. Our financial performance is impacted by the level of discretionary consumer spending in the markets in which we operate. Recessions, credit crises and other economic downturns, or disruptions in credit markets, in the United States and in other markets in which our products are marketed and sold can result in lower levels of economic activity, lower employment levels, less consumer disposable income, and lower consumer confidence. Similarly, reductions in the value of key assets held by consumers, such as their homes or stock market investments, can lower consumer confidence and consumer spending power. Any of these factors can reduce the amount which consumers spend on the purchase of our products. This in turn can reduce our revenues and harm our financial performance and profitability.

In addition to experiencing potentially lower revenues from our products during times of economic difficulty, in an effort to maintain sales during such times we may need to reduce the price of our products, increase our promotional spending and/or sales allowances, or take other steps to encourage retailer and consumer purchase of our products. Those steps may lower our net revenues or increase our costs, thereby decreasing our operating margins and lowering our profitability. These challenges can be exacerbated if our customers accumulate excess retail inventories over time due to their purchases of our products exceeding sales of those products to ultimate consumers. It can then take us significant time, working with our retailers, to reduce those excess retail inventories, and in the interim our sales of new products can be negatively impacted. Our business in Europe in 2018 was significantly reduced by excess retail inventories that we needed to address during the year.

Our revenues and profitability for 2018 were negatively impacted by the ongoing economic challenges and resulting lower sales of our products in the United Kingdom and in Brazil. The economic downturn in the United Kingdom is partly caused by uncertainly around Brexit. If these markets, or other significant markets, experience economic difficulties in 2019 it can harm our business and financial results.

An increasing portion of our business is expected to come from emerging markets, and growing business in emerging markets presents additional challenges.

We expect an increasing portion of our net revenues to come from emerging markets in the future, including Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. In 2018 revenues in emerging markets constituted approximately 14% of our net revenues, up from only 6% of our net revenues in 2010. Over time, we expect our emerging market net revenues to continue to grow both in absolute terms and as a percentage of our overall business as one of our key business strategies is to increase our presence in emerging and underserved international markets. Operating in an increasing number of markets, each with its own unique consumer preferences and business climates, presents additional challenges that we must meet. In addition to the need to successfully anticipate and serve different global consumer preferences and interests, sales and operations in emerging markets that we have entered, may enter, or may increase our presence in, are subject to other risks associated with international operations, including:

 

   

Complications in complying with different laws in varying jurisdictions and in dealing with changes in governmental policies and the evolution of laws and regulations that impact our product offerings and related enforcement;

 

   

Potential challenges to our transfer pricing determinations and other aspects of our cross border transactions;

 

   

Difficulties understanding the retail climate, consumer trends, local customs and competitive conditions in foreign markets which may be quite different from the United States;

 

   

Difficulties in moving materials and products from one country to another, including port congestion, strikes and other transportation delays and interruptions; and

 

   

The imposition of tariffs, border adjustment taxes, quotas, or other protectionist measures.

 

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Because of the importance of our emerging market net revenues, our financial condition and results of operations could be harmed if any of the risks described above were to occur or if we are otherwise unsuccessful in managing our emerging market business.

Our business depends in large part on the success of our key partner brands and on our ability to maintain and extend solid relationships with our key partners.

As part of our strategy, in addition to developing and marketing products based on properties we own or control, we also seek to obtain licenses enabling us to develop and market products based on popular entertainment properties owned by third parties.

We currently have in-licenses to several successful entertainment properties, including MARVEL and STAR WARS, DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN, BEYBLADE and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS. These licenses typically have multi-year terms and provide us with the right to market and sell designated classes of products. In recent years our sales of products under the MARVEL, STAR WARS and BEYBLADE licenses have been highly significant to our business. In 2016 we began sales of products based on the DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN properties, which contributed to our performance. If we fail to meet our contractual commitments and/or any of these licenses were to terminate and not be renewed, or the popularity of any of these licensed properties was to significantly decline, our business would be damaged and we would need to successfully develop and market other products to replace the products previously offered under license.

Our license to the MARVEL property is granted from Marvel Entertainment, LLC and Marvel Characters B.V. (together “Marvel”). Our license to the STAR WARS property is granted by Lucas Licensing Ltd. and Lucasfilm Ltd. (together “Lucas”). Both Marvel and Lucas are owned by The Walt Disney Company.

Our business is seasonal and therefore our annual operating results will depend, in large part, on our sales during the relatively brief holiday shopping season. This seasonality is exacerbated by retailers’ quick response inventory management techniques.

Sales of our toys, games and other family entertainment products at retail are extremely seasonal, with a majority of retail sales occurring during the period from September through December in anticipation of the holiday season. This seasonality has increased over time, as retailers become more efficient in their control of inventory levels through quick response inventory management techniques. Further, ecommerce is growing significantly and accounting for a higher portion of the ultimate sales of our products to consumers. Ecommerce retailers tend to hold less inventory and take inventory closer to the time of sale to consumers than traditional retailers. As a result, customers are timing their orders so that they are being filled by suppliers, such as us, closer to the time of purchase by consumers. For toys, games and other family entertainment products which we produce, a majority of retail sales for the entire year generally occur in the fourth quarter, close to the holiday season. As a consequence, the majority of our sales to our customers occur in the period from September through December, as our customers do not want to maintain large on-hand inventories throughout the year ahead of consumer demand. While these techniques reduce a retailer’s investment in inventory, they increase pressure on suppliers like us to fill orders promptly and thereby shift a significant portion of inventory risk and carrying costs to the supplier.

The level of inventory carried by retailers may also reduce or delay retail sales resulting in lower revenues for us. If we or our customers determine that one of our products is more popular at retail than was originally anticipated, we may not have sufficient time to produce and ship enough additional products to fully meet consumer demand. Additionally, the logistics of supplying more and more product within shorter time periods increases the risk that we will fail to achieve tight and compressed shipping schedules, which also may reduce our sales and harm our financial performance. This seasonal pattern requires significant use of working capital, mainly to manufacture or acquire inventory during the portion of the year prior to the holiday season, and requires accurate forecasting of demand for products during the holiday season in order to avoid losing potential sales of popular products or producing excess inventory of products that are less popular with consumers. Our failure to accurately predict and respond to consumer demand, resulting in under producing popular items and/or overproducing less popular items, would reduce our total sales and harm our results of operations.

In 2018 we experienced a negative impact to our business from retailers’ continuing efforts to reduce the amount of overall inventory they carry and minimize carry-forward inventory coming out of the holiday season. Additionally, some retailers are increasing their use of automated inventory replenishment programs, which we believe drove a significant reduction in reorders of our products by these retailers in the last weeks of December 2018. These trends negatively impacted our sales in 2018. If retailers continue to increase their use of automated replenishment programs, our inventory levels and sales may fluctuate, particularly in the fourth quarter.

 

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In addition, as a result of the seasonal nature of our business, we would be significantly and adversely affected, in a manner disproportionate to the impact on a company with sales spread more evenly throughout the year, by unforeseen events such as a terrorist attack or economic shock that harm the retail environment or consumer buying patterns during our key selling season, or by events such as strikes or port delays that interfere with the shipment of goods, particularly from the Far East, during the critical months leading up to the holiday shopping season.

The concentration of our retail customer base means that economic difficulties or changes in the purchasing or promotional policies or patterns of our major customers could have a significant impact on us.

We depend upon a relatively small retail customer base to sell the majority of our products. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation accounted for approximately 20% and 9%, respectively, of our consolidated net revenues and our five largest customers in the aggregate accounted for approximately 38% of our consolidated net revenues. In the U.S. and Canada segment, approximately 60% of the net revenues of the segment were derived from our top three customers. If one or more of our major customers were to experience difficulties in fulfilling their obligations to us, cease doing business with us, significantly reduce the amount of their purchases from us, favor competitors or new entrants, increase their direct competition with us by expanding their private-label business, change their purchasing patterns, alter the manner in which they promote our products or the resources they devote to promoting and selling our products, or return substantial amounts of our products, it could significantly harm our sales, profitability and financial condition.

As an example of this, the bankruptcy filing by Toys“R”Us in the U.S. and Canada in September 2017, and in the United Kingdom in early 2018, and the subsequent liquidations of the Toys “R” Us business in many markets globally during 2018, as well as the inability of Toys“R”Us to pay certain outstanding receivables, significantly reduced our sales and profitability in the fourth quarter of 2017 and throughout 2018. The liquidation of millions of units of retail inventory held by Toys“R”Us into the market at closeout prices had a more substantial negative impact to sales of new products by us in 2018 than we, and industry experts, had initially expected in early 2018.

Customers make no binding long-term commitments to us regarding purchase volumes and make all purchases by delivering purchase orders. Any customer could reduce its overall purchase of our products and reduce the number and variety of our products that it carries and the shelf space allotted for our products. In addition, increased concentration among our customers could also negatively impact our ability to negotiate higher sales prices for our products and could result in lower gross margins than would otherwise be obtained if there were less consolidation among our customers. Furthermore, the bankruptcy or other lack of success of one or more of our other significant retail customers could negatively impact our revenues and profitability.

Part of our strategy to remain relevant to children and families is to offer innovative products incorporating progressive technology, integrating digital and analog play. These products can be more difficult and expensive to design and manufacture which may reduce margins on some or a portion of these products compared to more traditional toys and games and such products may have short life spans.

As childhood evolves and children become more interested in sophisticated product offerings, such as video games, consumer electronics and social and digital media, at younger and younger ages, we have sought to keep our products relevant and interesting for these consumers. To continue capturing the interest of sophisticated youth, we must offer innovative children’s electronic toy and game products. This is another key to our strategy; complementing analog play with digital integration and investing in technology development. These electronic and digital products, if successful, can be an effective way for us to connect with consumers and increase our sales. However, children’s electronic and digital products, in addition to the risks associated with our other family entertainment products, also face certain additional risks.

Costs associated with designing, developing and producing technologically advanced or sophisticated products tend to be higher than for many of our other more traditional products, such as board games and action figures. The ability to sell enough of these advanced products, at prices high enough to recoup our costs and make a profit, is constrained by heavy competition in consumer electronics and entertainment products and can be further constrained by difficult economic conditions. As a result, we can face increased risk of not achieving sales sufficient to recover our costs and we may lose money on the development and sale of these products. Additionally, designing, developing and producing technologically advanced or sophisticated products requires different competencies and follows different timelines than traditional toys and games. Delays in the design, development or production of these products incorporated into or associated with traditional toys and games could have a significant impact on our ability to successfully offer such products. In addition, the pace of change in product offerings and consumer tastes in the electronics and digital gaming areas is potentially even greater than

 

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for our other products. This pace of change means that the window in which a product can achieve and maintain consumer interest may be even shorter than traditional toys and games.

Our substantial sales and manufacturing operations outside the United States subject us to risks associated with international operations.

We operate facilities and sell products in numerous countries outside the United States. For the year ended December 30, 2018, our net revenues from the International segment comprised approximately 40% of our total consolidated net revenues. We expect net revenues from our International segment to continue accounting for a significant portion of our revenues. In fact, over time, we expect our international sales and operations to continue to grow both in dollars and as a percentage of our overall business as a result of a key business strategy to expand our presence in emerging and underserved international markets. Additionally, as we discuss below, we utilize third-party manufacturers primarily located in the Far East to produce most of our products. These international sales and manufacturing operations, including operations in emerging markets, are subject to risks that may significantly harm our sales, increase our costs or otherwise damage our business, including:

 

   

Currency conversion risks and currency fluctuations;

 

   

Potential challenges to our transfer pricing determinations and other aspects of our cross border transactions, which can materially increase our taxes and other costs of doing business;

 

   

Political instability, civil unrest and economic instability;

 

   

Greater difficulty enforcing intellectual property rights and weaker laws protecting such rights;

 

   

Complications in complying with different laws in varying jurisdictions and in dealing with changes in governmental policies and the evolution of laws and regulations and related enforcement;

 

   

Difficulties understanding the retail climate, consumer trends, local customs and competitive conditions in foreign markets which may be quite different from the United States;

 

   

Natural disasters and the greater difficulty and cost in recovering therefrom;

 

   

Transportation delays and interruptions;

 

   

Difficulties in moving materials and products from one country to another, including port congestion, strikes and other transportation delays and interruptions;

 

   

Increased investment and operational complexity to make our products compatible with systems in various countries and compliant with local laws;

 

   

Changes in international labor costs and other costs of doing business internationally; and

 

   

The imposition of tariffs, quotas, border adjustment taxes or other protectionist measures.

To date tariffs have not had a material adverse impact to our overall business, and the only market in which we face significant tariffs currently is in Brazil, where substantial import tariffs have been in place and do negatively impact our ability to price our products competitively while remaining profitable. However, if tariffs were to be imposed on substantial quantities of our products, such as if the United States were to impose tariffs on substantial quantities of our products manufactured in China and imported into the United States, that could have a material negative impact on our business and damage our sales and profitability, and take time to offset.

Because of the importance of international sales, sourcing and manufacturing to our business, our financial condition and results of operations could be significantly harmed if any of the risks described above were to occur or if we are otherwise unsuccessful in managing our increasing global business.

Other economic and public health conditions in the markets in which we operate, including rising commodity and fuel prices, higher labor costs, increased transportation costs, outbreaks of public health pandemics or other diseases, or third party conduct could negatively impact our ability to produce and ship our products, and lower our revenues, margins and profitability.

Various economic and public health conditions can impact our ability to manufacture and deliver products in a timely and cost-effective manner, or can otherwise have a significant negative impact on our revenues, profitability and business.

Significant increases in the costs of other products which are required by consumers, such as gasoline, home heating fuels, or groceries, may reduce household spending on the discretionary branded-play entertainment

 

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products we offer. As we discussed above, weakened economic conditions, lowered employment levels or recessions in any of our major markets may significantly reduce consumer purchases of our products. In 2018 our business was negatively impacted by weaker economic conditions in the United Kingdom and Brazil, two of our significant markets. Economic conditions may also be negatively impacted by terrorist attacks, wars and other conflicts, natural disasters, increases in critical commodity prices or labor costs, or the prospect of such events. Such a weakened economic and business climate, as well as consumer uncertainty created by such a climate, could harm our revenues and profitability.

Our success and profitability not only depend on consumer demand for our products, but also on our ability to produce and sell those products at costs which allow for us to make a profit. Rising fuel and raw material prices, for paperboard and other components such as resin used in plastics or electronic components, increased transportation costs, and increased labor costs in the markets in which our products are manufactured all may increase the costs we incur to produce and transport our products, which in turn may reduce our margins, reduce our profitability and harm our business.

Other conditions, such as the unavailability of sufficient quantities of electrical components, may impede our ability to manufacture, source and ship new and continuing products on a timely basis. Additional factors outside of our control could further delay our products or increase the cost we pay to produce such products. For example, work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes, an outbreak of a severe public health pandemic, a natural disaster or the occurrence or threat of wars or other conflicts, all could impact our ability to manufacture or deliver product. Any of these factors could result in product delays, increased costs and/or lost sales for our products.

We may not realize the full benefit of our licenses if the licensed material has less market appeal than expected or if revenue from the licensed products is not sufficient to earn out the minimum guaranteed royalties.

In addition to designing and developing products based on our own brands, we seek to fulfill consumer preferences and interests by producing products based on popular entertainment properties developed by third parties and licensed to us. The success of entertainment properties for which we have a license, such as MARVEL, STAR WARS, SESAME STREET, DISNEY PRINCESS, DISNEY FROZEN, DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS, YOKAI-WATCH or BEYBLADE, and the ability of us to successfully market and sell related products, can significantly affect our revenues and profitability. If we produce a line of products based on a movie or television series, the success of the movie or series has a critical impact on the level of consumer interest in the associated products we are offering. In addition, competition in our industry for access to entertainment properties can lessen our ability to secure, maintain, and renew popular licenses to entertainment products on beneficial terms, if at all, and to attract and retain the talented employees necessary to design, develop and market successful products based on these properties.

The license agreements we enter to obtain these rights usually require us to pay minimum royalty guarantees that may be substantial, and in some cases may be greater than what we are ultimately able to recoup from actual sales, which could result in write-offs of significant amounts which in turn would harm our results of operations. At December 30, 2018, we had $72.7 million of prepaid royalties, $38.3 million of which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $34.4 million of which are included in other assets. Under the terms of existing contracts as of December 30, 2018, we may be required to pay additional future minimum guaranteed royalties and other licensing fees totaling approximately $387.8 million. Acquiring or renewing licenses may require the payment of minimum guaranteed royalties that we consider to be too high to be profitable, which may result in losing licenses that we currently hold when they become available for renewal, or missing business opportunities for new licenses. Additionally, as a licensee of entertainment-based properties we have no guaranty that a particular property or brand will translate into successful toy, game or other family entertainment products, and underperformance of any such products may result in reduced revenues and operating profit for us.

We anticipate that the shorter theatrical duration for movie releases may make it increasingly difficult for us to profitably sell licensed products based on entertainment properties and may lead our customers to reduce their demand for these products in order to minimize their inventory risk. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that a successful brand will continue to be successful or maintain a high level of sales in the future, as new entertainment properties and competitive products are continually being introduced to the market. In the event that we are not able to acquire or maintain successful entertainment licenses on advantageous terms, our revenues and profits may be harmed.

Our use of third-party manufacturers to produce our products, as well as certain other products, presents risks to our business.

With the sale of our remaining manufacturing facilities in 2015, all of our products are now manufactured by third-party manufacturers, the majority of which are located in China. Should changes be necessary, our external

 

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sources of manufacturing can be shifted, over a significant period of time, to alternative sources of supply. If we were prevented or delayed in obtaining products or components for a material portion of our product line due to political, civil, labor or other factors beyond our control, including natural disasters or pandemics, our operations may be substantially disrupted, potentially for a significant period of time. This delay could significantly reduce our revenues and profitability and harm our business while alternative sources of supply are secured.

Given that our toy manufacturing is conducted by third-party manufacturers, the majority of whom are located in China, health conditions and other factors affecting social and economic activity in China and affecting the movement of people and products into and from China to our major markets, including North America and Europe, as well as increases in the costs of labor and other costs of doing business in China, could have a significant negative impact on our operations, revenues and earnings.

Factors that could negatively affect our business include a potential significant revaluation of the Chinese Yuan, which may result in an increase in the cost of producing products in China, labor shortages and increases in labor costs in China as well as difficulties in moving products manufactured in China out of Asia and through the ports in North America and Europe, whether due to port congestion, labor disputes, slow-downs, product regulations and/or inspections or other factors. Prolonged disputes or slowdowns at west coast ports can negatively impact both the time and cost of transporting goods into the United States. Natural disasters or health pandemics impacting China can also have a significant negative impact on our business.

Further, the imposition of tariffs, border adjustment taxes, trade sanctions or other regulations or economic penalties by the United States or the European Union against products imported by us from China or other foreign countries, or the loss of “normal trade relations” status with China or other foreign countries in which we operate, could significantly increase our cost of products imported into the United States or Europe and harm our business. Additionally, the suspension of the operations of a third-party manufacturer by government inspectors in China or another market in which we source products could result in delays to us in obtaining product and may harm sales.

We have been working over the last several years to reduce our reliance on manufacturing in China, such as by moving production of certain products to facilities in other countries like India, Vietnam and Mexico, as well as by increasing production of our products in other markets, including in the United States. We plan to continue those efforts in future years, but there is no guarantee we will be as successful in these efforts as we plan. Furthermore, many of these newer production facilities, such as in India and Vietnam, raise other risks in that we are working with vendors who have not been manufacturing products like ours for as long as historical vendors in China. That means these new vendors must successfully develop the capability to manufacture our products to the quality and safety standards we require.

We require our third-party manufacturers to comply with our Global Business Ethics Principles, which are designed to prevent products manufactured for us from being produced under inhumane or exploitive conditions. Our Global Business Ethics Principles address a number of issues, including working hours and compensation, health and safety, and abuse and discrimination. In addition, we require that our products supplied by third-party manufacturers be produced in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including consumer and product safety laws in the markets where those products are sold. Hasbro has the right and exercises such right, both directly and through the use of outside monitors, to monitor compliance by our third-party manufacturers with our Global Business Ethics Principles and other manufacturing requirements. In addition, we do quality assurance testing on our products, including products manufactured for us by third parties. Notwithstanding these requirements and our monitoring and testing of compliance with them, there is always a risk that one or more of our third-party manufacturers will not comply with our requirements and that we will not immediately discover such non-compliance. Any failure of our third-party manufacturers to comply with labor, consumer, product safety or other applicable requirements in manufacturing products for us could result in damage to our reputation, harm sales of our products and potentially create liability for us.

If we are unable to successfully adapt to the evolution of gaming, our revenues and profitability may decline.

Recognizing the critical need for increased innovation and a change in the way we go to market with gaming products in order to remain successful in the gaming business in the future, we began implementing a strategy in 2011 to reinvent our gaming business. Our strategy to drive our gaming business in the future involved substantial changes in how we develop and market our gaming products to consumers and how we position them at retail, with a focus on understanding consumer insights, rapidly identifying and understanding social media trends, understanding popular gaming mechanics and in delivering industry leading innovation in gaming, a change in our allocation of focus across gaming brands, greater penetration of our brands into digital gaming and the successful combination of analog and digital gaming. Our strategy involves making fundamental changes in how we design and develop our gaming products. We recognize the need to provide immersive game play that is easy for

 

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consumers to learn and play in shorter periods of time, as well as offer innovative face to face, off the board and digital gaming opportunities. People are gaming in greater numbers than ever before, but the nature of gaming has and continues to evolve quickly. To be successful our gaming offerings must evolve to anticipate and meet these changes in consumer gaming. Our failure to successfully implement our strategy and to keep up with the evolution of gaming could substantially harm our business, resulting in lost revenues and lost profits.

Our success is critically dependent on the efforts and dedication of our officers and other employees.

Our officers and employees are at the heart of all of our efforts. It is their skill, innovation and hard work that drive our success. We compete with many other potential employers in recruiting, hiring and retaining our senior management team and our many other skilled officers and other employees around the world. There is no guarantee that we will be able to recruit, hire or retain the senior management, officers and other employees we need to succeed. Additionally, we have experienced significant changes in our workforce from our restructuring efforts and the recruitment and hiring of new skill sets required for our changing global business. We have added hundreds of employees in our global markets, in licensing and in entertainment and storytelling capabilities, while reducing our workforce in other areas over the last several years. These changes in employee composition, both in terms of global distribution and in skill sets, have required changes in our business. Our loss of key management or other employees, or our inability to hire talented people with the skill sets we need for our changing business, could significantly harm our business.

To remain competitive we must continuously develop new skills and work to increase efficiency and reduce costs, but there is no guarantee we will be successful in this regard.

Our business is extremely competitive, the pace of change in our industry is getting faster and our competitors are always working to be more efficient and profitable. To compete we must continuously improve our processes, increase efficiency and work to reduce our expenses. We intend to achieve this partly by focusing on fewer, more global brand initiatives and through process improvements, including in global product development. However, there is no guarantee we will achieve our cost savings and efficiency enhancing goals and we may realize fewer benefits than are expected from these initiatives.

In 2018, in response to the continuing evolution of the global consumer landscape, shopping behaviors and the retail environment, we took certain actions as part of our ongoing efforts to transform and reimagine our business, to strengthen our connections with audiences and consumers, and enhance our ability to continue bringing meaningful brand experiences to life. These actions, defined earlier in this 10-K as the 2018 restructuring program, included a commercial reorganization as well as adding new capabilities based on our understanding of changing consumer behaviors and how our retailers are going to market, while also changing many of the ways we organize across our brand blueprint. The actions also included headcount reductions aimed at right-sizing our cost-structure. Under the plan, we incurred pre-tax restructuring charges of $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2018, and $72 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 relating to severance and other employee costs. Once these actions are completed, we expect that we will generate approximately $70 million to $80 million in gross annualized cost-reductions by 2020. The Company expects that approximately $65 million of these gross savings will be realized in 2019. In line with the objectives of this program, we plan to reinvest approximately $10 to $15 million in new resources in 2019, generating a net savings of approximately $50 million to $55 million in 2019. However, there is no guarantee that our restructuring actions will deliver the cost-reductions we currently estimate or that our ongoing efforts to evolve our business will be as successful as we plan.

Our business is critically dependent on our intellectual property rights and we may not be able to protect such rights successfully.

Our intellectual property, including our trademarks and tradenames, copyrights, patents, and rights under our license agreements and other agreements that establish our intellectual property rights and maintain the confidentiality of our intellectual property, is of critical value. We rely on a combination of trade secret, copyright, trademark, patent and other proprietary rights laws to protect our rights to valuable intellectual property related to our brands in the United States and around the world. From time to time, third parties have challenged, and may in the future try to challenge, our ownership of our intellectual property in the United States and around the world. In addition, our business is subject to the risk of third parties counterfeiting our products or infringing on our intellectual property rights. We may need to resort to litigation to protect our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. Similarly, third parties may claim ownership over certain aspects of our products or other intellectual property. Our failure to successfully protect our intellectual property rights could significantly harm our business and competitive position.

 

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We have a material amount of acquired product rights which, if impaired, would result in a reduction of our net earnings.

Much of our intellectual property has been internally developed and has no carrying value on our consolidated balance sheets. However, as of December 30, 2018, we had $693.8 million of acquired product and licensing rights included in other assets on our consolidated balance sheet. In 2018, based on estimates of future revenue from these rights, we recorded an impairment charge of $31.3 million. Declines in the profitability of the acquired brands or licensed products or our decision to reduce our focus or exit these brands may impact our ability to recover the carrying value of the related assets and could result in an impairment charge. Reduction in our net earnings caused by impairment charges could harm our financial results.

We have relied on external financing, including our credit facility, to help fund our operations. If we were unable to obtain or service such financing, or if the restrictions imposed by such financing were too burdensome, our business would be harmed.

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, in order to meet our working capital needs, particularly those in the third and fourth quarters, we may rely on our commercial paper program, revolving credit facility and our other credit facilities for working capital. However, in 2018, we did not borrow under our commercial paper program or revolving credit facility. We currently have a commercial paper program which, subject to market conditions, and availability under our committed revolving credit facility, allows us to issue up to $1,000 million in aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding from time to time as a source of working capital funding and liquidity. There is no guarantee that we will be able to issue commercial paper on favorable terms, or at all, at any given point in time.

We also have a revolving credit agreement that expires in 2023, which provides for a $1,100.0 million committed revolving credit facility and a further source of working capital funding and liquidity. This facility also supports borrowings under our commercial paper program. The credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants setting forth leverage and coverage requirements, and certain other limitations typical of an investment grade facility. These restrictive covenants may limit our future actions as well as our financial, operating and strategic flexibility. Non-compliance with our debt covenants could result in us being unable to utilize borrowings under our revolving credit facility and other bank lines, a circumstance which potentially could occur when operating shortfalls would require supplementary borrowings to enable us to continue to fund our operations.

Not only may our individual financial performance impact our ability to access sources of external financing, but significant disruptions to credit markets in general may also harm our ability to obtain financing. In times of severe economic downturn and/or distress in the credit markets, it is possible that one or more sources of external financing may be unable or unwilling to provide funding to us. In such a situation, it may be that we would be unable to access funding under our existing credit facilities, and it might not be possible to find alternative sources of funding.

We also may choose to finance our capital needs, from time to time, through the issuance of debt securities. Our ability to issue such securities on satisfactory terms, if at all, will depend on the state of our business and financial condition, any ratings issued by major credit rating agencies, market interest rates, and the overall condition of the financial and credit markets at the time of the offering. The condition of the credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated significantly in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. Variations in these factors could make it difficult for us to sell debt securities or require us to offer higher interest rates in order to sell new debt securities. The failure to receive financing on desirable terms, or at all, could damage our ability to support our future operations or capital needs or engage in other business activities.

As of December 30, 2018, we had $1,709.9 million of total principal amount of long-term debt outstanding. If we are unable to generate sufficient available cash flow to service our outstanding debt we would need to refinance such debt or face default. There is no guarantee that we would be able to refinance debt on favorable terms, or at all.

As a manufacturer of consumer products and a large multinational corporation, we are subject to various government regulations and may be subject to additional regulations in the future, violation of which could subject us to sanctions or otherwise harm our business. In addition, we could be the subject of future product liability suits or product recalls, which could harm our business.

As a manufacturer of consumer products, we are subject to significant government regulations, including, in the United States, under The Consumer Products Safety Act, The Federal Hazardous Substances Act, and The Flammable Fabrics Act, as well as under product safety and consumer protection statutes in our international

 

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markets. In addition, certain of our products are subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration or similar international authorities. In addition, advertising to children is subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission and a host of other agencies globally, and the collection of information from children under the age of thirteen is subject to the provisions of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws around the world. The collection or personally identifiable information from anyone, including adults, is under increasing regulation in many markets, and in May of 2018 the General Data Protection Regulation became effective in the European Union. While we take all the steps we believe are necessary to comply with these acts and regulations, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance and failure to comply with these requirements could result in fines, liabilities or sanctions which could have a significant negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also be subject to involuntary product recalls or may voluntarily conduct a product recall. While costs associated with product recalls have generally not been material to our business, the costs associated with future product recalls individually or in the aggregate in any given fiscal year could be significant. In addition, any product recall, regardless of direct costs of the recall, may harm consumer perceptions of our products and have a negative impact on our future revenues and results of operations.

Governments and regulatory agencies in the markets where we manufacture and sell products may enact additional regulations relating to product safety and consumer protection in the future and may also increase the penalties for failure to comply with product safety and consumer protection regulations. In addition, one or more of our customers might require changes in our products, such as the non-use of certain materials, in the future. Complying with any such additional regulations or requirements could impose increased costs on our business. Similarly, increased penalties for non-compliance could subject us to greater expense in the event any of our products were found to not comply with such regulations. Such increased costs or penalties could harm our business.

As a large, multinational corporation, we are subject to a host of governmental regulations throughout the world, including antitrust, customs and tax requirements, anti-boycott regulations, environmental regulations and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Complying with these regulations imposes costs on us which can reduce our profitability and our failure to successfully comply with any such legal requirements could subject us to monetary liabilities and other sanctions that could further harm our business and financial condition.

We may not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or investments in joint ventures, or those benefits may be delayed or reduced in their realization.

Acquisitions and investments have been a component of our growth and the development of our business, and that is likely to continue in the future. Acquisitions can broaden and diversify our brand holdings and product offerings, and allow us to build additional capabilities and competencies around our brand blueprint. In reviewing potential acquisitions or investments, we target brands, assets or companies that we believe offer attractive family entertainment products or offerings, the ability for us to leverage our family entertainment offerings, opportunities to drive our strategic brand blueprint and associated competencies, or other synergies. In June of 2018 we acquired the POWER RANGERS brand from Saban Properties as we believe this brand has the potential to be developed successfully around our brand blueprint. However, there is no guarantee that we will be able to develop POWER RANGERS as successfully as we believe we can. In the case of our joint venture with Discovery, we looked to partner with a company that has shown the ability to establish and operate compelling entertainment channels. Additionally, through our acquisition of Backflip Studios, we looked to strengthen our mobile gaming expertise. We cannot be certain that the products and offerings of companies we may acquire, or acquire an interest in, will achieve or maintain popularity with consumers in the future or that any such acquired companies or investments will allow us to more effectively market our products, develop our competencies or to grow our business.

In some cases, we expect that the integration of the companies that we may acquire into our operations will create production, marketing and other operating, revenue or cost synergies which will produce greater revenue growth and profitability and, where applicable, cost savings, operating efficiencies and other advantages. However, we cannot be certain that these synergies, efficiencies and cost savings will be realized. Even if achieved, these benefits may be delayed or reduced in their realization. In other cases, we may acquire or invest in companies that we believe have strong and creative management, in which case we may plan to operate them more autonomously rather than fully integrating them into our operations. We cannot be certain that the key talented individuals at these companies would continue to work for us after the acquisition or that they would develop popular and profitable products, entertainment or services in the future. There is no guarantee that any acquisition or investment we may make will be successful or beneficial, and acquisitions can consume significant amounts of management attention and other resources, which may negatively impact other aspects of our business.

 

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Failure to successfully operate our information systems and implement new technology effectively could disrupt our business or reduce our sales or profitability.

We rely extensively on various information technology systems and software applications to manage many aspects of our business, including product development, management of our supply chain, sale and delivery of our products, financial reporting and various other processes and transactions. We are critically dependent on the integrity, security and consistent operations of these systems and related back-up systems. These systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, malware and other security breaches, catastrophic events such as hurricanes, fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, acts of war or terrorism and usage errors by our employees or partners. The efficient operation and successful growth of our business depends on these information systems, including our ability to operate them effectively and to select and implement appropriate upgrades or new technologies and systems and adequate disaster recovery systems successfully. The failure of our information systems to perform as designed or our failure to implement and operate them effectively could disrupt our business, require significant capital investments to remediate a problem or subject us to liability.

If our electronic data is compromised our business could be significantly harmed.

We and our business partners maintain significant amounts of data electronically in locations around the world. This data relates to all aspects of our business, including current and future products and entertainment under development, and also contains certain customer, consumer, supplier, partner and employee data. We maintain systems and processes designed to protect this data, but notwithstanding such protective measures, there is a risk of intrusion, cyber-attacks or tampering that could compromise the integrity and privacy of this data. In addition, we provide confidential and proprietary information to our third-party business partners in certain cases where doing so is necessary to conduct our business. While we obtain assurances from those parties that they have systems and processes in place to protect such data, and where applicable, that they will take steps to assure the protections of such data by third parties, nonetheless those partners may also be subject to data intrusion or otherwise compromise the protection of such data. Any compromise of the confidential data of our customers, consumers, suppliers, partners, employees or ourselves, or failure to prevent or mitigate the loss of or damage to this data through breach of our information technology systems or other means could substantially disrupt our operations, harm our customers, consumers, employees and other business partners, damage our reputation, violate applicable laws and regulations, subject us to potentially significant costs and liabilities and result in a loss of business that could be material.

From time to time, we are involved in litigation, arbitration or regulatory matters where the outcome is uncertain and which could entail significant expense.

As a large multinational corporation, we are subject, from time to time, to regulatory investigations, litigation and arbitration disputes, including potential liability from personal injury or property damage claims by the users of products that have been or may be developed by us as well as claims by third parties that our products infringe upon or misuse such third parties’ property or rights. Because the outcome of litigation, arbitration and regulatory investigations is inherently difficult to predict, it is possible that the outcome of any of these matters could entail significant cost for us and harm our business. The fact that we operate in a significant number of international markets also increases the risk that we may face legal and regulatory exposures as we attempt to comply with a large number of varying legal and regulatory requirements. Any successful claim against us could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in, or differing interpretations of, income tax laws and rules, and changes in our geographic operating results, may impact our effective tax rate.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and in various international tax jurisdictions. We also conduct business activities between our operating units in various jurisdictions and we are subject to transfer pricing rules in the countries in which we operate. There is some degree of uncertainty and subjectivity in complying with transfer pricing rules. Our effective tax rate could be impacted by changes in, or the interpretation of, tax laws or by changes in the amount of revenue and earnings we derive, or are determined to derive by tax authorities, from jurisdictions with differing tax rates.

On December 22, 2017 the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. We have complied with the Tax Act and all regulations that have been promulgated. Our effective tax rate could be impacted by changes in, or the continuing interpretation of the Tax Act.

 

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In addition, we may be subject to tax examinations by federal, state, and international jurisdictions, and these examinations can result in significant tax findings if the tax authorities interpret the application of laws and rules differently than we do or disagree with the intercompany rates we are applying. We assess the likelihood of outcomes resulting from tax uncertainties. At December 30, 2018 we have a liability for uncertain tax benefits of $50.3 million. While we believe our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate outcome of these uncertain tax benefits, or results of possible current or future tax examinations, may differ from our estimates and may have a significant adverse impact on our business and operating results.

We have a material amount of goodwill which, if it becomes impaired, would result in a reduction in our net earnings.

Goodwill is the amount by which the cost of an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the net assets we acquire. Goodwill is not amortized and is required to be evaluated for impairment at least annually. At December 30, 2018, $485.9 million, or 9.2%, of our total assets represented goodwill. Declines in our profitability may impact the fair value of our reporting units, which could result in a write-down of our goodwill and consequently harm our results of operations. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company took a number of actions to react to a rapidly changing mobile gaming industry that resulted changes to the long-term projections for the Backflip business which led the Company to conclude the goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit was impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $86.3 million for the year ended December 30, 2018.

 

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

Item 2.

Properties.

Hasbro owns its corporate headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island consisting of approximately 343,000 square feet, which is used by corporate functions as well as the Global Operations and Entertainment and Licensing segments. The Company also owns an adjacent building consisting of approximately 23,000 square feet and leases a building in East Providence, Rhode Island consisting of approximately 120,000 square feet, both of which are used by corporate functions. The Company leases a facility in Providence, Rhode Island consisting of approximately 136,000 square feet which is used primarily by the U.S. and Canada segment, as well as the Entertainment and Licensing and Global Operations segments. In addition to the above facilities, the Company also leases office space consisting of approximately 126,000 square feet in Renton, Washington as well as warehouse space aggregating approximately 3,378,000 square feet in Georgia, California, Illinois and Quebec that are also used by the U.S. and Canada segment. The Company leases approximately 80,000 square feet in Burbank, California, 24,500 square feet in Boulder Colorado and 27,400 square feet in Dublin, Ireland that are used by the Entertainment and Licensing segment. The Global Operations segment also leases an aggregate of 114,000 square feet of office and warehouse space in Hong Kong as well as 86,000 square feet of office space leased in the People’s Republic of China.

Outside of the properties listed above, the Company leases or owns property in over 30 countries. The primary locations for facilities in the International segment are in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, Russia, Spain, the People’s Republic of China, and the United Kingdom, all of which are comprised of both office and warehouse space. In addition, the Company also leases offices in Switzerland and the Netherlands which are primarily used in corporate functions.

The above properties consist, in general, of brick, cinder block or concrete block buildings which the Company believes are in good condition and well maintained.

The Company believes that its facilities are adequate for its needs at this time, although as part of its ongoing business it does periodically assess if alternate facilities to one or more of the facilities mentioned above would provide business advantages. The Company believes that, should it not be able to renew any of the leases related to its leased facilities, it could secure similar substitute properties without a material adverse impact on its operations.

 

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings.

On or about September 28, 2018, a putative securities class action complaint was filed against the Company and certain of our officers and/or directors (the “Defendants”) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, on behalf of all purchasers of Hasbro common stock between April 24, 2017 and October 23, 2017, inclusive. The complaint alleges violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, alleging that Defendants purportedly made materially false and misleading statements in connection with the

 

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financial condition of Toys“R”Us, Inc. and its impact on the Company, as well as the financial impact on the Company’s business of economic conditions in the United Kingdom and Brazil. Defendants deny liability and intend to vigorously defend the action.

The Company is currently party to certain other legal proceedings, none of which we believe to be material to our business or financial condition.

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

The Company’s common stock, par value $0.50 per share (the “Common Stock”), is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HAS”.

Issuer Repurchases of Common Stock

Repurchases made in the fourth quarter (in whole numbers of shares and dollars)

 

    (a) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
    (b) Average Price
Paid per Share
(or Unit)
   

(c) Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased as
Part of Publicly

Announced Plans or
Programs

    (d) Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Program
 

October 2018
10/1/18 — 10/28/18

    208,053     $ 101.05       208,053     $ 464,635,143  

November 2018
10/29/18 — 12/02/18

    221,601     $ 96.43       221,601     $ 443,265,856  

December 2018
12/03/18 — 12/30/18

    176,770     $ 86.55       176,770     $ 427,965,874  

Total

    606,424     $ 95.16       606,424     $ 427,965,874  

In May 2018, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million in Common Stock. Purchases of the Company’s Common Stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions. These shares may be repurchased 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 the shares that are repurchased, if any, will depend on a number of factors, including the price of the Company’s stock. The Company may suspend or discontinue the program at any time and there is no expiration date.

 

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data.

(Thousands of dollars and shares except per share data)

 

     Fiscal Year  
     2018      2017      2016     2015     2014  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

            

Net revenues

   $ 4,579,646        5,209,782        5,019,822       4,447,509       4,277,207  

Operating Profit

   $ 331,052        810,359        788,048       691,933       635,375  

Net earnings

   $ 220,434        396,607        533,151       446,872       413,310  

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

   $               (18,229     (4,966     (2,620

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

   $ 220,434        396,607        551,380       451,838       415,930  

Per Common Share Data:

            

Net Earnings Attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

            

Basic

   $ 1.75        3.17        4.40       3.61       3.24  

Diluted

   $ 1.74        3.12        4.34       3.57       3.20  

Cash dividends declared

   $ 2.52        2.28        2.04       1.84       1.72  

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

            

Total assets

   $ 5,262,988        5,289,983        5,091,366       4,720,717       4,518,100  

Total long-term debt(1)

   $ 1,709,895        1,709,895        1,559,895       1,559,895       1,559,895  

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares:

            

Basic

     126,132        125,039        125,292       125,006       128,411  

Diluted

     126,890        127,031        126,966       126,688       129,886  

 

(1)

Represents principal balance of long-term debt. Excludes related deferred debt expenses.

 

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See “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for a discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect future results. Also see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of factors affecting the comparability of information contained in this Item 6.

 

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s expectations and beliefs. See “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors ” for a discussion of other uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all dollar or share amounts herein are expressed in millions of dollars or shares, except for per share amounts.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Hasbro, Inc. (“Hasbro” or the “Company”) is a global play and entertainment company dedicated to Creating the World’s Best Play Experiences. The Company strives to do this through deep consumer engagement, the application of consumer insights, the use of immersive storytelling to build brands, product innovation and development of global business reach. Hasbro applies these principles to leverage its beloved owned and controlled brands, including Franchise Brands BABY ALIVE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, Emerging Brands POWER RANGERS and LITTLEST PET SHOP, as well as the brands of our partners included in our Partner Brands portfolio. From toys and games, to television, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive consumer products licensing program, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection for children and families around the world. The Company’s entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, create entertainment-driven brand storytelling across mediums, including television, film, digital and more.

Each of these principles is executed globally in alignment with Hasbro’s strategic plan, its brand blueprint. At the center of this blueprint, Hasbro re-imagines, re-invents and re-ignites its owned and controlled brands and imagines, invents and ignites new brands, through product innovation, immersive entertainment offerings, including television and motion pictures, digital gaming and a broad range of consumer products. As the global consumer landscape, shopping behaviors and the retail environment continue to evolve, the Company continues to transform and reimagine its business strategy. This transformation includes changing many of the ways Hasbro organizes across its brand blueprint, re-shaping the Company to become a better equipped and adaptive, digitally-driven organization, including investing in the development of an omni-channel retail presence. In 2018, the Company has also focused on adding new capabilities through the on-boarding of new skill sets and talent to lead in today’s converged retail environment based on Hasbro’s understanding of the consumer and how its retailers are going to market.

Hasbro generates revenue and earns cash by developing, marketing and selling products based on global brands in a broad variety of consumer goods categories and distribution of television programming based on the Company’s properties, as well as through the out-licensing of rights for third parties to use its properties in connection with products, including digital media and games and other consumer products. Hasbro also leverages its competencies to develop and market products based on well-known licensed brands including, but not limited to, BEYBLADE, DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN, DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS, MARVEL, SESAME STREET, STAR WARS, and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS. MARVEL, STAR WARS, DISNEY PRINCESS, DISNEY FROZEN and DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS are owned by The Walt Disney Company.

The Company’s business is separated into three principal business segments: U.S. and Canada, International, and Entertainment and Licensing. The U.S. and Canada segment markets and sells both toy and game products primarily in the United States and Canada. The International segment consists of the Company’s European, Asia Pacific and Latin and South American toy and game marketing and sales operations. The Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment includes the Company’s consumer products licensing, digital licensing and gaming, and movie and television entertainment operations. In addition to these three primary segments, the Company’s product sourcing operations are managed through its Global Operations segment.

 

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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. The Company has also included in this report, the impact of intangible asset and goodwill impairments, organizational restructuring charges, the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy and U.S. tax reform, passed in December 2017, on 2018 and 2017 net earnings, as well as earnings per share.

2018 highlights

 

   

Net revenues of $4,579.6 million decreased 12% from $5,209.8 million in 2017. The decline in net revenues includes an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $43.0 million.

 

   

U.S. and Canada segment net revenues declined 10%; International segment net revenues declined 17%, including an unfavorable foreign currency translation impact of $41.7 million; Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues increased 5%.

 

   

Franchise Brands net revenues declined 9%, Partner Brands net revenues declined 22%, Hasbro Gaming net revenues declined 12% and Emerging Brands net revenues increased 1%.

 

   

Operating profit was $331.1 million, or 7.2% of net revenues in 2018 compared to operating profit of $810.4 million, or 15.6% of net revenues in 2017.

 

   

2018 operating profit was negatively impacted by: non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges of $117.6 million related to goodwill from the Company’s acquisition of Backflip Studios and other intangible assets; severance costs of $89.3 million associated with previously announced organizational restructuring; and $60.4 million of costs related to the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy recorded during the year.

 

   

2017 operating profit was negatively impacted by the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy in the U.S. and Canada as a result of incremental bad debt expense recorded during the third quarter of 2017.

 

   

Impact from U.S. tax reform resulted in a net charge of $40.7 million in 2018 due to the remeasurement of liabilities based on additional guidance and regulations issued in 2018.

 

   

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. declined in 2018 to $220.4 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, compared to $396.6 million, or $3.12 per diluted share in 2017.

2017 highlights

 

   

Net revenues grew 4% to $5,209.8 million in 2017 from $5,019.8 million in 2016. Growth in net revenues includes a favorable foreign currency translation of $79.2 million. Absent favorable foreign currency translation, 2017 net revenues grew 2% compared to 2016.

 

   

2017 net revenues grew in all major operating segments: 5% in the U.S. and Canada segment; 2% in the International segment, including a favorable foreign currency translation impact of $75.3 million; and 8% in the Entertainment and Licensing segment.

 

   

Franchise Brands net revenues grew 13%; Hasbro Gaming net revenues grew 10%; Emerging Brands net revenues declined 15%; and Partner Brands revenues declined 10%.

 

   

2017 operating profit increased 3% from $788.0 million in 2016 to $810.4 million in 2017.

 

   

2017 operating profit was negatively impacted by the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy in the U.S. and Canada as a result of incremental bad debt expense recorded during the third quarter of 2017.

 

   

2016 operating profit was negatively impacted by a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $32.9 million related to the Company’s investment in Backflip.

 

   

U.S. tax reform, passed in December 2017, resulted in a net charge of $296.5 million including a one-time repatriation tax payable over eight years.

 

   

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. declined in 2017 to $396.6 million, or $3.12 per diluted share, compared to $551.4 million, or $4.34 per diluted share in 2016.

 

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Share Repurchases and Dividends

The Company is committed to returning excess cash to its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The Company seeks to return cash to its shareholders through the payment of quarterly dividends. Hasbro increased the quarterly dividend rate from $0.63 per share in 2018 to $0.68 per share in 2019, with this increase first being effective for the dividend payable in May 2019. This was the fifteenth dividend increase in the previous 16 years. During that period, the Company has increased the quarterly cash dividend from $0.03 to $0.68 per share. In addition to the dividend, the Company returns cash to shareholders through its share repurchase program. As part of this initiative, from 2005 to 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted nine successive share repurchase authorizations with a cumulative authorized repurchase amount of $4,325.0 million. The ninth authorization was approved in May 2018 for $500 million. During 2018, Hasbro repurchased approximately 2.7 million shares at a total cost of $250.1 million and an average price of $94.15 per share. Since 2005, Hasbro has repurchased 107.9 million shares at a total cost of $3,899.8 million and an average price of $36.11 per share. At December 30, 2018, Hasbro had $428.0 million remaining available under these share repurchase authorizations.

Summary

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s condensed consolidated results as a percentage of net revenues for 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Net Revenues

     100.0     100.0     100.0

Operating profit

     7.2       15.6       15.7  

Earnings before income taxes

     5.9       15.1       13.8  

Net earnings

     4.8       7.6       10.6  

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

     4.8     7.6     11.0

Results of Operations — Consolidated

The fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 25, 2016 were each fifty-two week periods while the year ended December 31, 2017 was a fifty-three week period.

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. decreased to $220.4 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018 compared to $396.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, and were $551.4 million for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016.

Through 2016, the Company owned a 70% majority interest in Backflip Studios, LLC (“Backflip”). The Company consolidated the financial results of Backflip in its consolidated financial statements and, accordingly, the Company’s reported revenues, costs and expenses, assets and liabilities, and cash flows included 100% of Backflip, with the 30% noncontrolling interests share reported as net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated statements of operations and redeemable noncontrolling interests on the consolidated balance sheets. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 30% of Backflip making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As a result, beginning in 2017 the Company no longer reports noncontrolling interests in its consolidated statements of operations or redeemable noncontrolling interests on its consolidated balance sheets. The results of Backflip are reported in the Entertainment and Licensing segment.

Diluted earnings per share attributable to Hasbro, Inc. were $1.74 in 2018, $3.12 in 2017 and $4.34 in 2016.

Net earnings and diluted earnings per share attributable to Hasbro, Inc. for each fiscal year in the three years ended December 30, 2018 include certain charges and benefits as described below.

2018

 

   

A net charge of $96.9 million or $0.76 per diluted share associated with a fourth quarter 2018 non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to the Company’s Backflip Studios goodwill and impairment of certain other definite-lived intangible assets.

 

   

A net charge of $77.9 million or $0.61 per diluted share of severance costs associated with a previously announced organizational restructuring. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company incurred a net charge of $15.7 million of severance charges, and in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an additional net charge of $62.2 million of severance charges related to actions associated with its 2018 restructuring program.

 

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A net charge of $52.8 million or $0.42 per diluted share related to the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy and liquidation of its U.S. and other operations around the globe. The Company recognized incremental bad debt expense on outstanding Toys“R”Us receivables, royalty expense, inventory obsolescence as well as other related costs. In the fourth quarter of 2018, based on its final settlement with Toys“R”Us, the Company made adjustments to charges previously recorded during 2018.

 

   

A net charge of $40.7 million or $0.32 per diluted share related to U.S. tax reform. In 2018 the Company made adjustments to provisional U.S. Tax Reform amounts recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017, based on additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service during 2018.

2017

 

   

A net charge of $296.5 million or $2.33 per diluted share related to U.S. tax reform. This net charge includes a $316.4 million charge included in income taxes due to the estimated repatriation tax liability and adjustments to the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities; partially offset by a $19.9 million gain within other income due to the change in the value of a long-term liability following the change in the U.S. corporate tax rate beginning in 2018.

 

   

Benefit, net of tax, of $32.1 million or $0.25 per diluted share from the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting.

2016

 

   

Net charge of $14.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, due to a $32.9 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge on the Company’s Backflip investment.

Consolidated net revenues for the year ended December 30, 2018 declined 12% to $4,579.6 million from $5,209.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net revenues in 2018 include an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $43.0 million, which is the result of weakening currencies primarily in our International segment in 2018 compared to 2017. In 2018, net revenues from Franchise Brands declined 9% compared to 2017 and comprised 53% of consolidated net revenues. Growth in Franchise Brands MONOPOLY and MAGIC: THE GATHERING was more than offset by declines from NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and, to a lesser extent, BABY ALIVE.

Consolidated net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 grew 4% to $5,209.8 million from $5,019.8 million for the year ended December 25, 2016 and included a favorable foreign currency translation of $79.2 million, which was the result of stronger currencies across our International segment in 2017 compared to 2016. Absent the impact of foreign currency translation, consolidated net revenues grew 2% in 2017 compared to 2016. In 2017, net revenues from Franchise Brands grew 13% compared to 2016 and comprised 47% of consolidated net revenues. Growth in Franchise Brands TRANSFORMERS, NERF, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MY LITTLE PONY was partially offset by declines in PLAY-DOH and, to a lesser extent, MAGIC: THE GATHERING.

The following chart presents net revenues by brand portfolio for each year in the three years ended December 30, 2018.

 

     2018
Net Revenues
     %
Change
    2017
Net Revenues
     %
Change
    2016
Net Revenues
     %
Change
 

Franchise Brands

   $ 2,445.9        -9.1   $ 2,690.4        13.3   $ 2,375.3        5.4

Partner Brands

     987.3        -22.4     1,271.6        -10.0     1,412.8        28.3

Hasbro Gaming

     787.7        -11.8     893.0        9.8     813.4        22.8

Emerging Brands

     358.8        1.1     354.8        -15.2     418.4        -2.7

2018 versus 2017

Franchise Brands, Partner Brands and Hasbro Gaming net revenues declined in 2018 compared to 2017, while net revenues from the Emerging Brands portfolio grew slightly.

Franchise Brands The Franchise Brands portfolio declined 9% in 2018 compared to 2017. Higher net revenues from MONOPOLY and MAGIC: THE GATHERING products were more than offset by net revenue declines from NERF products, which were impacted by the loss of sales related to the bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation of Toys“R”Us. Also contributing to Franchise Brands net revenue declines in 2018 were MY LITTLE PONY products,

 

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supported in 2017 by the theatrical release of MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE, TRANSFORMERS products, also supported in 2017 by the major theatrical release of TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT, and to a lesser extent, BABY ALIVE products.

Partner Brands The Partner Brands portfolio declined 22% in 2018 compared to 2017. Lower net revenues from STAR WARS, DISNEY PRINCESS and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products, as well as net revenue declines from DISNEY FROZEN and DISNEY’S DECENDANTS products were partially offset by net revenue increases from BEYBLADE and MARVEL products in addition to contributions from new brands TOP WING and SUPER MONSTERS products in 2018.

Within the Partner Brands portfolio, there are a number of entertainment-based brands which, from year to year, may be supported by major theatrical releases. As such, category net revenues by brand fluctuate from year-to-year depending on movie popularity, release dates and related product line offerings and success. In 2018, STAR WARS products were supported by the second quarter 2018 major theatrical release SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY. Historically these entertainment-based brands experience revenue growth during film years with sharp declines in subsequent years.

Hasbro Gaming The Hasbro Gaming portfolio declined 12% in 2018 compared to 2017. Lower net revenues from PIE FACE and SPEAK OUT and certain other Hasbro Gaming products were partially offset by net revenue increases from DUNGEONS and DRAGONS, DON’T STEP IN IT, CONNECT 4 and JENGA products.

Net revenues for Hasbro’s total gaming category, including the Hasbro Gaming portfolio as reported above, and all other gaming revenue, most notably MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY, which are included in the Franchise Brands portfolio, totaled $1,443.2 million in 2018, down 4%, versus $1,497.8 million in 2017.

Emerging Brands The Emerging Brands portfolio grew 1% in 2018 compared to 2017. Net revenue contributions from the introduction of Hasbro’s new collectable product lines of LOST KITTIES and YELLIES products, as well as contributions from POWER RANGERS licensing revenues, were partially offset by net revenue declines from FURREAL FRIENDS, FURBY and the Company’s core PLAYSKOOL products.

2017 versus 2016

Net revenue growth in Franchise Brands, Hasbro Gaming and Emerging Brands in 2017 compared to 2016, was partially offset by lower net revenues from the Partner Brands portfolio.

Franchise Brands The Franchise Brands portfolio grew 13% in 2017 compared to 2016. Contributing to growth were higher net revenues from TRANSFORMERS products, supported by the major theatrical release of TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT during the second quarter of 2017, in addition to higher net revenues from NERF, BABY ALIVE and MONOPOLY products. To a lesser extent, MY LITTLE PONY products, also supported by the fourth quarter 2017 theatrical release of MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE, contributed to growth during 2017. These increases were partially offset by lower net revenues from PLAY-DOH and MAGIC: THE GATHERING products in 2017.

Partner Brands The Partner Brands portfolio declined 10% in 2017 compared to 2016. Higher net revenues from the introduction of BEYBLADE, and to a lesser extent, MARVEL and SESAME STREET products were more than offset by lower net revenues from STAR WARS and YO-KAI WATCH products in addition to lower net revenues from Hasbro’s line of DISNEY FROZEN products in 2017 compared to 2016.

Within the Partner Brands portfolio, there are a number of entertainment-based brands which, from year to year, may be supported by major theatrical releases. As such, category net revenues by brand fluctuate from year-to-year depending on movie popularity, release dates and related product line offerings and success. In 2017, STAR WARS products were supported by the fourth quarter 2017 major theatrical release STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI despite lower overall brand revenues in 2017. Historically these entertainment-based brands experience revenue growth during film years with sharp declines thereafter however with yearly film releases during 2015, 2016 and 2017, STAR WARS product revenues are not experiencing these highs and lows recently and have maintained a more consistent level as compared to past years without theatrical release support.

Hasbro Gaming The Hasbro Gaming portfolio grew 10% in 2017 compared to 2016. Higher net revenues resulted from new social gaming products such as, SPEAK OUT, TOILET TROUBLE and FANTASTIC GYMNASTICS and other Hasbro Gaming products such as DUNGEONS and DRAGONS as well as the successful launch of DROPMIX, an electronic music mixing game. These increases were partially offset by lower net revenues from PIE FACE products.

 

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Net revenues for Hasbro’s total gaming category, including the Hasbro Gaming portfolio as reported above and all other gaming revenue, most notably MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY, which are included in the Franchise Brands portfolio, totaled $1,497.8 million in 2017, up 8%, versus $1,387.1 million in 2016.

Emerging Brands The Emerging Brands portfolio declined 15% in 2017 compared to 2016. Higher net revenues from FURREAL FRIENDS products drove growth, which were more than offset by lower net revenues from FURBY and LITTLEST PET SHOP products and the Company’s core PLAYSKOOL products.

SEGMENT RESULTS

Most of the Company’s net revenues and operating profits are derived from its three principal segments: the U.S. and Canada segment, the International segment and the Entertainment and Licensing segment, which are discussed in detail below.

Net Revenues

The chart below illustrates net revenues derived from our principal operating segments in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

     2018
Net Revenues
     %
Change
    2017
Net Revenues
     %
Change
    2016
Net Revenues
     %
Change
 

U.S. and Canada

   $ 2,433.4        -9.6   $ 2,690.5        5.1   $ 2,559.9        15.0

International

     1,847.6        -17.3     2,233.6        1.8     2,194.7        11.3

Entertainment & Licensing

     298.5        4.5     285.6        7.7     265.2        8.4

U.S. and Canada

2018 versus 2017

U.S. and Canada segment net revenues declined 10% in 2018 compared to 2017. Revenues in the U.S. and Canada segment were not materially impacted by foreign currency translation. Segment net revenues declined in all product categories including Franchise Brands, Partner Brands and Hasbro Gaming, and to a lesser extent, net revenues declined in the Emerging Brands portfolio.

In the Franchise Brands portfolio, higher net revenues from MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY products were more than offset by lower net revenues from NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, BABY ALIVE and TRANSFORMERS products. In the Partner Brands portfolio, contributing to net revenue declines in 2018 were STAR WARS, DISNEY PRINCESS and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products, as well as lower net revenues from DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS products and the Company’s DISNEY FROZEN products. These declines were partially offset by net revenue increases from BEYBLADE and MARVEL products in addition to net revenue contributions from the introduction of the Company’s TOP WING and SUPER MONSTERS products during 2018. In the Hasbro Gaming portfolio, higher net revenues from DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, CONNECT 4 and DON’T STEP IN IT products were more than offset by lower net revenues from PIE FACE, SPEAK OUT and TOILET TROUBLE products, as well as certain other games brands. In the Emerging Brands portfolio, net revenue increases from the introduction of the Company’s line of LOST KITTIES, YELLIES and certain other Emerging Brands products were more than offset by lower net revenues from FURREAL FRIENDS, LITTLEST PET SHOP and core PLAYSKOOL products.

2017 versus 2016

U.S. and Canada segment net revenues grew 5% in 2017 compared to 2016. Revenues in the U.S. and Canada segment were not materially impacted by foreign currency translation. Segment net revenues increased in 2017 from growth in Franchise Brands, Hasbro Gaming and the Emerging Brands portfolios, partially offset by declines in Partner Brands.

In the Franchise Brands portfolio, higher net revenues from NERF, TRANSFORMERS, BABY ALIVE and MONOPOLY products were partially offset by lower net revenues from PLAY-DOH and MAGIC: THE GATHERING products. In the Partner Brands portfolio, higher net revenues from the BEYBLADE and MARVEL products and, to a lesser extent, revenue increases from DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products were more than offset by declines in revenues from STAR WARS and YOKAI WATCH products as well as the Company’s DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN fashion and small dolls. In the Hasbro Gaming portfolio higher net revenues from DUNGEONS & DRAGONS products and new social gaming products including SPEAK OUT, FANTASTIC GYMNASTICS and TOILET TROUBLE drove a revenue increase in 2017. These increases were only partially offset by lower net revenues from PIE FACE products as well as certain other games brands. In the Emerging Brands portfolio, higher net revenues from FURREAL FRIENDS products were partially offset by lower net revenues from FURBY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and core PLAYSKOOL products.

 

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International

To calculate the year-over-year percentage change in net revenues absent the impact of foreign currency translation, net revenues were recalculated using those foreign currency translation rates in place for the prior year comparable period.

2018 versus 2017

International segment net revenues decreased approximately 17% in 2018 compared to 2017 which includes an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $41.7 million (Latin America — $31.2 million, Europe — $9.0 million, Asia Pacific — $1.5 million). On a regional basis, net revenues from Europe declined 24%, Latin America declined 6% while net revenues from the Company’s Asia Pacific region declined 5% in 2018 from 2017. Net Revenues in emerging markets decreased 12% during 2018. Unfavorable foreign currency translation reflects the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to certain foreign currencies, primarily currencies throughout Latin America and the Euro. Absent the impact of foreign currency translation, International segment net revenues decreased 15% in 2018 compared to 2017.

Lower net revenues from the Franchise Brands, Partner Brands and Hasbro Gaming portfolios were partially offset by higher net revenues from the Emerging Brands portfolio.

In the Franchise Brands portfolio, the primary drivers of the net revenue declines include lower sales of MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, NERF and PLAY-DOH products. These net revenue declines were partially offset by net revenue increases from MONOPOLY products. In the Partner Brands portfolio, lower net revenues from STAR WARS and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products, as well as net revenue declines from the Company’s line of DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN fashion and small dolls, were partially offset by net revenue increases from BEYBLADE and to a lesser extent, MARVEL products. In the Hasbro Gaming portfolio, the International segment saw lower net revenues from the majority of Hasbro Gaming products including social gaming products PIE FACE, SPEAK-OUT and TOILET TROUBLE as well as lower net revenues from certain other traditional games brands, including LIFE, OPERATION and BOP-IT products. In the Emerging Brands portfolio, net revenue increases from the introduction of LOST KITTIES, LOCK STARS and YELLIES products during 2018, as well as net revenue increases from LITTLEST PET SHOP products, were partially offset by lower net revenues from FURREAL FRIENDS, FURBY and core PLAYSKOOL products.

2017 versus 2016

International segment net revenues increased approximately 2% in 2017 compared to 2016 which includes favorable foreign currency translation of $75.3 million (Europe — $56.6 million, Latin America — $13.8 million, Asia Pacific — $4.9 million). Net revenues in the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions increased 12% and 5%, respectively, while net revenues from Europe declined 2% in 2017 from 2016. Revenues in emerging markets increased 5% in 2017. Favorable foreign currency translation reflects the strengthening of certain foreign currencies, primarily the Euro and other Latin American currencies compared to the U.S. dollar. Absent the impact of foreign currency translation, International segment net revenues decreased 2% in 2017 compared to 2016.

Higher net revenues from the Franchise Brands and Hasbro Gaming portfolios were partially offset by lower net revenues from the Partner Brands and Emerging Brands portfolios.

In the Franchise Brands portfolio, net revenues from growth in TRANSFORMERS, NERF, MONOPOLY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MY LITTLE PONY and BABY ALIVE products, were partially offset by lower net revenues from PLAY-DOH products. In the Partner Brands portfolio higher net revenues from a new line of BEYBLADE products as well as DISNEY PRINCESS products were more than offset by declines in STAR WARS, YO-KAI WATCH, MARVEL, DISNEY FROZEN and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products. In the Hasbro Gaming portfolio, higher net revenues from social gaming products including PIE FACE, SPEAK-OUT, FANTASTIC GYMNASTICS and TOILET TROUBLE as well as higher net revenues from certain other traditional games brands, including LIFE, OPERATION and CLUE products contributed to revenue growth. In the Emerging Brands portfolio, lower net revenues from FURBY and PLAYSKOOL products were partially offset by higher net revenues from LITTLEST PET SHOP products, and the introduction of HANAZUKI products.

Entertainment and Licensing

2018 versus 2017

Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues increased 5% in 2018 compared to 2017. Increased television programming and movie revenues, primarily recognized for content delivered under a multi-year digital

 

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streaming deal entered in the third quarter of 2018, as well as higher full-year revenues due to the adoption of ASC 606 as discussed in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, drove the increase in 2018. Partially offsetting these increases were lower digital and consumer product licensing revenues in 2018 compared to 2017.

2017 versus 2016

Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues increased 8% in 2017 compared to 2016. Higher segment net revenues were driven by higher revenues from Backflip, growth in the Consumer Products and Digital Gaming licensing groups, as well as a full year of contributions from Boulder Media which was acquired in July 2016. Partially offsetting these increases was lower television programming revenue in 2017 compared to 2016.

Operating Profit

The table below illustrates operating profit and operating profit margins derived from our principal operating segments in 2018, 2017 and 2016. For a reconciliation of segment operating profit to total Company operating profit, see note 21 to our consolidated financial statements which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

     2018      % Net
Revenues
    %
Change
    2017      % Net
Revenues
    %
Change
    2016      % Net
Revenues
 

U.S. and Canada

   $ 382.0        15.7     -25   $ 509.9        19.0     -2   $ 522.3        20.4

International

     39.5        2.1     -83     228.7        10.2     -22     294.5        13.4

Entertainment & Licensing

     17.3        5.8     -82     96.4        33.8     93     49.9        18.8

U.S. and Canada

2018 versus 2017

U.S. and Canada segment operating profit decreased 25% in 2018 compared to 2017. The decline in operating profit includes pre-tax charges of $45.8 million in 2018 related to the bankruptcy filing and subsequent liquidation of Toys“R”Us. Segment operating profit was negatively impacted by the loss of Toys“R”Us sales throughout the year as well as a higher mix of retail close-out sales in 2018. Operating profit margin decreased to 15.7% of net revenues in 2018 from 19.0% of net revenues in 2017. The operating profit margin decline was the result of the negative margin impact of the Toys“R”Us bad debt expense in 2018, lower sales and unfavorable product mix as well as higher freight costs in the U.S., partially offset by lower royalty expenses due to lower revenues from Partner Brands products in 2018, as well as lower product development and advertising costs in 2018.

2017 versus 2016

U.S. and Canada segment operating profit decreased 2% in 2017 compared to 2016. The decline in operating profit is primarily due to increased advertising and administrative expenses as well higher incremental bad debt expense of $18.0 million related to the bankruptcy filing of Toys“R”Us in the U.S. and Canada in the third quarter of 2017. Operating profit margin decreased to 19.0% of net revenues in 2017 from 20.4% of net revenues in 2016 as a result of increases in expenses including advertising and product development as a percentage of net revenues, as well as the negative margin impact of the Toys“R”Us bad debt expense in 2017. Foreign currency translation did not have a material impact on U.S. and Canada operating profit in 2017.

International

2018 versus 2017

International segment operating profit decreased to $39.5 million in 2018 compared to $228.7 million in 2017 and included pre-tax charges of $7.6 million related to the 2018 Toys“R”Us liquidation. In addition, International operating profit included an unfavorable impact from foreign exchange of $10.9 million. Operating profit margin decreased to 2.1% in 2018 from 10.2% in 2017. The decrease in operating profit and operating profit margin, as reported, is primarily due to increased expenses and lost sales related to the Toys“R”Us liquidation in many European and Asia Pacific markets. The remaining decline was driven by increased obsolescence charges related to efforts to clear excess inventory in a challenging retail environment in Europe, partially offset by lower royalty expenses as the result of lower sales of Partner brand products and lower advertising costs in 2018.

 

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2017 versus 2016

International segment operating profit decreased 22% in 2017 compared to 2016 and included a favorable impact from foreign exchange of $15.2 million. Absent the impact of the favorable foreign currency translation, International segment operating profit decreased 28%. Operating profit margin decreased to 10.2% in 2017 from 13.4% in 2016. The decrease in operating profit and operating profit margin, as reported, is primarily due to higher sales allowances and higher advertising and product development costs as well as a less favorable product mix in 2017.

Entertainment and Licensing

2018 versus 2017

Entertainment and Licensing segment operating profit declined to $17.3 million in 2018 compared to $96.4 million in 2017. Operating profit margin decreased to 5.8% of net revenues in 2018 compared to 33.8% in 2017. The overall decrease in operating profit and operating profit margin in the segment was primarily due to an $86.3 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter related to Backflip Studios. In addition, contributing to the decrease in 2018 were higher programming amortization costs primarily related to MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE, partially offset by lower royalty expenses and lower advertising costs in 2018.

2017 versus 2016

Entertainment and Licensing segment operating profit increased 93% in 2017 compared to 2016 and operating profit margin increased to 33.8% of net revenues in 2017 compared to 18.8% in 2016. The overall increase in operating profit and operating profit margin in the segment was primarily due to a $32.9 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2016 on the Backflip business. In addition, also contributing to the increase in 2017 was higher revenues with lower intangible amortization and administrative expenses, partially offset by higher royalty expenses associated with the sales increases mentioned above.

Other Segments and Corporate and Eliminations

In the Global Operations segment, the operating loss was $8.4 million in 2018 compared to operating profit of $4.0 million in 2017 and $19.4 million in 2016 primarily relating to lower sourcing volumes.

In Corporate and eliminations, operating costs were $99.3 million in 2018 compared to operating costs of $28.7 million in 2017 and $98.1 million in 2016. Operating costs in 2018 include impairment charges of $31.3 million, severance charges of $89.3 million and Toys“R”Us related costs of $7.0 million.

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES

The Company’s operating expenses, stated as percentages of net revenues, are illustrated below for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016:

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Cost of sales

     40.4     39.0     38.0

Royalties

     7.7       7.8       8.2  

Product development

     5.4       5.2       5.3  

Advertising

     9.6       9.6       9.3  

Amortization of intangibles

     0.6       0.6       0.7  

Program production cost amortization

     1.0       0.7       0.7  

Selling, distribution and administration

     28.1       21.6       22.1  

Operating expenses for 2018, 2017 and 2016 include benefits and expenses related to the following events:

 

   

During 2018, the Company recognized charges of $60.4 million consisting of incremental bad debt expense on outstanding Toys“R”Us receivables, royalty expense, inventory obsolescence as well as other costs related to the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy.

 

   

During 2018, the Company incurred $89.3 million of severance charges, related to the 2018 restructuring program. These charges were recorded within SD&A expenses and included in Corporate and Eliminations.

 

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During 2018, the Company recorded $117.6 million in goodwill impairment and other intangible asset impairment charges, all within administrative expenses within the Corporate and Eliminations segment.

 

   

During 2017 the Company recorded incremental bad debt expenses of $18.0 million within selling, distribution and administration expenses (SD&A), related to the bankruptcy filings by Toys“R”Us in the U.S. and Canada.

 

   

During 2016, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $32.9 million within SD&A expenses.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales primarily consists of purchased materials, labor, manufacturing overhead and other inventory-related costs such as obsolescence. Cost of sales decreased 9% to $1,850.7 million, or 40.4% of net revenues, for the year ended December 30, 2018 compared to $2,033.7 million, or 39.0% of net revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2017. Cost of sales in 2018 included obsolescence charges related to Toys“R”Us of $3.2 million. Cost of sales decreased in dollars primarily due to lower sales volumes compared to 2017. Increased cost of sales as a percent of net revenues reflects the mix of products sold, higher sales allowances and obsolescence charges as well as higher levels of closeout sales in 2018.

In 2017, cost of sales increased 7% to $2,033.7 million, or 39.0% of net revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1,905.5 million, or 38.0% of net revenues, for the year ended December 25, 2016. Increased cost of sales in dollars was primarily driven by higher net revenues. Increased cost of sales as a percent of net revenues reflects higher sales allowances and higher levels of closeout sales in 2017 combined with increased tooling costs and less favorable foreign currency hedging results as a result of a weaker U.S. dollar.

Royalty Expense

Royalty expense of $351.7 million, or 7.7% or net revenues, in 2018 compared to $405.5 million, or 7.8% of net revenues, in 2017 and $409.5 million, or 8.2% of net revenues, in 2016. Fluctuations in royalty expense generally relate to the volume of entertainment-driven products sold in a given period, especially if the Company is selling product tied to one or more major motion picture releases in the period. Product lines related to Hasbro-owned or controlled brands supported by entertainment generally do not incur the same level of royalty expense as licensed properties, particularly DISNEY, DREAMWORKS, STAR WARS, MARVEL and BEYBLADE products and certain other licensed properties which carry higher royalty rates than other licensed properties. Lower royalty expense in dollars and as a percentage of net revenues in 2018 compared to 2017, reflects the mix of entertainment-driven product sold. In particular, lower royalty expense in 2018 compared to 2017 reflects the lower net sales of STAR WARS and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products as well as lower net sales of DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN products partially offset by higher net sales of BEYBLADE and MARVEL products. These decreases were partially offset by accelerated royalty changes incurred as a result of the loss of Toys“R”Us product sales in 2018. Lower royalty expense in dollars and as a percentage of net revenues in 2017 compared to 2016, reflects the mix of entertainment-driven product sold. In particular, lower royalty expense in 2017 compared to 2016 reflects the lower net sales of STAR WARS, YO-KAI WATCH and DREAMWORKS’ TROLLS products as well as lower net sales of DISNEY FROZEN and DISNEY PRINCESS products partially offset by higher net sales of BEYBLADE and MARVEL products.

Product Development

Product development expense in 2018 totaled $246.2 million, or 5.4% of net revenues, compared to $269.0 million, or 5.2% of net revenues, in 2017. Product development expenditures reflect the Company’s investment in innovation and anticipated growth across our brand portfolio in both Franchise and Partner Brands. The decline in dollars was partially the result of the capitalization of certain costs of the digital version of MAGIC: THE GATHERING in 2018 as it progressed further through the developmental cycle and has been launched in open beta format, as compared to costs that were expensed in 2017, when the game was in its earlier stages of development. The remaining decline was due to reduced spending resulting from the lower revenue base in 2018. As a percentage of net revenues, product development was consistent with 2017.

Product development expense in 2017 totaled $269.0 million, or 5.2% of net revenues, compared to $266.4 million, or 5.3% of net revenues, in 2016. 2017 product development expenditures were significant but consistent with 2016. As a percentage of net revenues, product development was also consistent with 2016.

Advertising Expense

Advertising expense in 2018 totaled $439.9 million compared to $501.8 million in 2017 and $468.9 million in 2016. The level of the Company’s advertising expense is generally impacted by revenue mix, the amount and type

 

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of theatrical releases and television programming. The decrease in 2018 was primarily due to lower sales volume compared to 2017. Advertising as a percentage of net revenues in 2018 remained consistent with 2017 at 9.6% of net revenues.

In 2017, advertising as a percentage of net revenues increased slightly to 9.6% from 9.3% in 2016.

Amortization of Intangibles

Amortization of intangibles totaled $28.7 million, or 0.6% of net revenues, in 2018 compared to $28.8 million, or 0.6% of net revenues, in 2017 and $34.8 million, or 0.7% of net revenues in 2016. Amortization of intangibles in dollars and as a percent of net revenues was consistent with 2017 and reflects the decrease due to the full amortization of property rights related to Backflip and other intangible assets during the first half of 2017, offset by the increase in intangible asset amortization related to the acquisition of the POWER RANGERS brand in 2018. Lower amortization of intangibles in 2017 compared to 2016 reflects the full amortization of property rights related to Backflip during the first half of 2017.

Program Product Cost Amortization

Program production cost amortization totaled $43.9 million, or 1.0% of net revenues in 2018, compared to $35.8 million, or 0.7% of net revenues, in 2017 and $35.9 million, or 0.7% of net revenues, in 2016. Program production costs are capitalized as incurred and amortized using the individual-film-forecast method. Program production cost amortization reflects the phasing of revenues associated with films and television programming as well as the type of television programs produced and distributed. The increase in dollars and as a percent of net revenues in 2018 compared to 2017 reflects amortization of production expenses related to MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE which was released during the fourth quarter of 2017 as well as higher television programming amortization related to a multi-year, digital distribution agreement for Hasbro television programing, entered during 2018. Program production cost amortization remained flat in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower television programming amortization offset by amortization of movie costs related to MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE which was released during the fourth quarter of 2017.

Selling, Distribution and Administration Expenses

Selling, distribution and administration (“SD&A”) expenses were $1,287.6 million, or 28.1% of net revenues, in 2018 compared to $1,124.8 million, or 21.6% of net revenues, in 2017. SD&A expenses in 2018 include $50.2 million of expenses related to Toys“R”Us, $89.3 million related to the 2018 restructuring program discussed above, and $117.6 million of goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges. Absent these charges, the decrease in dollars reflects lower spending due to the Company’s cost-reduction efforts, lower incentive compensation expense in 2018 and lower marketing and selling costs due to lower revenues.

SD&A expenses were $1,124.8 million, or 21.6% of net revenues, in 2017 compared to $1,110.8 million, or 22.1% of net revenues, in 2016. The increase in dollars primarily reflects the $18.0 million bad debt expense related to the Toys“R”Us bankruptcy in the U.S. and Canada during the third quarter of 2017, as well as higher depreciation expense, expenditures related to ongoing information technology initiatives and the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange translation of $7.4 million. These increases were partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense in 2017 compared to 2016, and a 2016 charge of $32.9 million related to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge to Backflip that did not reoccur in 2017.

NON-OPERATING (INCOME) EXPENSE

Interest Expense

Interest expense totaled $90.8 million in 2018 compared to $98.3 million in 2017 and $97.4 million in 2016. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company refinanced $350 million of 6.3% notes that matured in September 2017 by issuing $500 million of 3.5% notes due 2027. The decrease in interest expense in 2018 reflects the impact of the 2017 debt refinancing and, to a lesser extent, lower average short-term borrowings in 2018. Interest expense in 2017 was relatively consistent with the Company’s 2016 interest expense.

Interest Income

Interest income was $22.4 million in 2018 compared to $22.2 million in 2017 and $9.4 million in 2016. The Company continues to invest available cash balances and has benefitted from higher average interest rates in 2017 and 2018.

 

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Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other income, net of $7.8 million in 2018 compared to other income, net of $51.9 million in 2017 and other expense, net of $7.5 million in 2016. The following table outlines major contributors to other (income) expense, net.

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Foreign currency (gains) losses

   $ 10.8        (1.3      32.9  

Earnings from Discovery Family Channel

     (21.1      (23.3      (23.8

Discovery tax sharing agreement revaluation

            (19.9       

Pension expense

     5.8                

Gain on sale of certain investments

     (3.0      (3.3      (6.2

Other

     (0.3      (4.1      4.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (7.8      (51.9      7.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

   

Foreign currency losses in 2018 compared to foreign currency gains in 2017 reflects the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain currencies, primarily in Latin American and European markets. Foreign currency gains in 2017 compared to a significant loss in 2016 reflects the strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar across the Company’s international markets.

 

   

Earnings from the Discovery joint venture are comprised of the Company’s share in the results of the Network.

 

   

In relation to their joint venture, Hasbro and Discovery are party to a tax sharing agreement. Due to a change in tax law, the liability representing future payments was revalued to reflect the lower future U.S. corporate tax rate beginning in 2018, which resulted in a $19.9 million gain.

 

   

As a result of the adoption Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 (ASU 2017-07), Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in 2018, non-service cost components of pension expense previously recorded to operating expense, are now recorded to other expense.

 

   

The 2018, 2017 and 2016 gain on investments primarily reflects proceeds from the sale of certain long-term investments sold during the year.

 

   

In relation to their joint venture, Discovery owns an option to purchase Hasbro’s share of the Discovery Family Channel. The option’s fair value is periodically re-measured and represents a $0.5 million gain in 2018 and a $4.8 million gain in 2017 (included in other in the table above) due to the option’s value decrease.

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense totaled 18.5% of pre-tax earnings in 2018 compared with 49.6% in 2017 and 23.0% in 2016. Our effective tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amounts of income we earn in those jurisdictions. It is also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year. Income tax expense for 2018 includes a discrete net tax expense of $40.7 million relating to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) and net tax benefits of approximately $50.0 million primarily due to reassessment of prior period tax positions and excess tax benefits relating to share-based compensation. Income tax expense for 2017 includes discrete net tax expense of $316.4 million relating to the Tax Act and net tax benefits of approximately $82.0 million primarily due to reassessment of prior period tax positions, a repatriation of earnings resulting in a foreign tax credit benefit, and excess tax benefits relating to share-based compensation. Income tax expense for 2016 includes discrete net tax benefits of approximately $12.0 million primarily related to the expiration of the statute of limitations for tax audits and settlements of exams in certain jurisdictions.

As a result of the Tax Act, the Company intends to repatriate substantially all of the accumulated foreign earnings as needed from time to time. The Company still has significant cash needs outside the United States and continues to consistently monitor and analyze its global working capital and cash requirements. However, the Tax Act gives the Company flexibility to manage cash globally. In 2018, the Company recorded $0.5 million of state taxes that will be incurred due to future cash distributions. The Company will continue to record additional tax effects, if any, in the period that the on-going distribution analysis is completed and is able to make reasonable estimates.

 

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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Pronouncement Updates

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606 or the “New Revenue Standard”) using the modified retrospective method. ASC 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 – Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance in U.S. GAAP. The New Revenue Standard provides a five-step model for analyzing contracts and transactions to determine when, how, and if revenue is recognized. Revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The cumulative impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard was not material to the Company therefore the Company did not record any adjustments to retained earnings. This was determined by analyzing contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. For further details, see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Revenue recognition from the sale of finished product to customers, which is the majority of the Company’s revenues, did not change under the new standard and the Company does not expect material changes in the future as a result of the New Revenue Standard related to the sale of finished product to its customers. Within the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment, the timing of revenue recognition for minimum guarantees that the Company receives from licensees is impacted by the New Revenue Standard. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, for licenses of the Company’s brands that are subject to minimum guaranteed license fees, the Company recognized the difference between the minimum guaranteed amount and the actual royalties earned from licensee merchandise sales (“shortfalls”) at the end of the contract period, which was in the fourth quarter for most of the Company’s licensee arrangements. In periods following January 1, 2018, minimum guaranteed amounts will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the license period. While the impact of this change will not be material to the year, it impacts the timing of revenue recognition within the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment such that under ASC 606, less revenues are recorded in the fourth quarter and more revenues are recorded within the first, second, and third quarters. No other areas of the Company’s business were materially impacted by the New Revenue Standard.

In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-02 (ASU 2018-02), Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The standard provides for a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive earnings (“AOCE”) to retained earnings, of disproportionate income tax effects arising from the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 in the first quarter of 2018. The impact of the adoption resulted in a one-time reclassification in the amount of $21.5 million from AOCE with a corresponding credit to retained earnings.

In January 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01(ASU 2017-01), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of providing guidance when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public companies, this standard was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 in the second quarter of 2018. For further details, see Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017- 04 (ASU 2017-04), Intangibles –Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The standard eliminates the requirement to measure the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all assets and liabilities within that unit (“the Step 2 test”) from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited by the amount of goodwill in that reporting unit. For public companies, this standard is effective and must be applied to annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the standard in the fourth quarter of 2018 eliminating the Step 2 test from its goodwill impairment testing procedures performed during the fourth quarter of 2018. For further details on the Company’s goodwill impairment testing, see note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

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In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 (ASU 2017-07), Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The standard requires companies to present the service cost component of net benefit cost in the income statement line items where they report compensation cost. Companies will present all other components of net benefit cost outside operating income, if this subtotal is presented. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results or consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 (ASU 2016-15), Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice across all industries, in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 was effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s results or consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-16 (ASU 2016-16), Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. For public companies, this standard was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The standard requires that the income tax impact of intra-entity sales and transfers of property, except for inventory, be recognized when the transfer occurs requiring any deferred taxes not yet recognized on intra-entity transfers to be recorded to retained earnings. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s results or consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. The liability will be based on the present value of lease payments and the asset will be based on the liability. For income statement purposes, a dual model was retained requiring leases to be either classified as operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. Additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required. ASU 2016-02 is required for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 as originally issued required modified retrospective adoption. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provides an alternative transition method in addition to the existing method by allowing entities to apply ASU 2016-02 as of the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU-2016-02 on December 31, 2018 using the retrospective basis as provided in ASU 2018-11. No cumulative effect was recorded to the balance sheet. The Company also elected certain practical expedients as provided under the standard. These included (i) the election not to reassess whether contracts existing at the adoption date contain a lease under the new definition of a lease under the standard; (ii) the election not to reassess the lease classification for existing leases as of the adoption date; (iii) the election not to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the standard; (iv) the election to use hindsight in determining the relevant lease terms for use in the capitalization of the lease liability; and (v) the election to use hindsight in reviewing the right-of-use assets for impairment. For all leases, the terms are being evaluated, including extension and renewal options as well as the lease payments associated with the leases. As a result of the adoption of the standard, the Company expects to book right-of-use assets between $110.0 million and $120.0 million and lease liabilities between $130.0 million and $140.0 million. The Company does not expect that its results of operations will be materially impacted by this standard. The adoption of this standard will not have an impact on the Company’s cash flows.

In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12 (ASU 2017-12), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the underlying hedged item in the financial statements. The impact of the standard includes elimination of the requirement to separately measure and recognize hedge ineffectiveness and requires the presentation of fair value adjustments to hedging instruments to be included in the same income statement line as the hedged item. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements however the impact of the standard will be dependent on the effectiveness of the Company’s hedging program.

 

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13 (ASU 2018-13), Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, specifically related to disclosures surrounding Level 3 asset balances, fair value measurement methods, related gains and losses and fair value hierarchy transfers. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the standard but does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-14 (ASU 2018-14) Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20)-Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the standard but does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No.2016-13 (ASU 2016-13) Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this update provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The standard update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the standard but does not expect the standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

OTHER INFORMATION

On June 23 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”), commonly referred to as Brexit. The UK government triggered the formal two-year period to negotiate the terms of the UK’s exit and future relationship with the EU on March 29, 2017. The terms of this future relationship are uncertain but the UK government has confirmed its intention to remove the UK from the EU single market. We saw a weakening of British pound sterling against the US dollar around the time of the Brexit vote, which increased volatility in the foreign currency markets, notably the euro which continued through 2018. These fluctuations initially affected our financial results, although the impact was partially mitigated by our hedging strategy. Our revenues in Europe are predominantly denominated in local currency. Hasbro will continue to closely monitor the Brexit negotiations and the foreign currency markets, taking appropriate actions to support its long-term strategy and to mitigate risks in its operational and financial activities.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has historically generated a significant amount of cash from operations. In 2018 the Company funded its operations and liquidity needs primarily through available cash and cash flows from operations. During 2019, the Company expects to continue to fund its working capital needs primarily through available cash and cash flows from operations and, when needed, by issuing commercial paper or borrowing under its revolving credit agreement. In the event that the Company is not able to issue commercial paper, the Company intends to utilize its available lines of credit. The Company believes that the funds available to it, including cash expected to be generated from operations and funds available through its commercial paper program or its available lines of credit are adequate to meet its working capital needs for 2019, however, unexpected events or circumstances such as material operating losses or increased capital or other expenditures, or inability to otherwise access the commercial paper market, may reduce or eliminate the availability of external financial resources. In addition, significant disruptions to credit markets may also reduce or eliminate the availability of external financial resources. Although the Company believes the risk of nonperformance by the counterparties to its financial facilities is not significant, in times of severe economic downturn in the credit markets it is possible that one or more sources of external financing may be unable or unwilling to provide funding to the Company.

In September 2017, the Company issued $500.0 million in principal amount of Notes Due 2027 that bear interest at a rate of 3.50%. Net proceeds of the Notes offering, after deduction of the underwriting discount and

 

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debt issuance expenses, totaled approximately $493.9 million. The Company may redeem the Notes at its option at the greater of the principal amount of the Notes or the present value of the remaining scheduled payments using the effective interest rate on applicable U.S. Treasury bills plus 25 basis points. In addition, on or after June 15, 2027, the Company may redeem at its option, any portion of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed. The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were used, primarily, to repay $350 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.30% Notes Due 2017 upon maturity, including accrued and unpaid interest. The remaining net proceeds were utilized for general corporate and working capital purposes.

As of December 30, 2018, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $1,182.4 million. Prior to 2017, deferred income taxes had not been provided on the majority of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries as such earnings were indefinitely reinvested by the Company. Accordingly, such international cash balances were not available to fund cash requirements in the United States unless the Company was to change its reinvestment policy. The Company has maintained sufficient sources of cash in the United States to fund cash requirements without the need to repatriate any funds. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) provided significant changes to the U.S. tax system including the elimination of the ability to defer U.S. income tax on unrepatriated earnings by imposing a one-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings. As of December 30, 2018, the remaining long-term payable related to the Tax Act of $258.7 million is presented within other liabilities, non-current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As permitted by the Tax Act, the Company will pay the transition tax in annual interest-free installments through 2025. As a result, in the future, the related earnings in foreign jurisdictions will be made available with greater investment flexibility. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents held outside of the United States as of December 30, 2018 is denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The table below outlines key financial information pertaining to our consolidated balance sheets including the year-over-year changes.

 

     2018      %      2017      %      2016  

Cash and cash equivalents, net of short-term borrowings

   $ 1,172.6        -18    $ 1,426.3        29    $ 1,109.7  

Accounts receivable, net

     1,188.1        -15      1,405.4        7      1,320.0  

Inventories

     443.4        2      433.3        12      387.7  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     268.7        26      214.0        -10      237.7  

Other assets

     744.3        23      605.9        -22      779.9  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,264.6        15      1,096.7        0      1,095.6  

Other liabilities

     539.1        5      514.7        32      389.4  

Accounts receivable, net decreased 15% in 2018 compared to 2017. Excluding the favorable foreign currency translation of $51.9 million, accounts receivable, net, decreased 12%, in line with 2018 net revenue declines, excluding favorable foreign currency translation compared to 2017. Days sales outstanding decreased to 78 days at December 30, 2018 from 80 days at December 31, 2017. Days sales outstanding at December 31, 2017 were higher by 2 days due to balances related to the Toys“R”Us pre-bankruptcy receivables. Absent this impact, days sales outstanding at December 30, 2018 were consistent with December 31, 2017. Accounts receivable, net increased 7% in 2017 compared to 2016. Excluding a $57.8 million foreign currency translation benefit, accounts receivable, net, increased 2% in line with 2017 net revenue growth. Days sales outstanding increased 7 days to 80 days at December 31, 2017 from 73 days at December 25, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the Toys“R”Us balances noted above and the timing of collections.

Inventories increased 2% at the end of 2018 compared to 2017. Excluding the unfavorable foreign currency impact of $20.2 million, inventories increased 7% in 2018 compared to 2017. The increase in inventories, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, is due in part to sales declines as well as new markets, partially offset by reduced inventory levels in Europe and higher inventory obsolescence in 2018. The Company continues to work to improve inventory management with a focus on ensuring we have the right levels of inventory in new and growing brands. Inventories increased 12% at the end of 2017 compared to 2016. Excluding the $24.8 million benefit from foreign currency translation, inventories increased 5% in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in inventories, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, was due in part to higher inventory levels in growing brands and in newly entered markets to support growth in the business during 2017.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased 26% in 2018 compared to 2017. The increase was related to higher unrealized gains on foreign exchange contracts, higher accrued tax credits related to certain television and movie production costs, higher prepaid income tax balances as a result of lower taxable earnings in relation to 2018 estimated tax payments and higher accrued royalty income related to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC-606). Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased 10% in 2017

 

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compared to 2016. The majority of the decrease was due to lower unrealized gains on foreign exchange contracts as a result of the weakening of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies across the Company’s international markets and to a lesser extent, lower prepaid royalty balances in 2017 compared to 2016. These decreases were partially offset by higher prepaid non-income related taxes, primarily value-added taxes.

Other assets increased 23% in 2018 compared to 2017. Higher balances in 2018 include: increased deferred tax asset balances related to tax benefits derived from intercompany dividends, higher capitalized movie and television production costs, net of related production rebates, primarily related to the Company’s share of costs related to BUMBLEBEE, the theatrical release produced jointly with Paramount Pictures, and released in December of 2018, higher long-term receivable balances related to the long-term portion of a multi-year digital distribution agreement for Hasbro television programming as well as higher accrued royalty income as a result of the adoption of the ASU 2014-09 in 2018. These increases were partially offset by lower long-term royalty advances and payments received from Cartamundi in relation to a long-term note receivable related to the sale of the Company’s manufacturing operations in August 2015. Other assets decreased 22% in 2017 compared to 2016. Lower balances in 2017 relate primarily to reduced deferred tax asset balances as a result of the decrease in the U.S. corporate tax rate beginning in 2018, as provided by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017. In addition, other assets decreased from declines in the value of long-term foreign exchange contracts, payments received from Cartamundi and lower long-term royalty advances. These decreases were partially offset by higher capitalized movie and television production costs, net of related production rebates in 2017.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased 15% in 2018 compared to 2017. Increases included higher accrued liabilities related to the remaining amounts due for the POWER RANGERS acquisition, increased severance charges related to the Company’s 2018 restructuring program, higher deferred revenue balances primarily related to the launch of the online version of MAGIC: THE GATHERING, higher accrued tax balances related to value added taxes, primarily in Europe and Mexico and higher accrued dividends due to a higher dividend rate announced for 2019. These increases were partially offset by lower accrued incentive compensation balances as a result of the decline in company performance in 2018, lower accrued income tax balances as a result of lower earnings in 2018 and a lower liability for foreign currency forward contracts as the result of a strengthening U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies in 2018. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were essentially flat in 2017 compared to 2016. Increases included a tax withholding on the multi-year stock award agreement earned by the Company’s CEO at December 31, 2017 (see note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included within Part II, Item 8 of this 10-K for further discussion), higher accrued dividends and increased accounts payable balances due to timing of payments in 2017. These increases were offset by lower incentive compensation accruals and other miscellaneous accruals in 2017.

Other liabilities increased 5% in 2018 compared to 2017. The increase is due to the $258.7 million long-term portion of the repatriation tax liability related to U.S. Tax Reform passed in the fourth quarter of 2017. In addition, the Company’s first quarter 2018 decision to terminate its U.S. defined benefit pension plan resulted in an increase to other liabilities due to a remeasurement of the plans projected benefit obligation, in relation to expected termination costs. These increases were partially offset by lower long-term balances related to foreign exchange contracts, lower balances related to accrued compensation for non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors due to payments made in 2018 and lower liabilities reflecting changes in management judgment with respect to uncertain tax positions. Other liabilities increased 32% in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase is primarily due to the $181.3 million estimated repatriation tax liability, which is net of certain foreign tax credits. This increase is partially offset by a decline of $53.0 million in the funded status of the Company’s pension plan liability, primarily due to a $50.0 million contribution in 2017, as well as a decrease in the long-term tax receivable agreement with Discovery due to the U.S. federal tax rate reduction that will begin in 2018 as discussed above.

Cash Flow

The following table summarizes the changes in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for each of the years ended on December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016.

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Net cash provided by (used in)

        

Operating Activities

   $ 646.0        724.4        817.3  

Investing Activities

     (286.5      (131.5      (138.4

Financing Activities

     (737.1      (312.2      (375.5

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, Hasbro generated $646.0 million, $724.4 million and $817.3 million of cash from its operating activities, respectively. Operating cash flows in 2018, 2017 and 2016 included $132.0 million, $48.0 million

 

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and $48.7 million, respectively, of cash used for television program and film production. The decrease in operating cash flows in 2018 compared to 2017 reflects lower earnings as well as higher film production costs in 2018 related to the production of the BUMBLEBEE film, released in December 2018. In addition, the decrease in operating cash flows in 2017 compared to 2016 was the result of unfavorable changes in working capital, excluding the impact of the net $296.5 million charge related to tax reform.

Cash flows utilized by investing activities were $286.5 million, $131.5 million and $138.4 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additions to property, plant and equipment increased in 2018 to $140.4 million from $134.9 million and $154.9 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Of these additions, 58% in 2018, 59% in 2017 and 57% in 2016 were for purchases of tools, dies and molds related to the Company’s products. During the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, the depreciation of plant and equipment was $139.3 million, $143.0 million and $119.7 million, respectively. Fluctuations in depreciation of plant and equipment correlate with the percentage of additions to property, plant and equipment relating to tools, dies and molds which have shorter useful lives and accelerated depreciation. Excluding capital expenditures, 2018 cash utilized for investing activities reflects cash payments of $155.5 million related to the acquisition of POWER RANGERS during the second quarter of 2018, partially offset by $6.4 million received on the installment note relating to the sale of the Company’s manufacturing operations in 2015. Excluding capital expenditures, 2017 proceeds from investing activities includes a $6.4 million installment note payment. Excluding capital expenditures, 2016 proceeds from investing activities includes $19.8 million in capital and tax distributions from Discovery Family Channel and a $6.4 million installment note payment partially offset by utilization of $12.4 million to purchase the net assets of Boulder in July of 2016.

Net cash utilized by financing activities was $737.1 million, $312.2 million, and $375.5 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Financing activities in 2017 include net proceeds of $493.9 million from the September 2017 issuance of $500.0 million 3.50% long-term notes due 2027, net of $6.1 million of debt issuance costs, partially offset by the repayment of $350.0 million 6.30% long-term notes that matured in September 2017. Of the amounts utilized in 2018, 2017 and 2016, $250.1 million, $151.3 million, and $150.1 million, respectively, reflect cash paid, including transaction costs, to repurchase the Company’s Common Stock. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company repurchased 2.7 million, 1.6 million, and 1.9 million shares, respectively, at an average price of $94.15, $94.74, and $79.86, respectively. A portion of the 2018 share repurchases were executed to offset the issuance of 3.1 million shares to Saban Properties included as part of the POWER RANGERS asset acquisition. At December 30, 2018, $428.0 million remained for share repurchases under the May 2018 Board authorization. Dividends paid were $309.3 million in 2018, $277.0 million in 2017 and $248.9 million in 2016. The Company has increased its quarterly dividend rate from $0.51 in 2016 to $0.57 in 2017 and $0.63 in 2018. Net repayments of short-term borrowings of $142.4 million in 2018 compared to net repayments of short-term borrowings of $18.4 million in 2017 and net proceeds of short-term borrowings of $9.0 million in 2016. The Company generated cash from employee stock option transactions of $30.0 million, $29.4 million, and $42.2 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company paid withholding taxes related to share-based compensation of $58.3 million, $32.0 million and $22.0 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The Company commits to inventory production, advertising and marketing expenditures prior to the peak fourth quarter retail selling season. Accounts receivable increase during the third and fourth quarter as customers increase their purchases to meet expected consumer demand in their holiday selling season. Due to the concentrated timeframe of this selling period, payments for these accounts receivable are generally not due until the fourth quarter or early in the first quarter of the subsequent year. This timing difference between expenditures and cash collections on accounts receivable makes it necessary for the Company to borrow higher amounts during the latter part of the year. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company primarily used cash from operations and borrowings under its commercial paper program and available lines of credit to fund its working capital.

The Company has an agreement with a group of banks which provides for a commercial paper program (the “Program”). Under the Program, at the request of the Company and subject to market conditions, the banks may either purchase from the Company, or arrange for the sale by the Company, of unsecured commercial paper notes. The Company may issue notes from time to time up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any given time of $1,000.0 million. The maturities of the notes may vary but may not exceed 397 days. The notes are sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount to par, or alternatively, sold at par and bear varying interest rates based on a fixed or floating rate basis. The interest rates vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by the credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. Borrowings under the Program are supported by the Company’s $1,100.0 million revolving credit agreement. The Company had no outstanding borrowings related to the Program at December 30, 2018.

 

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During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement with the lenders party thereto (the “Amended Agreement”) which provides the Company with a $1,100.0 million committed borrowing facility. The Amended Agreement contains certain financial covenants setting forth leverage and coverage requirements, and certain other limitations typical of an investment grade facility, including with respect to liens, mergers and incurrence of indebtedness. The Amended Agreement also provides for a potential additional incremental commitment increase of up to $500.0 million. The Amended Agreement extends the term of our prior facility from March 30, 2020 to November 26, 2023. The Company was in compliance with all covenants in the Amended Agreement as of and for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under its committed revolving credit facility at December 30, 2018. However, letters of credit outstanding under this facility as of December 30, 2018 were approximately $1.5 million. Amounts available and unused under the committed line at December 30, 2018 were approximately $1,098.5 million, inclusive of borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program. The Company also has other uncommitted lines from various banks, of which approximately $37.4 million was utilized at December 30, 2018. Of the amount utilized under, or supported by, the uncommitted lines, approximately $9.8 million and $27.6 million represent outstanding short-term borrowings and letters of credit, respectively.

The Company has principal amounts of long-term debt at December 30, 2018 of approximately $1,709.9 million due at varying times from 2021 through 2044. The Company also had letters of credit and other similar instruments of $29.1 million and 2019 purchase commitments of $536.7 million outstanding at December 30, 2018. In 2019, the Company expects capital expenditures to be in the range of $155.0 million to $165.0 million. In addition, the Company expects to be committed to guaranteed royalty payments of approximately $78.7 million in 2019.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, management is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that it believes are reasonable based on information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. The significant accounting policies which management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s reported financial results include recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets and income taxes.

Recoverability of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

During the fourth quarter of 2018 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04 (ASU 2017-04), Intangibles -Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The standard eliminates the requirement to measure the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all assets and liabilities within that unit (“the Step 2 test”) from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited by the amount of goodwill in that reporting unit.

The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually. If an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, the Company will perform an interim test at that time. The Company may perform a qualitative assessment and bypass the quantitative impairment testing process if it is not more likely than not that impairment exists.

If it is more likely than not that impairment exists, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. When performing a quantitative impairment test, goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit which is calculated using an income approach. Other intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment by comparing their carrying value to their estimated fair value. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company performed a qualitative assessment with respect to certain of its reporting units with goodwill totaling $485.9 million. The Company utilized this approach for all reporting units with the exception of Backflip based on the amount by which historical estimated reporting unit fair values exceeded carrying values. Based on its qualitative assessments, the Company concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill to reporting units tested using the qualitative approach during 2018. Further discussion of the Company’s quantitative assessment of Backflip goodwill is discussed below.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company took a number of actions to react to a rapidly changing mobile gaming industry that resulted in a modification to the Company’s long-term plan for its Backflip business. These modifications included organizational actions and related personnel changes, the extension of launch dates for games currently in or planned for development and the addition of partners for the development of future game

 

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releases. The modifications resulted in changes to the long-term projections for the Backflip business which led the Company to conclude the goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit was impaired. The goodwill impairment analysis involved comparing the Backflip carrying value to its estimated fair value, which was calculated based on the Income Approach. To calculate the fair value of the future cash flows under the Income Approach, a discount rate of 19% was utilized, representing the reporting unit’s estimated weighted-average cost of capital. Based on the results of the impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Backflip reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $86.3 million within administrative expense and in the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment, during the fourth quarter of 2018, which was the full amount of remaining goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit.

As of December 27, 2015 the Company had $119.1 million of goodwill related to its 2013 acquisition of Backflip, which represents a separate reporting unit. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $32.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2016.

The estimation of future cash flows utilized in the evaluation of the Company’s goodwill requires significant judgments and estimates with respect to future revenues related to the respective asset and the future cash outlays related to those revenues. Actual revenues and related cash flows or changes in anticipated revenues and related cash flows could result in a change in this assessment and result in an impairment charge. The estimation of discounted cash flows also requires the selection of an appropriate discount rate. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease estimated discounted cash flows and could increase or decrease the related impairment charge.

Intangible assets, other than those with indefinite lives, are reviewed for indications of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

As part of its assessment of intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company completed impairment testing relating to certain property rights, both owned or related to license agreements.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reviewed intangible assets recorded in connection with licensed property rights and owned technology. Due to a decline in revenue and revised projections for future revenue, it was determined that the intangible asset carrying values exceeded expected future cash flows, indicating that the intangible asset was impaired, and resulted in a charge of $31.3 million recorded within administrative expense.

Income Taxes

The Company’s annual income tax rate is based on its income, statutory tax rates, changes in prior tax positions and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant judgment and estimates are required to determine the Company’s annual tax rate and evaluate its tax positions. Despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are fully supportable, these positions are subject to challenge and estimated liabilities are established in the event that these positions are challenged and the Company is not successful in defending these challenges. These estimated liabilities, as well as the related interest, are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances such as the progress of a tax audit. In addition, on December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that established new tax laws in 2018, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% and creating new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings and certain related-party payments.

Due to the timing of the enactment and the complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, the Company made reasonable estimates of the effects and recorded provisional amounts in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017. As the Company collected and prepared necessary data, and interpreted the additional guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, and other standard-setting bodies, the Company made adjustments over the course of the year to the provisional amounts, including refinements to deferred taxes. The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act has been completed as of December 30, 2018.

In certain cases, tax law requires items to be included in the Company’s income tax returns at a different time than when these items are recognized in the consolidated financial statements or at a different amount than that which is recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible on the Company’s tax returns, while other differences are temporary and will reverse over time, such as depreciation expense. These differences that will reverse over time are recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred tax assets represent deductions that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements but have not yet been reflected in the Company’s income tax returns. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets to the extent that it is

 

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determined that the Company will have insufficient future taxable income, including capital gains, to fully realize the future deductions or capital losses. Deferred tax liabilities represent expenses recognized on the Company’s income tax return that have not yet been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or income recognized in the consolidated financial statements that has not yet been recognized in the Company’s income tax return.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

In the normal course of its business, the Company enters into contracts related to obtaining rights to produce products under license, which may require the payment of minimum guarantees, as well as contracts related to the leasing of facilities and equipment. In addition, the Company has $1,709.9 million in principal amount of long-term debt outstanding at December 30, 2018. Future payments required under these and other obligations, expressed in millions as of December 30, 2018, are as follows:

 

     Payments due by Fiscal Year  
Certain Contractual Obligations    2019      2020      2021      2022      2023      Thereafter      Total  

Long-term debt

   $               300.0                      1,409.9        1,709.9  

Interest payments on long-term debt

     81.3        81.3        75.7        71.8        71.8        927.2        1,309.1  

Operating lease commitments

     47.1        31.4        22.8        15.9        12.5        27.1        156.8  

Future minimum guaranteed contractual royalty payments

     78.7        103.2        90.3        64.9        0.2        0.5        337.8  

Transition Taxa

     14.5        18.4        18.4        18.4        34.4        103.1        207.2  

Tax sharing agreementb

     4.5        4.7        4.9        5.1        5.4        9.2        33.8  

Purchase commitmentsc

     455.3        81.4                                    536.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 681.4        320.4        512.1        176.1        124.3        2,477.0        4,291.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

a  

As discussed above, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act requires the Company to pay a one-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings of $308.0 million. The Company utilized $78.5 million of existing tax credits to reduce the $308.0 million U.S. federal income tax liability, which resulted in $229.5 million to be paid in interest-free installments through 2025, of which $18.4 million was paid in 2018. See note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

b 

In connection with the Company’s agreement to form a joint venture with Discovery, the Company is obligated to make future payments to Discovery under a tax sharing agreement. These payments are contingent upon the Company having sufficient taxable income to realize the expected tax deductions of certain amounts related to the joint venture. Accordingly, estimates of these amounts are included in the table above.

c 

Purchase commitments represent agreements (including open purchase orders) to purchase inventory and tooling in the ordinary course of business as well as purchase commitments under a manufacturing agreement. The reported amounts exclude inventory and tooling purchase liabilities included in accounts payable or accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 2018.

Theatrical Contingencies

The table above also excludes $50.0 million in guaranteed royalties related to the Company’s license agreement related to STAR WARS as the amount and timing of such payments are contingent on the release of a new STAR WARS theatrical release in 2019.

Other Expected Future Payments

From time to time, the Company may be party to arrangements, contractual or otherwise, whereby the Company may not be able to estimate the ultimate timing or amount of the related payments. As such, these amounts have been excluded from the table above and described below:

 

   

Included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at December 30, 2018, the Company has a liability of $50.3 million of potential tax, interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in various income tax returns. The Company does not know the ultimate resolution of these uncertain tax positions and as such, does not know the ultimate amount or timing of payments related to this liability.

 

   

At December 30, 2018, the Company had letters of credit and related instruments of approximately $29.1 million.

 

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The Company believes that cash from operations and funds available through its commercial paper program or lines of credit will allow the Company to meet these and other obligations described above.

Financial Risk Management

The Company is exposed to market risks attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates primarily as the result of sourcing products priced in U.S. dollars and Hong Kong dollars while marketing and selling those products in more than twenty currencies. Results of operations may be affected primarily by changes in the value of the U.S. dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Brazilian real, Russian ruble and Mexican peso and, to a lesser extent, other currencies in Latin American and Asia Pacific countries.

To manage this exposure, the Company has hedged a portion of its forecasted foreign currency transactions using foreign exchange forward contracts. The Company estimates that a hypothetical immediate 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies included in these foreign exchange forward contracts could result in an approximate $47.5 million decrease in the fair value of these instruments. A decrease in the fair value of these instruments would be substantially offset by decreases in the value of the forecasted foreign currency transactions.

The Company is also exposed to foreign currency risk with respect to its net cash and cash equivalents or short-term borrowing positions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The Company believes, however, that the on-going risk on the net exposure should not be material to its financial condition. In addition, the Company’s revenues and costs have been and will likely continue to be affected by changes in foreign currency rates. A significant change in foreign exchange rates can materially impact the Company’s revenues and earnings due to translation of foreign-denominated revenues and expenses. The Company does not hedge against translation impacts of foreign exchange. From time to time, affiliates of the Company may make or receive intercompany loans in currencies other than their functional currency. The Company manages this exposure at the time the loan is made by using foreign exchange contracts.

The Company reflects all derivatives at their fair value as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not speculate in foreign currency exchange contracts. At December 30, 2018, these contracts had net unrealized gains of $24.5 million, of which $20.8 million are recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets, $5.3 million are recorded in other assets and ($1.6) million are recorded in accrued liabilities. Included in accumulated other comprehensive earnings at December 30, 2018 are deferred gains of $20.9 million, net of tax, related to these derivatives.

At December 30, 2018, the Company had fixed rate long-term debt of $1,709.9 million. Of this long-term debt, $600.0 million represents the aggregate issuance of long-term debt in May 2014 which consists of $300.0 million of 3.15% Notes Due 2021 and $300.0 million of 5.10% Notes Due 2044. Prior to the May 2014 debt issuance, the Company entered into forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with a total notional value of $500.0 million to hedge the anticipated underlying U.S. Treasury interest rate. These interest rate swaps were matched with this debt issuance and were designated and effective as hedges of the change in future interest payments. At the date of issuance, the Company terminated these swap agreements and their fair value at the date of issuance was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized through the consolidated statements of operations using an effective interest rate method over the life of the related debt. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 30, 2018 are deferred losses, net of tax, of $19.3 million related to these derivatives.

On June 23 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”), commonly referred to as Brexit. The UK government triggered the formal two-year period to negotiate the terms of the UK’s exit and future relationship with the EU on March 29, 2017. The terms of this future relationship are uncertain but the UK government has confirmed its intention to remove the UK from the EU single market. We saw a weakening of British pound sterling against the US dollar around the time of the Brexit vote, which increased volatility in the foreign currency markets, notably the euro which continued through 2018. These fluctuations initially affected our financial results, although the impact was partially mitigated by our hedging strategy. Our revenues in Europe are predominantly denominated in local currency. Hasbro will continue to closely monitor the Brexit negotiations and the foreign currency markets, taking appropriate actions to support its long-term strategy and to mitigate risks in its operational and financial activities.

The Economy and Inflation

The principal market for the Company’s products is the retail sector. Revenues from the Company’s top five customers, all retailers, accounted for approximately 38% of its consolidated net revenues in 2018 and 42% and 41% of its consolidated net revenues in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and adjusts credit policies and limits as it deems appropriate.

 

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The Company’s revenue pattern continues to show the second half of the year to be more significant to its overall business for the full year. In 2018, approximately 65% of the Company’s full year net revenues were recognized in the second half of the year. The Company expects that this concentration will continue. The concentration of sales in the second half of the year increases the risk of (a) underproduction of popular items, (b) overproduction of less popular items, and (c) failure to achieve tight and compressed shipping schedules. The business of the Company is characterized by customer order patterns which vary from year to year largely because of differences in the degree of consumer acceptance of a product line, product availability, marketing strategies, inventory levels, policies of retailers and differences in overall economic conditions. Larger retailers generally maintain lower inventories throughout the year and purchase a greater percentage of product within or close to the fourth quarter holiday consumer buying season, which includes Christmas.

Quick response inventory management practices being used by retailers result in orders increasingly placed for immediate delivery and fewer orders placed well in advance of shipment. Retailers are timing their orders so that they are filled by suppliers closer to the time of purchase by consumers. To the extent that retailers do not sell as much of their year-end inventory purchases during this holiday selling season as they had anticipated, their demand for additional product earlier in the following fiscal year may be curtailed, thus negatively impacting the Company’s future revenues. In addition, the bankruptcy or other lack of success of one of the Company’s significant retailers could negatively impact the Company’s future revenues.

The effect of inflation on the Company’s operations during 2018 was not significant and the Company will continue its practice of monitoring costs and adjusting prices, accordingly.

Other Information

The Company is not aware of any material amounts of potential exposure relating to environmental matters and does not believe its environmental compliance costs or liabilities to be material to its operating results or financial position.

 

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information required by this item is included in Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

Hasbro, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hasbro, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have not been able to determine the specific year that we began serving as the Company’s auditor, however, we are aware that we have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1968.

Providence, Rhode Island

February 26, 2019

 

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

(Thousands of Dollars Except Share Data)

 

     2018     2017  
ASSETS

 

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,182,371       1,581,234  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,100 in 2018 and $31,400 in 2017

     1,188,052       1,405,399  

Inventories

     443,383       433,293  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     268,698       214,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     3,082,504       3,633,926  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     256,473       259,710  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other assets

    

Goodwill

     485,881       573,063  

Other intangibles, net

     693,842       217,382  

Other

     744,288       605,902  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other assets

     1,924,011       1,396,347  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 5,262,988       5,289,983  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Current liabilities

    

Short-term borrowings

   $ 9,740       154,957  

Accounts payable

     333,521       348,476  

Accrued liabilities

     931,063       748,264  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,274,324       1,251,697  

Long-term debt

     1,695,092       1,693,609  

Other liabilities

     539,086       514,720  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,508,502       3,460,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

    

Preference stock of $2.50 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued

            

Common stock of $0.50 par value. Authorized 600,000,000 shares; issued 209,694,630 shares in 2018 and 2017

     104,847       104,847  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,275,059       1,050,605  

Retained earnings

     4,184,374       4,260,222  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (294,514     (239,425

Treasury stock, at cost, 83,565,598 shares in 2018 and 85,244,923 shares in 2017

     (3,515,280     (3,346,292
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,754,486       1,829,957  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 5,262,988       5,289,983  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Fiscal Years Ended in December

(Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share Data)

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Net revenues

   $ 4,579,646       5,209,782       5,019,822  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

      

Cost of sales

     1,850,678       2,033,693       1,905,474  

Royalties

     351,660       405,488       409,522  

Product development

     246,165       269,020       266,375  

Advertising

     439,922       501,813       468,940  

Amortization of intangible assets

     28,703       28,818       34,763  

Program production cost amortization

     43,906       35,798       35,931  

Selling, distribution and administration

     1,287,560       1,124,793       1,110,769  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     4,248,594       4,399,423       4,231,774  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     331,052       810,359       788,048  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-operating (income) expense

      

Interest expense

     90,826       98,268       97,405  

Interest income

     (22,357     (22,155     (9,367

Other (income) expense, net

     (7,819     (51,904     7,521  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-operating expense, net

     60,650       24,209       95,559  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     270,402       786,150       692,489  

Income taxes

     49,968       389,543       159,338  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

     220,434       396,607       533,151  

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

                 (18,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

   $ 220,434       396,607       551,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per common share

      

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

      

Basic

   $ 1.75       3.17       4.40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ 1.74       3.12       4.34  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared

   $ 2.52       2.28       2.04  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings

Fiscal Years Ended in December

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Net earnings

   $ 220,434       396,607       533,151  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings (loss):

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (55,524     32,017       (5,033

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

     (2,000     (390     166  

Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging activities, net of tax

     36,107       (90,302     25,748  

Changes in unrecognized pension and postretirement amounts, net of tax

     (23,763     1,555       (20,829

Reclassifications to earnings, net of tax:

      

Net losses (gains) on cash flow hedging activities

     1,929       6,390       (53,980

Amortization of unrecognized pension and postretirement amounts

     9,665       5,875       5,359  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

     (33,586     (44,855     (48,569
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive earnings

     186,848       351,752       484,582  

Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

                 (18,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

   $ 186,848       351,752       502,811  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Fiscal Years Ended in December

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net earnings

   $ 220,434       396,607       533,151  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

     139,255       143,018       119,707  

Impairment of goodwill

     86,253             32,858  

Impairment of intangible assets

     31,303              

Amortization of intangible assets

     28,703       28,818       34,763  

Program production cost amortization

     43,906       35,798       35,931  

Deferred income taxes

     (11,094     112,105       (662

Stock-based compensation

     27,892       56,032       61,624  

Other non-cash items

     (18,879     (44,001     (16,011

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired and disposed balances:

      

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

     180,113       (50,376     (149,923

Increase in inventories

     (37,211     (25,301     (12,065

(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (11,929     24,450       7,422  

Program production costs

     (131,984     (48,003     (48,690

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     107,426       (80,461     246,223  

Net deemed repatriation tax

     27,027       181,305        

Other, including long-term advances

     (35,218     (5,613     (27,015
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     645,997       724,378       817,313  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (140,426     (134,877     (154,900

Investments and acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (155,451           (12,436

Other

     9,400       3,396       28,945  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash utilized by investing activities

     (286,477     (131,481     (138,391
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Net proceeds from borrowings with maturity greater than three months

           493,878        

Repayments of borrowings with maturity greater than three months

           (350,000      

Net (repayments of) proceeds from other short-term borrowings

     (142,357     (18,419     8,978  

Purchases of common stock

     (250,054     (151,311     (150,075

Stock-based compensation transactions

     29,999       29,431       42,207  

Dividends paid

     (309,258     (276,973     (248,881

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

     (58,344     (31,994     (21,969

Other

     (7,087     (6,785     (5,758
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash utilized by financing activities

     (737,101     (312,173     (375,498

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (21,282     18,225       2,111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (398,863     298,949       305,535  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     1,581,234       1,282,285       976,750  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 1,182,371       1,581,234       1,282,285  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental information

      

Interest paid

   $ 82,258       89,294       88,525  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid

   $ 117,854       115,753       98,913  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
    Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
 

Balance, December 27, 2015

  $ 104,847       893,630       3,852,321       (146,001     (3,040,895   $ 1,663,902     $ 40,170  

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

                551,380                   551,380        

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

                                        (18,229

Other comprehensive loss

                      (48,569           (48,569      

Stock-based compensation transactions

          30,230                   10,479       40,709        

Purchases of common stock

                            (151,331     (151,331      

Stock-based compensation expense

          61,558                   66       61,624        

Dividends declared

                (254,979                 (254,979      

Net contributions received from noncontrolling owners

                                        763  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 25, 2016

  $ 104,847       985,418       4,148,722       (194,570     (3,181,681   $ 1,862,736     $ 22,704  

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

                396,607                   396,607        

Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-09

          916       (697                 219    

Acquisition of remaining interest in Backflip

          22,704                         22,704       (22,704

Other comprehensive loss

                      (44,855           (44,855      

Stock-based compensation transactions

          (13,021                 (16,001     (29,022      

Purchases of common stock

                            (150,054     (150,054      

Stock-based compensation expense

          54,588                   1,444       56,032        

Dividends declared

                (284,410                 (284,410      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

  $ 104,847       1,050,605       4,260,222       (239,425     (3,346,292   $ 1,829,957     $  

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

                220,434                   220,434        

Impact of adoption of ASU 2018-02

                21,503       (21,503              

Issuance of shares for Saban purchase

          198,853                   81,544       280,397        

Other comprehensive loss

                      (33,586           (33,586      

Stock-based compensation transactions

          (2,075                 (694     (2,769      

Purchases of common stock

                            (250,054     (250,054      

Stock-based compensation expense

          27,676                   216       27,892        

Dividends declared

                (317,785                 (317,785      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 30, 2018

  $ 104,847       1,275,059       4,184,374       (294,514     (3,515,280   $ 1,754,486     $  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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(1)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hasbro, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries (“Hasbro” or the “Company”). Investments representing 20% to 50% ownership interests in other companies are accounted for using the equity method. For those majority-owned subsidiaries that are not 100% owned by Hasbro, the interests of the minority owners are accounted for as noncontrolling interests. At December 30, 2018, the Company had no majority-owned subsidiaries. 

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year

Hasbro’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 25, 2016 were fifty-two week periods while the year ended December 31, 2017 was a fifty-three week period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments purchased with an initial maturity to the Company of three months or less.

Marketable Securities

Included in marketable securities are investments in private investment funds. These investments are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and, due to the nature and business purpose of these investments, the Company has selected the fair value option which requires the Company to record the unrealized gains and losses on these investments in the consolidated statements of operations at the time they occur. Marketable securities also include common stock in a public company arising from a business relationship. This type of investment is also included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets; however, due to its nature and business purpose, the Company records unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets until it is sold or the decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary, at which point the gains or losses will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Credit is granted to customers predominantly on an unsecured basis. Credit limits and payment terms are established based on extensive evaluations made on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year with regard to the financial performance, cash generation, financing availability and liquidity status of each customer. The majority of customers are formally reviewed at least annually; more frequent reviews are performed based on the customer’s financial condition and the level of credit being extended. For customers on credit who are experiencing financial difficulties, management performs additional financial analyses before shipping orders. The Company uses a variety of financial transactions, based on availability and cost, to increase the collectability of certain of its accounts, including letters of credit, credit insurance, and requiring cash in advance of shipping.

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s assessment of the business environment, customers’ financial condition, historical collection experience, accounts receivable aging and customer disputes.

Accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet represents amounts due from customers less the allowance for doubtful accounts as well as allowances for discounts, rebates and returns.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Based upon a consideration of quantities on hand, actual and projected sales volume, anticipated product selling price and product lines

 

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planned to be discontinued, slow-moving and obsolete inventory is written down to its estimated net realizable value. At both December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, substantially all inventory is comprised of finished goods.

Equity Method Investment

For the Company’s equity method investments, only the Company’s investment in and amounts due to and from the equity method investment are included in the consolidated balance sheets and only the Company’s share of the equity method investment’s earnings (losses) is included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Dividends, cash distributions, loans or other cash received from the equity method investment, additional cash investments, loan repayments or other cash paid to the investee are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company reviews its equity method investments for impairment on a periodic basis. If it has been determined that the fair value of the equity investment is less than its related carrying value and that this decline is other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the investment is adjusted downward to reflect these declines in value. The Company has one significant equity method investment, its 40% interest in a joint venture with Discovery Communications, Inc. (“Discovery”).

The Company and Discovery are party to an option agreement with respect to this joint venture. The Company has recorded a liability for this option agreement at fair value which is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on this option are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as they occur.

See notes 6 and 13 for additional information.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable noncontrolling interests are those noncontrolling interests which are or may become redeemable at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, at the option of the holder, or upon occurrence of an event. The financial results and position of the redeemable noncontrolling interest are included in their entirety in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets. The value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests is presented in the consolidated balance sheets as temporary equity between liabilities and shareholders’ equity. Earnings (losses) attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented as a separate line on the consolidated statements of operations which is necessary to identify those earnings specifically attributable to Hasbro.

Through 2016, the Company had one investment with a redeemable noncontrolling interest which was the Company’s 70% majority interest in Backflip Studios, LLC (“Backflip”). During the first quarter of 2017, the remaining 30% of Backflip was acquired by Hasbro for no additional consideration, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using accelerated and straight-line methods to depreciate the cost of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives. The principal lives, in years, used in determining depreciation rates of various assets are: land improvements 15 to 19, buildings and improvements 15 to 25 and machinery and equipment (including computer hardware and software) 3 to 12. Depreciation expense is classified in the consolidated statements of operations based on the nature of the property and equipment being depreciated. Tools, dies and molds are depreciated over a three-year period or their useful lives, whichever is less, using an accelerated method. The Company generally owns all tools, dies and molds related to its products.

Property, plant and equipment, net is reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value wherein the fair value is the appraised value. Furthermore, assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of the net book value or their estimated fair value less disposal costs.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

Goodwill results from acquisitions the Company has made over time. Substantially all of the other intangibles consist of the cost of acquired product rights. In establishing the value of such rights, the Company considers existing

 

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trademarks, copyrights, patents, license agreements and other product-related rights. These rights were valued on their acquisition date based on the anticipated future cash flows from the underlying product line. The Company has certain intangible assets related to the Tonka and Milton Bradley acquisitions that have an indefinite life.

During the fourth quarter of 2018 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No 2017-04 (ASU 2017-04), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The standard eliminates the requirement to measure the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all assets and liabilities within that unit (“the Step 2 test”) from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited by the amount of goodwill in that reporting unit.

Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized and are tested for impairment at least annually. The annual goodwill test begins with a qualitative assessment, where qualitative factors and their impact on critical inputs are assessed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that a reporting unit has an indication of impairment based on the qualitative assessment, it is required to perform a quantitative assessment. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04, the quantitative assessment consisted of a two-step process beginning with an estimation of fair value of the reporting unit using an income approach, which looked to the present value of expected future cash flows. The first step was a screen for potential impairment while the second step was to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and compare it to its carrying amount on the balance sheet. Under ASU 2017-04, the Step 2 test was eliminated. As a result, once it has been determined that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the excess carrying amount is recognized as an impairment loss.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $86,253 within administrative expense and in the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment, which was the full amount of remaining goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit. See further discussion in note 5.

Based on its qualitative assessment of goodwill for all reporting units with the exception of Backflip, the company concluded there was no other impairment of goodwill during 2018.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, and prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04 which eliminated the Step 2 test from the impairment testing process, the Company performed a qualitative assessment with respect to goodwill associated with all but two of its reporting units and determined that it was not necessary to perform a quantitative assessment for the goodwill of these reporting units. The Company performed the first step of the quantitative two-step annual impairment test on the goodwill associated with Backflip and on the goodwill associated with the Company’s Entertainment reporting unit. As a result of the 2017 assessment the Company concluded that no impairments were indicated as the estimated fair values were in excess of the carrying values of the related reporting units.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company performed a qualitative assessment with respect to goodwill associated with all but its Backflip reporting unit and determined that it was not necessary to perform a quantitative assessment for the goodwill of these reporting units. The Company performed a quantitative two-step annual impairment test related to its goodwill associated with Backflip. As a result of the 2016 annual impairment test, the Company concluded the goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit was impaired and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $32,858 for the year ended December 25, 2016. No other impairments were indicated. See further discussion in note 5.

The remaining intangibles having definite lives are being amortized over periods ranging from four to twenty-five years, primarily using the straight-line method.

The Company reviews other intangibles with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If such assets were considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized would be measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value wherein that fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded non-cash impairments of $31,303. No impairments were recorded in 2017 or 2016. See further discussion in note 5.

Financial Instruments

Hasbro’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and certain accrued liabilities. At December 30, 2018, the carrying cost of these instruments

 

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approximated their fair value. The Company’s financial instruments at December 30, 2018 also include long-term borrowings (see note 10 for carrying cost and related fair values) as well as certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value (see notes 13 and 17).

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring those goods. The Company accounts for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is probable.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606 or the “New Revenue Standard”) using the modified retrospective method. ASC 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605 – Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance in U.S. GAAP. The New Revenue Standard provides a five-step model for analyzing contracts and transactions to determine when, how, and if revenue is recognized. Revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The cumulative impact of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard was not material to the Company therefore the Company did not record any adjustments to retained earnings. This was determined by analyzing contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. For further details, see note 2 for further discussion.

Revenue recognition from the sale of finished products to customers, which is the majority of the Company’s revenues, did not change under the new standard and the Company does not expect material changes in the future as a result of the New Revenue Standard related to the sale of finished products to its customers. Within the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment, the timing of revenue recognition for minimum guarantees that the Company receives from licensees was impacted by the New Revenue Standard. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, for licenses of the Company’s brands that are subject to minimum guaranteed license fees, the Company recognized the difference between the minimum guaranteed amount and the actual royalties earned from licensee merchandise sales (“shortfalls”) at the end of the contract period, which was in the fourth quarter for most of the Company’s licensee arrangements. In periods following January 1, 2018, minimum guaranteed amounts are being recognized on a straight-line basis over the license period. While the impact of this change was not material to the year, it impacted the timing of revenue recognition within the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment such that under ASC 606, less revenues are recorded in the fourth quarter and more revenues are recorded within the first, second, and third quarters. No other areas of the Company’s business were materially impacted by the New Revenue Standard.

The majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from sales of finished products to customers. Revenues from sales of finished products to customers accounted for 92% and 94% of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. When determining whether control of the finished products has transferred to the customer, the Company considers any future performance obligations. Generally, the Company has no post-shipment obligation on sales of finished products to customers and revenues from product sales are recognized upon passing of title to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. Any shipping and handling activities that are performed by the Company, whether before or after a customer has obtained control of the products, are considered activities to fulfill our obligation to transfer the products, and are recorded as incurred within selling, distribution, and administration expenses. The Company offers various discounts, rebates, allowances, returns, and markdowns to its customers (collectively, “allowances”), all of which are considered when determining the transaction price. Certain allowances are fixed and determinable at the time of sale and are recorded at the time of sale as a reduction to revenues. Other allowances can vary depending on future outcomes such as customer sales volume (“variable consideration”). The Company estimates the amount of variable consideration using the expected value method. In estimating the amount of variable consideration using the expected value method, the Company considers various factors including but not limited to: customer terms, historical experience, any expected deviations from historical experience, and existing or expected market conditions. The Company then records an estimate of variable consideration as a reduction to revenues at the time of sale. The Company adjusts its estimate of variable consideration at least quarterly or when facts and circumstances used in the estimation process may change. Historically, adjustments to estimated variable consideration have not been material.

 

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The Company enters into contracts to license its intellectual property, which consists of its brands, in various channels including but not limited to: consumer products such as apparel or home goods, within formats such as on-line games, within venues such as theme parks, or within formats such as motion picture films. The licensees pay the Company either a sales-based or usage-based royalty, or a combination of both, for use of the brands, in some cases subject to minimum guaranteed amounts or fixed fees. The license of the Company’s brands provide access to the intellectual property over the term of the license, generally without any other performance obligation of the Company other than keeping the intellectual property active, and is therefore considered a right-to-access license of symbolic intellectual property. The Company records sales-based or usage-based royalty revenues for right-to-access licenses at the occurrence of the licensees’ subsequent sale or usage. When the arrangement includes a minimum guarantee, the Company records the minimum guarantee on a ratable basis over the term of the license period and does not record the sales-based or usage-based royalty revenues until they exceed the minimum guarantee.

The Company also produces television or streaming programming for licensing to third parties. The licensees typically pay a fixed fee for the license of the produced content. The content that the Company delivers to its licensees has stand-alone functionality, generally without any other performance obligation of the Company, and is therefore considered a right-to-use license of functional intellectual property. The Company records revenues for right-to-use licenses once the license period has commenced and the licensee has the ability to use the delivered content. In arrangements where the licensee pays the Company a fixed fee for multiple seasons or multiple series of programming, arrangement fees are recorded as revenues based upon their relative fair values.

The Company also develops application based digital games featuring its brands within the games. These games are hosted by third-party platform providers. The Company does not charge a fee to the end users for the download of the games or the ability to play the games. The end users make in-application purchases of digital currencies, via the Company’s platform providers, with such purchased digital currencies to be used in the games. The Company records revenues from in-application purchases based on the usage patterns of the players. For the majority of the Company’s digital games, players use their currencies in the month of purchase, and therefore revenues are recorded at the time of sale. The Company has no additional performance obligations other than delivery of the currency via its platform providers. The Company controls all aspects of the goods delivered to the consumer. The third-party platform providers are providing only the service of hosting and administering receipt from the end users. The Company is the principal in the arrangement and records the gross revenues within Net Revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fee charged by the third-party platform providers to the Company are recorded within cost of sales.

Costs of Sales

Cost of sales primarily consists of purchased materials, labor, tooling, manufacturing overheads and other inventory-related costs such as obsolescence.

Royalties

The Company enters into license agreements with strategic partners, inventors, designers and others for the use of intellectual properties in its products. These agreements may call for payment in advance or future payment of minimum guaranteed amounts. Amounts paid in advance are recorded as an asset and charged to expense when the related revenue is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. If all or a portion of the minimum guaranteed amounts appear not to be recoverable through future use of the rights obtained under the license, the non-recoverable portion of the guaranty is charged to expense at that time.

Advertising

Production costs of commercials are expensed in the fiscal year during which the production is first aired. The costs of other advertising and promotion programs are expensed in the fiscal year incurred.

Program Production Costs

The Company incurs costs in connection with the production of television programming and motion pictures. These costs are capitalized by the Company as they are incurred and amortized using the individual-film-forecast method, whereby these costs are amortized in the proportion that the current year’s revenues bear to management’s estimate of total ultimate revenues as of the beginning of such period related to the program. These capitalized costs are reported at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or fair value, and reviewed for impairment when an event or change in circumstances occurs that indicates that impairment may exist. The fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model which is primarily based on management’s future revenue and cost estimates.

 

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Shipping and Handling

Hasbro expenses costs related to the shipment and handling of goods to customers as incurred. For 2018, 2017 and 2016, these costs were $206,307, $190,999 and $180,270, respectively, and are included in selling, distribution and administration expenses.

Operating Leases

Hasbro records lease expense on a straight-line basis inclusive of rent concessions and increases. Reimbursements from lessors for leasehold improvements are deferred and recognized as a reduction to lease expense over the remaining lease term.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. ASU 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. The liability will be based on the present value of lease payments and the asset will be based on the liability. For income statement purposes, a dual model was retained requiring leases to be either classified as operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. Additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required. ASU 2016-02 is required for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 as originally issued required modified retrospective adoption. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provides an alternative transition method in addition to the existing method by allowing entities to apply ASU 2016-02 as of the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU-2016-02 on December 31, 2018 using the retrospective basis as provided in ASU 2018-11. No cumulative effect was recorded to the balance sheet. The Company also elected certain practical expedients as provided under the standard. These included (i) the election not to reassess whether contracts existing at the adoption date contain a lease under the new definition of a lease under the standard; (ii) the election not to reassess the lease classification for existing leases as of the adoption date; (iii) the election not to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the standard; (iv) the election to use hindsight in determining the relevant lease terms for use in the capitalization of the lease liability; and (v) the election to use hindsight in reviewing the right-of-use assets for impairment. For all leases, the terms are being evaluated, including extension and renewal options as well as the lease payments associated with the leases. The Company does not expect that its results of operations will be materially impacted by this standard. The adoption of this standard will not have an impact on the Company’s cash flows.

Income Taxes

Hasbro uses the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes are measured using rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company uses a two-step process for the measurement of uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is a determination of whether the tax position should be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The second step determines the measurement of the tax position. The Company records potential interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.

The Tax Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low Tax Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A Topic 740, No. 5 “Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income,” states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or to provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense only. We have elected to account for GILTI as a current period expense when incurred.

 

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Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and revenues, costs and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates during each reporting period. Net earnings include gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions and, when required, translation gains and losses resulting from the use of the U.S. dollar as the functional currency in highly inflationary economies. Other gains and losses resulting from translation of financial statements are a component of other comprehensive earnings (loss).

Pension Plans, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits

Pension expense and related amounts in the consolidated balance sheets are based on actuarial computations of current and future benefits. Actual results that differ from the actuarial assumptions are accumulated and, if outside a certain corridor, amortized over future periods and, therefore affect recognized expense in future periods. The corridor used for this purpose is equal to 10% of the greater of plan liabilities or market asset values, and future periods vary by plan, but generally equal the actuarially determined average expected future working lifetime of active plan participants. The Company’s policy is to fund amounts which are required by applicable regulations and which are tax deductible. The estimated amounts of future payments to be made under other retirement programs are being accrued currently over the period of active employment and are also included in pension expense. Hasbro has a contributory postretirement health and life insurance plan covering substantially all employees who retire under any of its United States defined benefit pension plans and meet certain age and length of service requirements. The cost of providing these benefits on behalf of employees who retired prior to 1993 has been substantially borne by the Company.

The cost of providing benefits on behalf of substantially all employees who retire after 1992 is borne by the employee. It also has several plans covering certain groups of employees, which may provide benefits to such employees following their period of employment but prior to their retirement. The Company measures the costs of these obligations based on actuarial computations.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 (ASU 2017-07), Compensation –Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. The standard requires companies to present the service cost component of net benefit cost in the income statement line items where they report compensation cost. Companies will present all other components of net benefit cost outside operating income, if this subtotal is presented. For public companies, this standard was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted this standard January 1, 2018 and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results or consolidated financial statements in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018.

In February 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a resolution to terminate the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan (“Plan”). The Company had frozen the Plan’s benefits effective at the end of December 2007. During 2018 the Company commenced the plan termination process and expects to complete the transfer of the Plan’s assets to a third-party administrator, which the Company expects to complete in the second quarter of 2019.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan for employees and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Under this plan the Company may grant stock options at or above the fair market value of the Company’s stock, as well as restricted stock, restricted stock units and contingent stock performance awards. All awards are measured at fair value at the date of the grant and amortized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. For awards contingent upon Company performance, the measurement of the expense for these awards is based on the Company’s current estimate of its performance over the performance period. For awards contingent upon the achievement of market conditions, the probability of satisfying the market condition is considered in the estimation of the grant date fair value. See note 14 for further discussion.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which amends ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. The ASU includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements including (1) a requirement to prospectively record all of the tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement (or expiration) through the income statement; (2) a requirement that all tax-related cash

 

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flows resulting from share-based payments be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows; (3) the removal of the requirement to withhold shares upon settlement of an award at the minimum statutory withholding requirement; (4) a requirement that all cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees’ behalf for withheld shares shall be presented as financing activities in the statements of cash flows; and (5) entities will be permitted to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards choosing either to estimate forfeitures as required today or recognize forfeitures as they occur. ASU 2016-09 was effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. The impact of the adoption included the following:

 

   

Prospectively, the requirement to record all of the tax effects related to share-based payments at settlement through the income statement. For the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, excess tax benefits of $10,757 and $32,116, respectively, were recorded to income tax expense.

 

   

Entities are permitted to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards choosing either to estimate forfeitures as previously required or recognize forfeitures as they occur. The Company elected to change its method of accounting for forfeitures from estimating the number of stock-based awards expected to vest, to accounting for forfeitures as they occur which resulted in a one-time charge, net of tax, of $700 to retained earnings recorded during the first quarter of 2017.

Risk Management Contracts

Hasbro uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency rate fluctuations on firmly committed and projected future foreign currency transactions. These over-the-counter contracts, which hedge future purchases of inventory and other cross-border currency requirements not denominated in the functional currency of the business unit, are primarily denominated in United States and Hong Kong dollars as well as Euros. All contracts are entered into with a number of counterparties, all of which are major financial institutions. The Company believes that a default by a counterparty would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company. Hasbro does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

At the inception of the contracts, Hasbro designates its derivatives as either cash flow or fair value hedges. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. All hedges designated as cash flow hedges are linked to forecasted transactions and the Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, the effectiveness of the derivatives used in hedging transactions in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction. The ineffective portion of a hedging derivative, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company records all derivatives, such as foreign currency exchange contracts, on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the derivative fair values that are designated as cash flow hedges and are effective are deferred and recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCE”) until the hedged transactions occur and are then recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s foreign currency contracts hedging anticipated cash flows are designated as cash flow hedges. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. Any gain or loss deferred through that date remains in AOCE until the forecasted transaction occurs, at which time it is reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations. To the extent the transaction is no longer deemed probable of occurring, hedge accounting treatment is discontinued and amounts deferred would be reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations. In the event hedge accounting requirements are not met, gains and losses on such instruments are included in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company uses derivatives to economically hedge intercompany loans denominated in foreign currencies. The Company does not use hedge accounting for these contracts as changes in the fair value of these contracts are substantially offset by changes in the fair value of the intercompany loans.

Prior to the issuance of certain long-term notes due 2021 and 2044, the Company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap contract to hedge the anticipated U.S. Treasury interest rates on the anticipated debt issuance. These instruments, which were designated and effective as hedges, were terminated on the date of the related debt issuance and the then fair value of these instruments was recorded to AOCE and amortized through the consolidated statements of operations using an effective interest rate method over the life of the related debt.

 

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Net Earnings Per Common Share

Basic net earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the year as well as awards that have not been issued but all contingencies have been met. Diluted net earnings per share is similar except that the weighted average number of shares outstanding is increased by dilutive securities, and net earnings are adjusted, if necessary, for certain amounts related to dilutive securities. Dilutive securities include shares issuable upon exercise of stock options for which the market price exceeds the exercise price, less shares which could have been purchased by the Company with the related proceeds. Dilutive securities also include shares issuable under restricted stock unit award agreements. Options and restricted stock unit awards totaling 1,077, 499 and 277 for 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because to include them would have been antidilutive.

A reconciliation of net earnings and average number of shares for each of the three fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

    2018      2017      2016  
    Basic      Diluted      Basic      Diluted      Basic      Diluted  

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc.

  $ 220,434        220,434        396,607        396,607        551,380        551,380  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average shares outstanding

    126,132        126,132        125,039        125,039        125,292        125,292  

Effect of dilutive securities:

                

Options and other share-based awards

           758               1,992               1,674  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equivalent shares

    126,132        126,890        125,039        127,031        125,292        126,966  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. per share

  $ 1.75        1.74        3.17        3.12        4.40        4.34  
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(2)    Revenue Recognition

In addition to the required disclosures below, please see further discussion of the Company revenue recognition policy in note 1.

As of December 30, 2018, the Company did not have any material future performance commitments for film streaming or television orders that have not yet been delivered.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

A contract asset is defined as an entity’s right to consideration for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer. A contract liability is defined to occur if the customer’s payment of consideration precedes the entity’s performance and represents the entity’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the entity has received consideration. The Company occasionally will require payment from customers for finished product in advance of the customer receiving control of the finished product. In these situations, the Company defers revenue on the advanced payment until the customer has control of the finished product, generally within the next month. Within our Entertainment and Licensing segment, the Company may receive royalty payments from licensees in advance of the licensees’ subsequent sales to their customers, or in advance of the Company’s performance obligation being satisfied. The Company defers revenues on these advanced payments until its performance obligation is satisfied. The aggregate deferred revenues are recorded as liabilities and were $50,759, and $7,549 as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and the changes in deferred revenues are not material to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company records contract assets in the case of minimum guarantees that are being recognized ratably over the term of the respective license periods. At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these contract assets were not material to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company’s accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are primarily from contracts with customers. In the year ended December 30, 2018, the Company recorded a bad debt charge of approximately $49,000 related to Toys“R”Us. In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a bad debt charge of approximately $18,000 related to Toys“R”Us. The Company had no other material bad debt expense in the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, or December 30, 2016.

 

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Disaggregation of revenues

The Company disaggregates its revenues from contracts with customers by segment: US and Canada, International, Entertainment and Licensing, and Global Operations. The Company further disaggregates revenues within its International segment by major geographic region: Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Finally, the Company disaggregates its revenues by brand portfolio into four brand categories: Franchise brands, Partner brands, Hasbro gaming, and Emerging brands. We believe these collectively depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. See note 21, for further information.

(3)    Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

Components of other comprehensive earnings (loss) are presented within the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. The following table presents the related tax effects on changes in other comprehensive earnings (loss) for each of the three fiscal years ended December 30, 2018.

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Other comprehensive earnings (loss), tax effect:

        

Tax benefit (expense) on unrealized holding gains

   $ 581        221        (94

Tax (expense) benefit on cash flow hedging activities

     (930      4,850        1,340  

Tax benefit (expense) on unrecognized pension and postretirement amounts

     6,085        (2,363      12,945  

Reclassifications to earnings, tax effect:

        

Tax expense (benefit) on cash flow hedging activities

     817        (4,881      4,098  

Tax benefit on amortization of unrecognized pension and postretirement amounts reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations

     (2,729      (3,482      (3,038
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total tax effect on other comprehensive earnings (loss)

   $ 3,824        (5,655      15,251  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax are as follows:

 

    Pension and
Postretirement
Amounts
    Gains
(Losses) on
Derivative
Instruments
    Unrealized
Holding
Gains on
Available
for-Sale
Securities
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Earnings (Loss)
 

2018

         

Balance at December 31, 2017

  $ (110,971     (32,827     1,034       (96,661     (239,425

Adoption of ASU 2018-02

    (18,065     (3,660     222             (21,503

Current period other comprehensive earnings (loss)

    (23,763     36,107       (2,000     (55,524     (45,180

Reclassifications from AOCE to earnings

    9,665       1,929                   11,594  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2018

  $ (143,134     1,549       (744     (152,185     (294,514
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2017

         

Balance at December 25, 2016

  $ (118,401     51,085       1,424       (128,678     (194,570

Current period other comprehensive earnings (loss)

    1,555       (90,302     (390     32,017       (57,120

Reclassifications from AOCE to earnings

    5,875       6,390                   12,265  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

  $ (110,971     (32,827     1,034       (96,661     (239,425
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2016

         

Balance at December 27, 2015

  $ (102,931     79,317       1,258       (123,645     (146,001

Current period other comprehensive earnings (loss)

    (20,829     25,748       166       (5,033     52  

Reclassifications from AOCE to earnings

    5,359       (53,980                 (48,621
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 25, 2016

  $ (118,401     51,085       1,424       (128,678     (194,570
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments

At December 30, 2018, the Company had remaining net deferred gains on foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax, of $20,861 in AOCE. These instruments hedge payments related to inventory purchased in the fourth quarter of 2018 or forecasted to be purchased from 2019 through 2022, intercompany expenses expected to be paid or received during 2019, television and movie production costs paid in 2018 or expected to be paid in 2019, and cash receipts for sales forecasted to be made in 2019 through 2021. These amounts will be reclassified into the consolidated statements of operations upon the sale of the related inventory or recognition of the related sales, royalties or expenses.

In addition to foreign currency forward contracts, the Company entered into hedging contracts on future interest payments related to the long-term notes due 2021 and 2044. At the date of debt issuance, these contracts were terminated and the fair value on the date of settlement was deferred in AOCE and is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the related notes using the effective interest rate method. At December 30, 2018, deferred losses, net of tax, of $19,313 related to these instruments remained in AOCE. For the year ended December 30, 2018, losses, net of tax of $1,394 related to these hedging instruments were reclassified from AOCE to net earnings. For each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, losses, net of tax of $1,170 and $1,148 related to these hedging instruments were reclassified from AOCE to net earnings.

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, net gains on cash flow hedging activities reclassified to earnings, net of tax, included (losses) gains of $(5,807), $(5,497) and $1,428, respectively, as a result of hedge ineffectiveness.

Of the net deferred gains included in AOCE at December 30, 2018, the Company expects approximately $15,218 to be reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations within the next 12 months. However, the amount ultimately realized in earnings is dependent on the fair value of the hedging instruments on the settlement dates.

See notes 15 and 17 for additional discussion on reclassifications from AOCE to earnings.

(4)    Property, Plant and Equipment

 

     2018      2017  

Land and improvements

   $ 3,243        3,350  

Buildings and improvements

     191,096        193,940  

Machinery, equipment and software

     446,628        405,209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     640,967        602,499  

Less accumulated depreciation

     462,710        422,052  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     178,257        180,447  

Tools, dies and molds, net of accumulated depreciation

     78,216        79,263  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 256,473        259,710  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Expenditures for maintenance and repairs which do not materially extend the life of the assets are charged to operations as incurred. In 2018, 2017 and 2016 the Company recorded $139,255, $143,018 and $119,707, respectively, of depreciation expense.

 

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(5)    Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment, for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

     U.S. and
Canada
     International      Entertainment
and Licensing
     Total  

2018

           

Balance at December 31, 2017

   $ 296,978        170,699        105,386        573,063  

Impairment during the period

                   (86,253      (86,253

Foreign exchange translation

            (338      (591      (929
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 30, 2018

   $ 296,978        170,361        18,542        485,881  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2017

           

Balance at December 25, 2016

   $ 296,978        169,833        103,744        570,555  

Foreign exchange translation

            866        1,642        2,508  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

   $ 296,978        170,699        105,386        573,063  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A portion of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets reside in the Corporate segment of the business. For purposes of the goodwill impairment testing, these assets are allocated to the reporting units within the Company’s operating segments.

The Company performs an annual impairment assessment on goodwill. This annual impairment assessment is performed in the fourth quarter of the Company’s fiscal year. In addition, if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, the Company will perform an interim impairment test at that time.

During the fourth quarter of 2018 the Company adopted (ASU 2017-04), Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The standard eliminates the requirement to measure the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all assets and liabilities within that unit (“the Step 2 test”) from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited by the amount of goodwill in that reporting unit.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company took a number of actions to react to a rapidly changing mobile gaming industry that resulted in a modification to the Company’s long-term plan for its Backflip business. These modifications included organizational actions and related personnel changes, the extension of launch dates for game currently in or planned for development and the addition of partners for the development of future games releases. The modifications resulted in changes to the long-term projections for the Backflip business. The goodwill impairment analysis involved comparing the Backflip carrying value to its estimated fair value, which was calculated based on the Income Approach. Discounted cash flows serve as the primary basis for the Income Approach. The Company utilized forecasted cash flows for the Backflip reporting unit that included assumptions including but not limited to: expected revenues to be realized based on planned future mobile game releases, expected EBITDA margins derived in part based on expected future royalty costs, advertising and marketing costs, development costs, overhead costs, and expected future tax rates. The cash flows beyond the forecast period were estimated using a terminal value growth rate of 3%. To calculate the fair value of the future cash flows under the Income Approach, a discount rate of 19% was utilized, representing the reporting unit’s estimated weighted-average cost of capital. Based on the results of the impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Backflip reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value. Based on this assessment, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $86,253 in the fourth quarter of 2018, in the Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment, which was the full amount of remaining goodwill associated with the Backflip reporting unit.

During the fourth quarter of 2016 in conjunction with the Company’s annual review for impairment, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $32,858 after completing its evaluation of the Backflip reporting unit. The Company’s 2016 evaluation was dependent in large part on the performance of related product launches that took place during the fourth quarter of 2016 in addition to revised expectations regarding the timing of future product launches at that time.

 

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Based on its qualitative assessment of goodwill for all reporting units with the exception of Backflip, the company concluded there was no other impairment of goodwill during 2018 or 2016. The Company completed its annual impairment tests of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2017 and concluded that there was no impairment of its goodwill.

Other Intangibles, Net

A summary of the Company’s other intangibles, net at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

     2018      2017  

Acquired product rights

   $ 1,309,344        789,940  

Licensed rights of entertainment properties

     30,501        256,555  

Accumulated amortization

     (721,741      (904,851
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortizable intangible assets

     618,104        141,644  

Product rights with indefinite lives

     75,738        75,738  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other intangibles, net

   $ 693,842        217,382  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certain intangible assets relating to rights obtained in the Company’s acquisition of Milton Bradley in 1984 and Tonka in 1991 are not amortized. These rights were determined to have indefinite lives and are included as product rights with indefinite lives in the table above. The Company tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of each year or when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company completed its annual impairment tests of indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2018, 2017, and 2016 concluding that there was no impairment of these assets. The Company’s other intangible assets are amortized over their remaining useful lives, and accumulated amortization of these other intangibles is reflected in other intangibles, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Intangible assets are reviewed for indications of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company reviewed intangible assets recorded in connection with licensed property rights and owned technology. Due to a decline in revenue and revised projections for future revenue, it was determined that the intangible asset carrying values exceeded expected future cash flows, indicating that the intangible assets were impaired. The Company calculated the fair value of the intangible assets based on a discounted cash flow, which resulted in a charge of $31,303 million recorded within administrative expense and in the Company’s Corporate and Eliminations segment.

Other than the intangible assets discussed above, no other indications of impairment existed. The Company will continue to incur amortization expense related to the use of acquired and licensed rights to produce various products. A portion of the amortization of these product rights will fluctuate depending on brand activation, related revenues during an annual period and future expectations, as well as rights reaching the end of their useful lives. The Company currently estimates amortization expense related to the above intangible assets for the next five years to be approximately:

 

2019

   $ 47,000  

2020

     49,000  

2021

     36,000  

2022

     36,000  

2023

     27,000  

(6)    Equity Method Investment

The Company owns an interest in a joint venture, Discovery Family Channel (the “Network”), with Discovery Communications, Inc. (“Discovery”). The Company has determined that it does not meet the control requirements to consolidate the Network and accounts for the investment using the equity method of accounting. The Network was established to create a cable television network in the United States dedicated to high-quality children’s and family entertainment. In October 2009, the Company purchased an initial 50% share in the Network for a payment of $300,000 and certain future tax payments based on the value of certain tax benefits expected to be received by the Company. On September 23, 2014, the Company and Discovery amended their relationship with respect to the Network and Discovery increased its equity interest in the Network to 60% while the Company retained a 40% equity interest in the Network.

 

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In connection with the amendment, the Company and Discovery entered into an option agreement related to the Company’s remaining 40% ownership in the Network, exercisable during the one-year period following December 31, 2021. The exercise price of the option agreement is based upon 80% of the then fair market value of the Network, subject to a fair market value floor. At December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, the fair market value of this option was $23,440 and $23,980, respectively and was included as a component of other liabilities. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded (gains) losses of $(540), $(4,790) and $410 in other (income) expense, net relating to the change in fair value of this option.

The Company also has a related liability due to Discovery under the existing tax sharing agreement. The balance of the associated liability, including imputed interest, was $25,289 and $30,043 at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and is included as a component of other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized a gain of $19,911 in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to a reduction of this liability due to the reduction of the future payments under the agreement as a result of U.S. tax reform passed in December 2017. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company made payments under the tax sharing agreement to Discovery of $7,087, $6,785 and $6,520, respectively.

The Company has a license agreement with the Network that requires the payment of royalties by the Company to the Network based on a percentage of revenue derived from products related to television shows broadcast by the joint venture. The license includes a minimum royalty guarantee of $125,000, which was paid in five annual installments of $25,000 per year, commencing in 2009, which can be earned out over approximately a 12-year period. As of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had $41,041 and $55,072, respectively, of prepaid royalties related to this agreement, $13,216 and $15,958, respectively, of which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $27,825 and $39,114, respectively, of which are included in other assets. The Company and the Network are also parties to an agreement under which the Company will provide the Network with an exclusive first look in the U.S. to license certain types of programming developed by the Company based on its intellectual property. In the event the Network licenses the programming from the Company to air, it is required to pay the Company a license fee.

As of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the Company’s investment in the Network totaled $236,934 and $237,996, respectively. The Company’s share in the earnings of the Network for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016 totaled $21,145, $23,270 and $23,764, respectively and is included as a component of other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also enters into certain other transactions with the Network including the licensing of television programming and the purchase of advertising. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, these transactions were not material.

(7)    Program Production Costs

Program production costs are included in other assets and consist of the following at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

     2018      2017  

Television programming

     

Released, less amortization

   $ 30,800        40,386  

In production

     42,768        31,596  

Pre-production

     489        326  

Theatrical programming

     

Released, less amortization

     71,339        16,027  

In production

     9,503         

Pre-production

     2,452        4,526  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total program production costs

   $ 157,351        92,861  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on management’s total revenue estimates at December 30, 2018, $42,389 of $102,139 unamortized programming costs relating to released productions are expected to be amortized during fiscal 2019. Based on current estimates, the Company expects to amortize all of the programming costs relating to released productions during the next four years.

(8)    Financing Arrangements

At December 30, 2018, Hasbro had available an unsecured committed line and unsecured uncommitted lines of credit from various banks approximating $1,100,000 and $148,000, respectively. Substantially all of the short-term

 

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borrowings outstanding at the end of 2018 and 2017 represent borrowings made under, or supported by, these lines of credit. Borrowings under the lines of credit were made by certain international affiliates of the Company on terms and at interest rates generally extended to companies of comparable creditworthiness in those markets. The weighted average interest rates of the outstanding borrowings under the uncommitted lines of credit as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were 3.92% and 4.32%, respectively. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under its committed line of credit at December 30, 2018. During 2018, Hasbro’s working capital needs were fulfilled by cash available and cash generated from operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement with the lenders party thereto (the “Amended Agreement”) which provides the Company with a $1,100,000 committed borrowing facility. The Amended Agreement contains certain financial covenants setting forth leverage and coverage requirements, and certain other limitations typical of an investment grade facility, including with respect to liens, mergers and incurrence of indebtedness. The Amended Agreement also provides for a potential additional incremental commitment increase of up to $500,000. The Amended Agreement extends the term of our prior facility from March 30, 2020 to November 26, 2023. The Amended Agreement contains certain financial covenants setting forth leverage and coverage requirements, and certain other limitations typical of an investment grade facility, including with respect to liens, mergers and incurrence of indebtedness. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of and for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018.

The Company pays a commitment fee (0.10% as of December 30, 2018) based on the unused portion of the facility and interest equal to a Base Rate or Eurocurrency Rate plus a spread on borrowings under the facility. The Base Rate is determined based on either the Federal Funds Rate plus a spread, Prime Rate or Eurocurrency Rate plus a spread. The commitment fee and the amount of the spread to the Base Rate or Eurocurrency Rate both vary based on the Company’s long-term debt ratings and the Company’s leverage. At December 30, 2018, the interest rate under the facility was equal to Eurocurrency Rate plus 1.125%.

The Company has an agreement with a group of banks providing a commercial paper program (the “Program”). Under the Program, at the Company’s request the banks may either purchase from the Company, or arrange for the sale by the Company of, unsecured commercial paper notes. Borrowings under the Program are supported by the aforementioned unsecured committed line of credit and the Company may issue notes from time to time up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any given time of $1,000,000. The maturities of the notes may vary but may not exceed 397 days. Subject to market conditions, the notes will be sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and will be issued at a discount to par, or alternatively, will be sold at par and will bear varying interest rates based on a fixed or floating rate basis. The interest rates will vary based on market conditions and the ratings assigned to the notes by the credit rating agencies at the time of issuance. At December 30, 2018, the Company did not have any notes outstanding under the Program. At December 31, 2017, the Company had notes outstanding under the Program of $137,500 with a weighted average interest rate of 1.85%.

(9)    Accrued Liabilities

Components of accrued liabilities for the fiscal years ended on December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

     2018      2017  

Royalties

   $ 151,852        148,858  

Advertising

     68,811        75,483  

Payroll and management incentives

     46,472        79,976  

Dividends

     79,461        70,936  

Severance

     76,920        10,952  

Deferred payment on Power Rangers Acquisition

     100,000         

Other Taxes

     75,973        57,155  

Other

     331,574        304,904  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities

   $ 931,063        748,264  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(10)    Long-Term Debt

Components of long-term debt for the fiscal years ended on December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

     2018      2017  
     Carrying
Cost
     Fair Value      Carrying
Cost
     Fair Value  

6.35% Notes Due 2040

   $ 500,000        535,000        500,000        601,800  

3.50% Notes Due 2027

     500,000        457,350        500,000        488,300  

5.10% Notes Due 2044

     300,000        272,640        300,000        313,320  

3.15% Notes Due 2021

     300,000        297,600        300,000        302,640  

6.60% Debentures Due 2028

     109,895        123,346        109,895        131,390  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     1,709,895        1,685,936        1,709,895        1,837,450  

Less: Deferred debt expenses

     14,803               16,286         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   $ 1,695,092        1,685,936        1,693,609        1,837,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In September 2017, the Company issued $500,000 of Notes due in 2027 that bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.50% (the “3.50% Notes”). Net proceeds from the issuance of the 3.50% Notes, after deduction of $6,122 of underwriting discount and debt issuance expenses, totaled $493,878. These costs are being amortized over the life of the 3.50% Notes, or 10 years. The Company may redeem the 3.50% Notes at its option at the greater of the principal amount of the Notes or the present value of the remaining scheduled payments discounted using the effective interest rate on applicable U.S. Treasury bills at the time of repurchase, plus 25 basis points. In addition, three months prior to their maturity date, the Company may redeem at its option the 3.50% Notes, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 3.50% Notes to be redeemed.

The proceeds from this debt issuance were used to repay the $350,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.30% Notes that matured during the third quarter of 2017. The Company used the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

The Company may redeem the Notes due in 2021 and 2044 at its option at the greater of the principal amount of the Notes or the present value of the remaining scheduled payments discounted using the effective interest rate on applicable U.S. Treasury bills at the time of repurchase. Prior to the issuance of these Notes, the Company held forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to hedge the variability in the anticipated underlying U.S. Treasury interest rate associated with the expected issuance of the Notes. At the date of issuance, these contracts were terminated and the Company paid $33,306, the fair value of the contracts on that date, to settle. Of this amount, $6,373 related to 3.15% Notes Due 2021 and $26,933 related to 5.10% Notes Due 2044, which have been deferred in AOCE and are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective notes using the effective interest rate method.

The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt are considered Level 3 fair values (see note 13 for further discussion of the fair value hierarchy) and are measured using the discounted future cash flows method. In addition to the debt terms, the valuation methodology includes an assumption of a discount rate that approximates the current yield on a similar debt security. This assumption is considered an unobservable input in that it reflects the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company believes that this is the best information available for use in the fair value measurement.

The Company’s 3.15% Notes mature in 2021. All of the Company’s other long-term borrowings have contractual maturities that occur subsequent to 2023. The aggregate principal amount of long-term debt maturing in the next five years is $300,000.

(11)    Income Taxes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) enacted on December 22, 2017 introduced significant changes to U.S. income tax law. Effective 2018, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% and created new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings and certain related-party payments.

In accordance with the Tax Act, the Company recorded a provisional tax expense of $316,423 in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. The total expense included $271,605 for the

 

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deemed repatriation tax and $44,818 of expense primarily due to the remeasurement of deferred taxes associated with the corporate rate reduction. The Company expected to utilize $90,300 of existing tax credits to reduce the $271,605 U.S. federal tax liability due to the deemed repatriation tax, which resulted in $181,305 to be paid over eight years. This liability was included as a component of other liabilities as of December 31, 2017. Additionally, Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118 was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when the registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. December 22, 2018 marked the end of the measurement period for purposes of SAB 118. As such, the Company has completed its analysis based on legislative updates relating to the Tax Act currently available which resulted in an additional SAB 118 tax expense of $40,650, primarily related to adjustments to the transition tax in the year ended December 30, 2018.

The components of earnings before income taxes, determined by tax jurisdiction, are as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

United States

   $ 6,293        168,370        146,013  

International

     264,109        617,780        546,476  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total earnings before income taxes

   $ 270,402        786,150        692,489  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income taxes attributable to earnings before income taxes are:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Current

        

United States

   $ 12,805        202,374        78,958  

State and local

     5,644        2,926        3,208  

International

     42,613        72,138        77,834  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     61,062        277,438        160,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred

        

United States

     (4,937      105,174        11,989  

State and local

     (471      1,658        411  

International

     (5,686      5,273        (13,062
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (11,094      112,105        (662
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total income taxes

   $ 49,968        389,543        159,338  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the statutory United States federal income tax rate to Hasbro’s effective income tax rate is as follows:

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Statutory income tax rate

     21.0     35.0     35.0

State and local income taxes, net

     1.5       0.3       0.3  

Tax on international earnings

     (11.4     (23.0     (15.8

Change in unrecognized tax benefits

     (7.9     1.0       1.7  

Share-based compensation

     (4.0     (4.1      

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

     15.0       39.4        

Research and development tax credits

     (1.9     (0.5     (0.4

Non-deductible goodwill impairment

     2.0              

Other, net

     4.2       1.5       2.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     18.5     49.6     23.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.

The components of deferred income tax expense (benefit) arise from various temporary differences and relate to items included in the consolidated statements of operations as well as items recognized in other comprehensive

 

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earnings. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are:

 

     2018      2017  

Deferred tax assets:

     

Accounts receivable

   $ 29,094        31,424  

Inventories

     11,958        11,198  

Loss and credit carryforwards

     105,915        36,821  

Operating expenses

     21,213        20,424  

Pension

     11,543        8,372  

Other compensation

     35,418        37,718  

Postretirement benefits

     7,894        8,497  

Interest rate hedge

     5,607        6,012  

Tax sharing agreement

     4,015        5,514  

Other

     9,077        11,721  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

     241,734        177,701  

Valuation allowance

     (36,311      (32,851
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

     205,423        144,850  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

     

Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets

     12,258        29,226  

Equity method investment

     15,113        12,829  

Other

     9,885        11,018  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     37,256        53,073  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred income taxes

   $ 168,167        91,777  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.

The most significant amount of the carryforward relates to tax attributes that will be used to offset the 2017 transition tax.

At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s net deferred income taxes are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

     2018      2017  

Other assets

     174,077        97,870  

Other liabilities

     (5,910      (6,093
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred income taxes

   $ 168,167        91,777  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company has a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets at December 30, 2018 of $36,311, which is an increase of $3,460 from $32,851 at December 31, 2017. The valuation allowance pertains to certain U.S. state and international loss and credit carryforwards, some of which have no expiration and others that would expire beginning in 2019.

We previously considered the earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, recorded no deferred income taxes. The Tax Act eliminates the deferral of U.S. income tax on these foreign earnings by imposing a transition tax which is a one-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax. As a result we now intend to repatriate substantially all of our accumulated foreign earnings. The Company still has significant cash needs outside the United States and continues to consistently monitor and analyze its global working capital and cash requirements. However, tax reform gives more companies flexibility to manage cash globally. We have recorded $494 of US state income taxes as part of the provisional repatriation tax amount, which will be incurred due to certain future cash distributions. The Company has not finalized the timing of any actual cash distributions or the specific amounts and therefore we could still be subject to some additional foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state taxes. We will record these additional tax effects, if any, in the period that we complete our analysis and are able to make a reasonable estimate.

 

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A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding potential interest and penalties, for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 25, 2016 is as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 84,244        80,388        63,549  

Gross increases in prior period tax positions

     4,449        2,518        2,727  

Gross decreases in prior period tax positions

     (55,752      (28,653      (3,103

Gross increases in current period tax positions

     16,987        34,056        34,155  

Decreases related to settlements with tax authorities

     (1,102      (1,375      (11,662

Decreases from the expiration of statute of limitations

     (2,752      (2,690      (5,278
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 46,074        84,244        80,388  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, were $46,074, $84,244, and $80,388, respectively. If recognized, these tax benefits would have affected our income tax provision for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, by approximately $45,000, $77,000, and $70,000, respectively.

During 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company recognized $3,101, $2,431, and $2,135, respectively, of potential interest and penalties, which are included as a component of income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. At December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 25, 2016, the Company had accrued potential interest and penalties of $4,200, $5,157, and $3,966, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and various state and international jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is regularly audited by U.S. federal, state and local and international tax authorities in various tax jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years before 2013. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. state or local and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major jurisdictions for years before 2012.

The Company believes it is reasonably possible that a decrease of approximately $15,700 in gross unrecognized tax benefits may be necessary within the coming year as a result of expected tax return settlements and lapse of statute of limitations.

(12)    Capital Stock

In May 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchases of up to $500,000 in common stock. Purchases of the Company’s common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions, and may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares under the authorization and the time, actual number, and the value of the shares which are repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the price of the Company’s common stock. In 2018, the Company repurchased 2,655 shares at an average price of $94.15. The total cost of these repurchases, including transaction costs, was $250,054. At December 30, 2018, $427,966 remained under the current authorizations.

(13)    Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company measures certain assets at fair value in accordance with current accounting standards. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels: Level 1 fair values are valuations based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access; Level 2 fair values are those valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and Level 3 fair values are valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There have been no transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy.

Current accounting standards permit entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and establish presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. The Company has elected the fair value option for certain investments using net asset value per share. At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, these investments totaled $23,913 and $24,436, respectively, and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded net (losses) gains of $(180), $1,500 and $1,010 on these investments in other (income) expense, net for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively, relating to the change in fair value of such investments

 

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At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had the following assets and liabilities measured at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets (excluding assets for which the fair value is measured using net asset value per share):

 

     Fair
Value
     Fair Value Measurements Using  
     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

December 30, 2018

     

Assets:

     

Available-for-sale securities

   $ 914        914                

Derivatives

     26,076               26,076         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 26,990        914        26,076         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Derivatives

   $ 1,610               1,610         

Option agreement

     23,440                      23,440  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 25,050               1,610        23,440  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

           

Assets:

           

Available-for-sale securities

   $ 3,126        3,126                

Derivatives

     12,226               12,226         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 15,352        3,126        12,226         
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Derivatives

   $ 23,051               23,051         

Option agreement

     23,980                      23,980  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 47,031               23,051        23,980  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities include equity securities of one company quoted on an active public market. The Company’s derivatives consist of foreign currency forward contracts. The Company used current forward rates of the respective foreign currencies to measure the fair value of these contracts. The option agreement included in other liabilities at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is valued using an option pricing model based on the fair value of the related investment. Inputs used in the option pricing model include volatility and fair value of the underlying company which are considered unobservable inputs as they reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company believes that this is the best information available for use in the fair value measurement. There were no changes in these valuation techniques during 2018.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements of the Company’s financial instruments which use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

     2018      2017  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ (23,980      (28,770

Net gains from change in fair value

     540        4,790  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ (23,440      (23,980
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In addition to the above, the Company has three investments for which the fair value is measured using net asset value per share. At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 these investments had fair values of $23,913 and $24,436, respectively. Two of the investments have net asset values that are predominantly based on

 

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underlying investments which are traded on an active market and are redeemable within 45 days. The third investment invests in hedge funds which are generally redeemable on a quarterly basis with 30 – 90 days’ notice.

(14)    Stock Options, Other Stock Awards and Warrants

The Company has reserved 8,495 shares of its common stock for issuance upon exercise of options and other awards granted or to be granted under stock incentive plans for employees and for non-employee members of the Board of Directors (collectively, the “plans”). These awards generally vest and are expensed in equal annual amounts over three to five years. The plans provide that options be granted at exercise prices not less than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date the option is granted and options and share awards are adjusted for such changes as stock splits and stock dividends. Options are exercisable for periods of no more than seven years after date of grant. Upon exercise in the case of stock options, grant in the case of restricted stock or vesting in the case of performance based contingent stock and restricted stock unit grants, shares are issued out of available treasury shares. The Company’s current plan permits the granting of awards in the form of stock, stock appreciation rights, stock awards and cash awards in addition to stock options.

Total compensation expense related to stock options, restricted stock units, including those awards made to non-employee members of its Board of Directors, and stock performance awards for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016 was $27,892, $56,032 and $61,624, respectively, and was recorded as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Cost of sales

   $               200  

Product development

     3,466        3,312        3,248  

Selling, distribution and administration

     24,426        52,720        58,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     27,892        56,032        61,624  

Income tax benefit

     2,832        9,574        20,298  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 25,060        46,458        41,326  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table represents total stock compensation expense by award type related to stock performance awards, restricted stock units, stock options and awards made to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors, for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Stock performance awards

   $ 842        27,522        34,248  

Restricted stock units

     17,897        20,573        19,908  

Stock options

     7,393        6,342        5,838  

Non-employee awards

     1,760        1,595        1,630  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     27,892        56,032        61,624  

Income tax benefit

     2,832        9,574        20,298  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 25,060        46,458        41,326  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stock Performance Awards

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, as part of its annual equity grant to executive officers and certain other employees, the Company issued contingent stock performance awards (the “Stock Performance Awards”). These 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 operating performance targets over the three fiscal years ended December 2020, December 2019, and December 2018 for the 2018, 2017 and 2016 awards, respectively. 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 diluted earnings per share and revenue targets. For certain employees, the Stock Performance Awards also include an additional return on invested capital target in addition to the diluted earnings per share and revenue targets. The ultimate amount of the award may vary from 0% to 200% of the target number of shares, depending on the cumulative results achieved.

 

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Information with respect to Stock Performance Awards for 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Outstanding at beginning of year

     900        1,074        992  

Granted

     250        428        529  

Forfeited

     (49      (28      (23

Vested

     (468      (574      (424
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

     633        900        1,074  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average grant-date fair value:

        

Granted

   $ 88.18        99.58        74.69  

Forfeited

   $ 86.27        74.86        61.86  

Vested

   $ 61.86        52.21        47.21  

Outstanding at end of year

   $ 86.58        77.27        62.19  

Shares granted in 2018 include 14 shares related to the 2016 award, reflecting increases in the ultimate amount of shares to be issued based on the Company’s cumulative results achieved during the performance period. These shares are excluded from the calculation of the weighted average grant-date fair value of Stock Performance awards granted in 2018. Similarly, shares granted in 2017 included 227 additional shares related to the 2015 award, and shares granted in 2016 included 276 additional shares related to the 2014 award. These shares were excluded from the calculation of the weighted average grant-date fair value of Stock Performance awards granted in 2017 and 2016.

During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $842, $27,522 and $34,248, respectively, of expense relating to Stock Performance Awards. Awards are valued at the market value of the underlying common stock at the dates of grant and are expensed over the performance period. On a periodic basis, the Company reviews the actual and forecasted performance of the Company against the stated targets for each award. The total expense is adjusted upward or downward based on the expected amount of shares to be issued as defined in the respective stock performance award agreement. If minimum targets as detailed under the award are not met, no additional compensation expense will be recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed. During 2018, it was determined that it was no longer probable that targets would be met for certain Stock Performance Awards and, as a result, a portion of the previously recognized expense related to those awards was reversed. At December 30, 2018, the amount of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these awards is approximately $15,516 and the weighted average period over which this will be expensed is 23 months.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company, as part of its annual equity grant to executive officers and certain other employees, issues restricted stock or grants restricted stock units. These shares or units are nontransferable and subject to forfeiture for periods prescribed by the Company. These awards are valued at the market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant and are subsequently amortized over the periods during which the restrictions lapse, generally three years. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized compensation expense, net of forfeitures, on these awards of $17,897, $20,573 and $19,908, respectively. At December 30, 2018, the amount of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units is $25,152 and the weighted average period over which this will be expensed is 23 months.

In October 2012, as part of an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, (the “Agreement”), the Company’s Chief Executive Officer was awarded 587 shares to be granted in two tranches across 2013 and 2014, which were expensed from 2013 through 2017. These awards provided the recipient with the ability to earn shares of the Company’s common stock based on the Company’s achievement of four stated stock price hurdles and continued employment through December 31, 2017. In August 2014, the Agreement was further amended to include additional requirements. Specifically, if the third and fourth stock price hurdles were achieved, the number of shares ultimately issued was dependent on the average stock price for the thirty day period immediately prior to December 31, 2017. This amendment did not result in any incremental fair value to the award which was used to record compensation expense for the award. At December 31, 2017, all requirements of the Agreement were met and 587 shares were issued.

 

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Excluding the aforementioned award for 587 shares, information with respect to the remaining Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units for 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Outstanding at beginning of year

     636        795        955  

Granted

     257        203        245  

Forfeited

     (40      (41      (41

Vested

     (419      (321      (364
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

     434        636        795  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average grant-date fair value:

        

Granted

   $ 97.45        98.88        75.23  

Forfeited

   $ 93.45        68.01        59.37  

Vested

   $ 67.34        57.58        43.89  

Outstanding at end of year

   $ 94.22        75.13        61.65  

Stock Options

Information with respect to stock options for each of the three fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Outstanding at beginning of year

     2,579        2,768        3,445  

Granted

     538        458        492  

Exercised

     (736      (597      (1,143

Expired or forfeited

     (71      (50      (26
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

     2,310        2,579        2,768  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of year

     1,391        1,661        1,708  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average exercise price:

        

Granted

   $ 98.10        98.80        74.42  

Exercised

   $ 45.64        49.31        41.75  

Expired or forfeited

   $ 93.81        57.33        56.43  

Outstanding at end of year

   $ 74.78        62.12        53.21  

Exercisable at end of year

   $ 61.59        50.02        45.50  

With respect to the 2,310 outstanding options and 1,391 options exercisable at December 30, 2018, the weighted average remaining contractual life of these options was 3.90 years and 2.81 years, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding and exercisable at December 30, 2018 was $30,574 and $29,652, respectively. Substantially all unvested outstanding options are expected to vest.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of stock options. The expected life of the options used in this calculation is the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding and has been determined based on historical exercise experience. The weighted average fair value of options granted in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $19.26, $18.25 and $13.01, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in the fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016:

 

     2018     2017     2016  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.57     1.85     1.16

Expected dividend yield

     2.57     2.31     2.74

Expected volatility

     27     24     26

Expected option life

     4 years       5 years       5 years  

The intrinsic values, which represent the difference between the fair market value on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option, of the options exercised in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $38,909, $31,406 and $47,992, respectively.

 

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At December 30, 2018, the amount of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was $10,096 and the weighted average period over which this will be expensed is 22 months.

Non-Employee Awards

In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted 20, 16 and 23 shares of common stock, respectively, to its non-employee members of its Board of Directors. Of these shares, the receipt of 11 shares from the 2018 grant, 10 shares from the 2017 grant and 16 shares from the 2016 grant has been deferred to the date upon which the respective director ceases to be a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. These awards were valued at the market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant and vested upon grant. In connection with these grants, compensation cost of $1,760 was recorded in selling, distribution and administration expense in the year ended December 30, 2018, $1,595 in the year ended December 31, 2017 and $1,630 in the year ended December 25, 2016.

(15)    Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company recognizes an asset or liability for each of its defined benefit pension plans equal to the difference between the projected benefit obligation of the plan and the fair value of the plan’s assets. Actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs that have not yet been included in income are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets in AOCE. Prior to 2018, reclassifications to earnings from AOCE related to pension and postretirement plans are recorded to selling, distribution and administration expense. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 (see Note 1) in 2018, reclassifications to earnings from AOCE related to pension and postretirement plans were recorded to other (income) expense in 2018.

Expenses related to the Company’s defined benefit pension and defined contribution plans for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were approximately $41,900, $45,900 and $45,200, respectively. Of these amounts, $32,300, $36,000 and $33,300, respectively, related to defined contribution plans in the United States and certain international subsidiaries. The remainder of the expense relates to defined benefit pension plans discussed below.

United States Plans

Prior to 2008, substantially all United States employees were covered under at least one of several non-contributory defined benefit pension plans maintained by the Company. Benefits under the two major plans which principally covered non-union employees, were based primarily on salary and years of service. One of these major plans is funded. Benefits under the remaining plans are based primarily on fixed amounts for specified years of service. In 2007, for the two major plans covering its non-union employees, the Company froze benefits being accrued effective at the end of December 2007. Following the August 2015 sale of its manufacturing facility in East Longmeadow, MA, the Company elected to freeze benefits related to its major plan covering union employees. Effective January 1, 2016, the plan covering union employees merged with and into the Hasbro Inc. Pension Plan, and ceased to exist as a separate plan on that date.

In February 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved a resolution to terminate the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan (“Plan”). During the first quarter of 2018 the Company commenced the plan termination process and expects to complete the transfer of the Plan’s assets to a third-party administrator in the second quarter of 2019.

In connection with the decision to terminate the Plan, the Company remeasured the projected benefit obligation in the first quarter of 2018 based on the expected Plan termination costs. This remeasurement utilized a discount rate of 3.2% compared to the discount rate of 3.7% utilized in the December 31, 2017 measurement and resulted in an increase in the projected benefit obligation of $35,192 with offsetting amounts recorded to accumulated other comprehensive losses and deferred taxes. Upon settlement of the pension liability, the Company will reclassify the related pension losses, currently recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss, to the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 30, 2018, the Company had unrecognized losses related to the Plan of $142,439. The Company will recognize this loss upon termination of the Plan, adjusted for year-end remeasurement, as well as the total required payout to plan participants which will be determined based on employee elections and market conditions present at the time of termination.

At December 30, 2018, the measurement date, the projected benefit obligations of the funded plans were in excess of the fair value of the plans’ assets in the amount of $6,423 while the unfunded plans of the Company had an aggregate accumulated and projected benefit obligation of $32,072. At December 31, 2017 the fair value of the

 

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funded plans’ assets were in excess of the projected benefit obligations in the amount of $25,603 while the unfunded plans of the Company had an aggregate accumulated and projected benefit obligation of $35,981.

Hasbro also provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible employees who retire and have either attained age 65 with 5 years of service or age 55 with 10 years of service. The cost of providing these benefits on behalf of employees who retired prior to 1993 has been substantially borne by the Company. The cost of providing benefits on behalf of substantially all employees who retire after 1992 is borne by the employee. The plan is not funded.

Reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances for the projected benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status are included below for the years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

     Pension     Postretirement  
     2018     2017     2018     2017  

Change in Projected Benefit Obligation

        

Projected benefit obligation — beginning

   $ 393,367       372,824       32,153       28,484  

Service cost

     1,300       1,290       756       691  

Interest cost

     13,358       15,303       1,171       1,179  

Amendment

     (78                  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     13,010       27,670       (2,339     3,432  

Benefits paid

     (22,718     (22,579     (1,660     (1,633

Expenses paid

     (2,521     (1,141            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation — ending

   $ 395,718       393,367       30,081       32,153  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation — ending

   $ 395,718       393,367       30,081       32,153  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Plan Assets

        

Fair value of plan assets — beginning

   $ 382,989       309,380              

Actual return on plan assets

     (3,328     44,562              

Employer contribution

     2,802       52,767              

Benefits paid

     (22,718     (22,579            

Expenses paid

     (2,521     (1,141            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets — ending

   $ 357,224       382,989              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Funded Status

        

Projected benefit obligation

   $ (395,718     (393,367     (30,081     (32,153

Fair value of plan assets

     357,224       382,989              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status

     (38,494     (10,378     (30,081     (32,153

Unrecognized net loss

     155,829       132,088       3,350       5,853  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

   $ 117,335       121,710       (26,731     (26,300
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

   $ (8,946     (2,448     (1,607     (1,630

Other liabilities

     (29,548     (7,930     (28,474     (30,523

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss)

     155,829       132,088       3,350       5,853  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount

   $ 117,335       121,710       (26,731     (26,300
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In fiscal 2019, the Company expects amortization of unrecognized net losses related to its defined benefit pension plans and post retirement plan of $12,116 and $21, respectively, to be included as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

 

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Assumptions used to determine the year-end pension and postretirement benefit obligations are as follows:

 

     2018     2017  

Pension

    

Weighted average discount rate

     3.72     3.71

Mortality table

    
RP-2014/Scale
BB
 
 
   
RP-2014/Scale
BB
 
 

Postretirement

    

Discount rate

     4.33     3.74

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

     6.50     6.50

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline
(ultimate trend rate)

     5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend

     2024       2024  

Hasbro’s pension plan assets (the “Plan Assets”) are intended to provide retirement benefits to participants in accordance with the benefit structure established by Hasbro, Inc. The Plan Asset investment managers, who exercise full investment discretion within guidelines outlined in the Plan Asset Investment Policy, are charged with managing the assets with the care, skill, prudence and diligence that a prudent investment professional in similar circumstance would exercise. Investment practices, at a minimum, must comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and any other applicable laws and regulations.

The Plan Asset’s allocations are structured to meet a long-term targeted total return consistent with the ongoing nature of the pension plan liabilities. The shared long-term total return goal, presently 4.75%, includes income plus realized and unrealized gains and/or losses on the Plan’s assets. Utilizing generally accepted diversification techniques, the Plan Assets, in aggregate and at the individual portfolio level, are invested so that the total portfolio risk exposure and risk-adjusted returns best meet the pension plan long-term obligations to employees. The Company’s asset allocation has included alternative investment strategies designed to achieve a modest absolute return in addition to the return on an underlying asset class such as bond or equity indices. These alternative investment strategies used derivatives to gain market returns in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives were not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying assets. The Plan’s Assets were not involved in these alternative investment strategies at December 30, 2018. Investments in these alternative strategies were included in other equity, total return fund and fixed income asset categories at December 31, 2017. Plan asset allocations are reviewed at least quarterly and rebalanced to achieve target allocation among the asset categories when necessary.

The Plan Assets’ investment managers are provided specific guidelines under which they are to invest the assets assigned to them. In general, investment managers are expected to remain fully invested in their asset class with further limitations of risk as related to investments in a single security, portfolio turnover and credit quality.

With the exception of the alternative investment strategies mentioned above, the Plan’s Investment Policy restricts the use of derivatives associated with leverage or speculation. In addition, the Investment Policy also restricts investments in securities issued by Hasbro, Inc. except through index-related strategies (e.g. an S&P 500 Index Fund) and/or commingled funds. In addition, unless specifically approved by the Investment Committee (which comprises members of management, established by the Board to manage and control pension plan assets), certain securities, strategies, and investments are ineligible for inclusion within the Plan Assets.

 

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The assets of the funded plans are managed by investment advisors. The fair values of the plan assets by asset class and fair value hierarchy level (excluding assets for which the fair value is measured using net asset value per share) as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:

 

           Fair value measurements using:  
    Fair Value      Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets For
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 

2018

          

Equity:

          

Other measured at net asset value(a)

    300                       

Fixed Income measured at net asset value(a)

    251,300        251,300                

Cash Equivalents measured as net asset
value(a)

    105,600                       
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 357,200        251,300                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2017

          

Equity:

          

Large Cap

  $ 38,400        38,400                

Small Cap

    25,300        25,300                

International measured at net asset
value(a)

    43,900        43,900                

Other measured at net asset value(a)

    300                       

Fixed Income measured at net asset value(a)

    217,200                       

Total Return Fund measured at net asset
value(a)

    26,900        26,900                

Cash Equivalents measured as net asset
value(a)

    31,000                       
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  $ 383,000        134,500                
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets disclosed previously in this note.

The Plan’s Level 1 assets consist of investments traded on active markets that are valued using published closing prices.

At December 30, 2018 the Company’s investments for which the fair value is measured using net asset value per share include the following; Cash and cash equivalents—$105,600 of cash and cash equivalents which are redeemable daily and public-private investment funds—$300 consisting of a public-private investment fund which is valued using the net asset value provided by the investment manager and invests in commercial mortgage-backed securities and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities. The Company believes that the net asset values are the best information available for use in the fair value measurement of these funds.

 

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The following is a detail of the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the three years ended December 30, 2018.

 

     2018      2017      2016  
Components of Net Periodic Cost                     

Pension

        

Service cost

   $ 1,300        1,290        2,100  

Interest cost

     13,358        15,303        16,106  

Expected return on assets

     (18,475      (19,534      (17,013

Amortization of actuarial loss

     10,995        9,082        7,361  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 7,178        6,141        8,554  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Postretirement

        

Service cost

   $ 756        691        532  

Interest cost

     1,171        1,179        1,175  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     165                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

   $ 2,092        1,870        1,707  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost of the pension plan and postretirement plan for each fiscal year follow:

 

     2018     2017     2016  
Pension                   

Weighted average discount rate

     3.71     4.22     4.58

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

     4.75     6.25     6.75

Postretirement

      

Discount rate

     3.74     4.26     4.64

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

     6.50     7.00     7.00

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)

     5.00     5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2024       2021       2021  

If the health care cost trend rate were increased one percentage point in each year, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 30, 2018 and the aggregate of the benefits earned during the period and the interest cost would have both increased by approximately 0.7%.

Hasbro works with external benefit investment specialists to assist in the development of the long-term rate of return assumptions used to model and determine the overall asset allocation. Forecast returns are based on the combination of historical returns, current market conditions and a forecast for the capital markets for the next 5-7 years. All asset class assumptions are within certain bands around the long-term historical averages. Correlations are based primarily on historical return patterns.

Expected benefit payments under the defined benefit pension plans (which reflects the expected completion of the termination of the Plan in 2019) and the postretirement benefit plan for the next five years subsequent to 2018 and in the aggregate for the following five years are as follows:

 

     Pension      Postretirement  

2019

   $ 368,278        1,641  

2020

     2,465        1,594  

2021

     2,434        1,548  

2022

     2,410        1,510  

2023

     2,420        1,472  

2024-2028

     11,634        7,031  

International Plans

Pension coverage for employees of Hasbro’s international subsidiaries is provided, to the extent deemed appropriate, through separate defined benefit and defined contribution plans. At December 30, 2018 and

 

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December 31, 2017, the defined benefit plans had total projected benefit obligations of $98,476 and $127,012, respectively, and fair values of plan assets of $78,184 and $100,766, respectively. Substantially all of the plan assets are invested in equity and fixed income securities. The pension expense related to these plans was $2,392, $3,473 and $1,533 in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In fiscal 2019, the Company expects amortization of $(34) of prior service costs, $965 of unrecognized net losses and $2 of unrecognized transition obligation to be included as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

Expected benefit payments under the international defined benefit pension plans for the five years subsequent to 2018 and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter are as follows: 2019: $1,774; 2020: $1,958; 2021: $2,072; 2022: $2,279; 2023: $2,531; and 2024 through 2028: $15,337.

Postemployment Benefits

Hasbro has several plans covering certain groups of employees, which may provide benefits to such employees following their period of active employment but prior to their retirement. These plans include certain severance plans which provide benefits to employees involuntarily terminated and certain plans which continue the Company’s health and life insurance contributions for employees who have left Hasbro’s employ under terms of its long-term disability plan.

(16)    Leases

Hasbro occupies offices and uses certain equipment under various operating lease arrangements. The rent expense under such arrangements, net of sublease income which is not material, for 2018, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $65,181, $63,615 and $52,585, respectively.

Minimum rentals, net of minimum sublease income, which is not material, under long-term operating leases for the five years subsequent to 2018 and in the aggregate thereafter are as follows: 2019: $47,131; 2020: $31,414; 2021: $22,807; 2022: $15,876; 2023: $12,524; and thereafter: $27,077.

All leases expire prior to the end of 2037. Real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses are generally obligations of the Company. It is expected that, in the normal course of business, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties; thus, it is anticipated that future minimum lease commitments will not be less than the amounts shown for 2019.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02), which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. The liability will be based on the present value of lease payments and the asset will be based on the liability. For income statement purposes, a dual model was retained requiring leases to be either classified as operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. Additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required. ASU 2016-02 is required for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 as originally issued required modified retrospective adoption. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provides an alternative transition method in addition to the existing method by allowing entities to apply ASU 2016-02 as of the adoption date and recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU-2016-02 on December 31, 2018 using the retrospective basis as provided in ASU 2018-11. No cumulative effect was recorded to the balance sheet. The Company also elected certain practical expedients as provided under the standard. These included (i) the election not to reassess whether contracts existing at the adoption date contain a lease under the new definition of a lease under the standard; (ii) the election not to reassess the lease classification for existing leases as of the adoption date; (iii) the election not to reassess whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under the standard; (iv) the election to use hindsight in determining the relevant lease terms for use in the capitalization of the lease liability; and (v) the election to use hindsight in reviewing the right-of-use assets for impairment. For all leases, the terms are being evaluated, including extension and renewal options as well as the lease payments associated with the leases. The Company does not expect that its results of operations will be materially impacted by this standard. The adoption of this standard will not have an impact on the Company’s cash flows.

(17)    Derivative Financial Instruments

Hasbro uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency rate fluctuations on firmly committed and projected future foreign currency transactions. These over-the-counter contracts, which hedge future currency requirements related to purchases of inventory, product sales and other cross-border transactions not denominated in the functional currency of the business unit, are primarily denominated in United States and

 

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Hong Kong dollars, and Euros. All contracts are entered into with a number of counterparties, all of which are major financial institutions. The Company believes that a default by a single counterparty would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company. Hasbro does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Cash Flow Hedges

Hasbro uses foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of currency rate fluctuations on firmly committed and projected future foreign currency transactions. All of the Company’s designated foreign currency forward contracts are considered to be cash flow hedges. These instruments hedge a portion of the Company’s currency requirements associated with anticipated inventory purchases and other cross-border transactions in years 2019 through 2022.

At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the notional amounts and fair values of assets (liabilities) for the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments were as follows:

 

     2018      2017  
     Notional
Amount
     Fair
Value
     Notional
Amount
     Fair
Value
 

Hedged transaction

           

Inventory purchases

   $ 468,305        15,089        756,673        (13,695

Sales

     298,194        11,232        423,315        16,144  

Royalties and Other

     26,341        (304      196,889        (10,383
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 792,840        26,017        1,376,877        (7,934
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company has a master agreement with each of its counterparties that allows for the netting of outstanding forward contracts. The fair values of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 as follows:

 

     2018      2017  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     

Unrealized gains

   $ 21,718        13,666  

Unrealized losses

     (972      (10,319
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain

   $ 20,746        3,347  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other assets

     

Unrealized gains

   $ 6,173        11,255  

Unrealized losses

     (843      (2,376
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain

   $ 5,330        8,879  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

     

Unrealized gains

   $ 77        4,215  

Unrealized losses

     (136      (15,484
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized loss

   $ (59      (11,269
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other liabilities

     

Unrealized gains

   $        4,546  

Unrealized losses

            (13,437
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net unrealized loss

   $        (8,891
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Net gains (losses) on cash flow hedging activities have been reclassified from other comprehensive earnings to net earnings for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016 as follows:

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Classification

        

Cost of sales

   $ 3,909        (1,905      57,786  

Sales

     3,479        5,315        7,467  

Royalties and other

     (527      (6,000      (5,776
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net realized gains (losses)

   $ 6,861        (2,590      59,477  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In addition, net (losses) gains of $(6,173), $(6,847) and $400 were reclassified to earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Undesignated Hedges

The Company also enters into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of intercompany loans due to foreign currency changes. The Company does not use hedge accounting for these contracts as changes in the fair values of these contracts are substantially offset by changes in the fair value of the intercompany loans. As of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the total notional amount of the Company’s undesignated derivative instruments was $452,773 and $418,471, respectively.

At December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of the Company’s undesignated derivative financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

     2018     2017  

Accrued liabilities

    

Unrealized gains

   $ 1,269       1,793  

Unrealized losses

     (2,820     (4,684
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net unrealized loss

   $ (1,551     (2,891
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total unrealized losses

   $ (1,551     (2,891
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company recorded net gains (losses) of $11,698, $(4,267) and $32,524 on these instruments to other (income) expense, net for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, relating to the change in fair value of such derivatives, substantially offsetting gains and losses from the change in fair value of intercompany loans to which the instruments relate.

For additional information related to the Company’s derivative financial instruments see notes 3 and 13.

(18)    Acquisition

In January 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01 (“ASU 2017-01”), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of providing guidance when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. For public companies, the standard was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 in the second quarter of 2018.

On June 12, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Saban Properties’ POWER RANGERS and other Entertainment Assets. The Company accounted for the acquisition as an asset acquisition based on the guidance in ASU 2017-01, which uses the cost accumulation and allocation method. As such, the Company included acquisition costs in its calculation of the purchase price to be allocated to the assets acquired.

 

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The total purchase price for the assets was $535,850, consisting of the following:

 

Cash Consideration:

  

To seller(1)

   $ 152,000  

Held in escrow(2)

     25,000  

Market value of stock issued to seller(3)

     280,397  

Deferred purchase price due in January 2019(4)

     75,000  
  

 

 

 
     532,397  

Acquisition costs

     1,973  

Other adjustment

     1,480  
  

 

 

 

Total Purchase Price to be allocated

   $ 535,850  
  

 

 

 

 

1.

The Company previously paid Saban Brands $22,250 for the POWER RANGERS master toy license agreement announced in February 2018 and those amounts were credited to, and included above, in the purchase price.

2.

The $25,000 was placed into an escrow account to support customary indemnification obligations of Saban Properties, and is considered restricted cash within cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet with an offsetting liability included in other current liabilities. One-half of the $25,000 in escrow was released on January 3, 2019, and the remaining half is scheduled on the one-year anniversary of the closing date, less any claim amounts deducted from the escrow prior to those dates.

3.

The Company issued 3,074 shares of Hasbro common stock to Saban Properties, valued at $280,397.

4.

An additional $75,000 was paid in January 2019 with no contingencies.

The total purchase price was allocated on a relative fair value basis as follows:

 

   

$534,370 was recorded as an intangible asset – POWER RANGERS IP rights, which will be amortized over a period of 25 years;

 

   

$7,884 as current assets;

 

   

$325 as capitalized production costs; and

 

   

$6,729 as other current liabilities.

On July 13, 2016, the Company acquired Boulder Media Limited (“Boulder”), an animation studio based in Dublin, Ireland. The consideration included an initial cash payment of approximately $13,177 and provisions for future earnout payments. Based on the Company’s analysis, goodwill in the amount of $11,821 was recorded.

(19)    Restructuring Actions

During 2018, the Company announced a comprehensive restructuring plan which consists of re-designing its go-to market strategy and re-shaping its organization to become a more responsive, innovative and digitally-driven play and entertainment company. As the global consumer landscape, shopping behaviors and the retail environment continue to evolve, the Company continues to transform and reimagine its business to make sure it has the right talent and capabilities to stay competitive. This includes adding new capabilities based on our understanding of the consumer and how our retailers are going to market, while also changing many of the ways we organize across our Brand Blueprint. As part of this process the Company has taken certain actions, which will continue through 2019. The actions primarily include headcount reduction aimed at right-sizing the Company’s cost-structure and giving it the ability to add required new talent in the future.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a pre-tax severance expense of $17,349, primarily outside of the U.S., related to this 2018 restructuring program. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an additional $72,000 of pre-tax severance charges related to the program. These charges were included within selling, distribution and administration costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 30, 2018 and reported within Corporate and Eliminations. The detail of activity related to the program is as follows:

 

Total expense recorded in 2018

   $ 89,349  

Payments made in 2018

     (20,157
  

 

 

 

Remaining amounts to be paid in 2019

   $ 69,192  
  

 

 

 

 

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(20)    Commitments and Contingencies

Hasbro had unused open letters of credit and related instruments of approximately $29,000 and $36,500 at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The Company enters into license agreements with strategic partners, inventors, designers and others for the use of intellectual properties in its products. Certain of these agreements contain provisions for the payment of guaranteed or minimum royalty amounts. Under terms of existing agreements as of December 30, 2018, Hasbro may, provided the other party meets their contractual commitment, be required to pay amounts as follows: 2019: $78,711; 2020: $103,166; 2021: $90,350; 2022: $64,892; 2023: $153; and thereafter: $459. At December 30, 2018, the Company had $72,671 of prepaid royalties, $38,321 of which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $34,350 of which are included in other assets.

In addition to the above commitments, certain of the above contracts impose minimum marketing commitments on the Company. The Company may be subject to additional royalty guarantees totaling $50,000 that are not included in the amounts above that may be payable during the year contingent upon the quantity and types of theatrical movie releases by the licensor.

In connection with the Company’s agreement to form a joint venture with Discovery, the Company is obligated to make future payments to Discovery under a tax sharing agreement. The Company estimates these payments may total approximately $33,800 and may range from approximately $4,500 to $5,400 per year during the period 2019 to 2023, and approximately $9,230 in aggregate for all years occurring thereafter. These payments are contingent upon the Company having sufficient taxable income to realize the expected tax deductions of certain amounts related to the joint venture.

At December 30, 2018, the Company estimates payments related to inventory and tooling purchase commitments may total approximately $536,688, including contractual commitments under the manufacturing agreement with Cartamundi as follows: 2019: $102,772 and 2020: $81,423.

Hasbro is party to certain legal proceedings, as well as certain asserted and unasserted claims. Amounts accrued, as well as the total amount of reasonably possible losses with respect to such matters, individually and in the aggregate, are not deemed to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

(21)    Segment Reporting

Segment and Geographic Information

Hasbro is a global play and entertainment company with a broad portfolio of brands and entertainment properties spanning toys, games, licensed products ranging from traditional to high-tech and digital, and film and television entertainment. The Company’s segments are (i) U.S. and Canada, (ii) International, (iii) Entertainment and Licensing, and (iv) Global Operations.

The U.S. and Canada segment includes the marketing and selling of action figures, arts and crafts and creative play products, electronic toys and related electronic interactive products, fashion and other dolls, infant products, play sets, preschool toys, plush products, sports action blasters and accessories, vehicles and toy-related specialty products, as well as traditional board games, and trading card and role-playing games primarily within the United States and Canada. Within the International segment, the Company markets and sells both toy and game products in markets outside of the U.S. and Canada, primarily in the European, Asia Pacific, and Latin and South American regions. The Company’s Entertainment and Licensing segment includes the Company’s consumer products licensing, digital gaming, movie and television entertainment operations. The Global Operations segment is responsible for sourcing finished products for the Company’s U.S. and Canada and International segments.

Segment performance is measured at the operating profit level. Included in Corporate and eliminations are certain corporate expenses, including the elimination of intersegment transactions and certain assets benefiting more than one segment. Intersegment sales and transfers are reflected in management reports at amounts approximating cost. Certain shared costs, including global development and marketing expenses and corporate administration, are allocated to segments based upon expenses and foreign exchange rates fixed at the beginning of the year, with adjustments to actual expenses and foreign exchange rates included in Corporate and eliminations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those referenced in note 1.

Results shown for fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 are not necessarily those which would be achieved if each segment was an unaffiliated business enterprise.

 

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Information by segment and a reconciliation to reported amounts are as follows:

 

     Revenues
from
External
Customers
     Affiliate
Revenue
    Operating
Profit
(Loss)
    Depreciation
and
Amortization
     Capital
Additions
     Total
Assets
 

2018

               

U.S. and Canada

   $ 2,433,412        10,242       382,013       12,327        29,775        2,928,209  

International

     1,847,585        290       39,470       6,530        4,652        2,229,053  

Entertainment and Licensing

     298,540        15,796       17,311       3,419        2,111        592,202  

Global Operations(a)

     109        1,439,292       (8,415     84,759        82,912        3,197,847  

Corporate and eliminations(b)

            (1,465,620     (99,327     60,923        20,976        (3,684,323
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated Total

   $ 4,579,646              331,052       167,958        140,426        5,262,988  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2017

               

U.S. and Canada

   $ 2,690,527        8,157       509,942       19,457        5,849        2,749,384  

International

     2,233,579        382       228,669       9,527        4,669        2,499,985  

Entertainment and Licensing

     285,579        21,889       96,400       5,526        7,637        626,193  

Global Operations(a)

     97        1,644,650       4,014       92,595        89,619        2,819,768  

Corporate and eliminations(b)

            (1,675,078     (28,666     44,731        27,103        (3,405,347
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated Total

   $ 5,209,782              810,359       171,836        134,877        5,289,983  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2016

               

U.S. and Canada

   $ 2,559,907        7,091       522,287       12,764        8,107        2,559,792  

International

     2,194,651        1,908       294,497       20,768        7,258        2,368,761  

Entertainment and Licensing

     265,205        23,220       49,876       9,869        13,072        692,898  

Global Operations(a)

     59        1,617,370       19,440       78,249        89,051        2,326,566  

Corporate and eliminations(b)

            (1,649,589     (98,052     32,820        37,412        (2,856,651
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated Total

   $ 5,019,822              788,048       154,470        154,900        5,091,366  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

The Global Operations segment derives substantially all of its revenues, and thus its operating results, from intersegment activities.

(b)

Certain long-term assets, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles, which benefit multiple operating segments, are included in Corporate and eliminations. Allocations of certain expenses related to these assets to the individual operating segments are done at the beginning of the year based on budgeted amounts. Any differences between actual and budgeted amounts are reflected in Corporate and eliminations. Furthermore, Corporate and eliminations includes elimination of inter-company income statement transactions. One such example includes licensing and service arrangements with affiliates. Payments received in advance from affiliates are recognized as revenue and eliminated in consolidation as earned and payment becomes assured over the life of the contract. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, affiliate licensing and service fees of $338,304, $298,693 and $283,078, respectively, that were received in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were recognized as revenue and eliminated in consolidation. Corporate and eliminations also includes the elimination of inter-company balance sheet amounts.

The following table represents consolidated International segment net revenues by major geographic region for the three fiscal years ended December 30, 2018.

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Europe

   $ 1,046,901        1,381,949        1,404,478  

Latin America

     454,066        485,088        463,638  

Asia Pacific

     346,618        366,542        326,535  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net revenues

   $ 1,847,585        2,233,579        2,194,651  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents consolidated net revenues by brand portfolio for the three fiscal years ended December 30, 2018.

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Franchise brands

   $ 2,445,902        2,690,394        2,375,265  

Partner brands

     987,283        1,271,597        1,412,770  

Hasbro gaming

     787,692        893,019        813,433  

Emerging brands

     358,769        354,772        418,354  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net revenues

   $ 4,579,646        5,209,782        5,019,822  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, net revenues of $122,432 and $47,597, respectively, were reclassified from Emerging Brands to Franchise Brands to conform to the presentation for the year ended December 30, 2018.

Hasbro’s total gaming category, including all gaming net revenues, most notably MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY, totaled $1,443,164, $1,497,795 and $1,387,077 for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively.

Information as to Hasbro’s operations in different geographical areas is presented below on the basis the Company uses to manage its business. Net revenues are categorized based on location of the customer, while long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles) are categorized based on their location.

 

     2018      2017      2016  

Net revenues

        

United States

   $ 2,497,331        2,732,034        2,575,696  

International

     2,082,315        2,477,748        2,444,126  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     4,579,646        5,209,782        5,019,822  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-lived assets

        

United States

     1,287,444        894,597        933,848  

International

     148,753        155,558        150,054  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,436,197        1,050,155        1,083,902  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Principal international markets include Europe, Canada, Mexico and Latin America, Australia, China and Hong Kong. Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles.

Other Information

Hasbro markets its products primarily to customers in the retail sector. Although the Company closely monitors the creditworthiness of its customers, adjusting credit policies and limits as deemed appropriate, a substantial portion of its customers’ ability to discharge amounts owed is generally dependent upon the overall retail economic environment.

In 2018 the Company’s largest customers were Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation. Sales to these customers amounted to 20% and 9%, respectively of consolidated net revenues in 2018. In 2017 and 2016 the Company’s largest customers were Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Toys“R”Us, Inc. and Target Corporation. Sales to these customers amounted to 19%, 9% and 9%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues during 2017 and 18%, 9% and 9%, respectively, of consolidated net revenues during 2016. These sales were primarily within the U.S. and Canada segment.

Hasbro purchases certain components used in its manufacturing process and certain finished products from manufacturers in the Far East. The Company’s reliance on external sources of manufacturing can be shifted, over a period of time, to alternative sources of supply for products it sells, should such changes be necessary. However, if the Company were prevented from obtaining products from a substantial number of its current Far East suppliers due to political, labor or other factors beyond its control, the Company’s operations would be disrupted, potentially for a significant period of time, while alternative sources of product were secured. The imposition of trade sanctions, tariffs, border adjustment taxes or other measures by the United States or the European Union against a class of

 

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products imported by Hasbro from, or the loss of “normal trade relations” status with, China, or other countries where we manufacture products, or other factors which increase the cost of manufacturing in China, or other countries where we manufacture products, such as higher labor costs or an appreciation in the Chinese Yuan, could significantly disrupt our operations and/or significantly increase the cost of the products which are manufactured and imported into other markets.

The Company has agreements which allow it to develop and market products based on properties owned by third parties including its license with Marvel Entertainment, LLC and Marvel Characters B.V. (together “Marvel”) and its license with Lucas Licensing Ltd. and Lucasfilm Ltd. (together “Lucas”). These licenses have multi-year terms and provide the Company with the right to market and sell designated classes of products based on Marvel’s portfolio of brands, including SPIDER-MAN and THE AVENGERS, and Lucas’s STAR WARS brand. The Company also has a license to market products with The Walt Disney Company for DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN lines. Hasbro’s net revenues from these licenses can be significant in any given year based on the level of third party entertainment. In addition to DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN, both Marvel and Lucas are owned by The Walt Disney Company.

(22)    Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited – see accompanying accountants’ report)

 

     Quarter        
     First     Second      Third      Fourth     Full Year  

2018

            

Net revenues

   $ 716,341       904,458        1,569,686        1,389,161       4,579,646  

Operating profit (loss)

     (80,419     87,588        313,336        10,547       331,052  

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     (88,388     68,124        295,794        (5,128     270,402  

Net earnings (loss)

     (112,492     60,299        263,861        8,766       220,434  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per common share

            

Net earnings (loss)

            

Basic

   $ (0.90     0.48        2.08        0.07       1.75  

Diluted

     (0.90     0.48        2.06        0.07       1.74  

Market price

            

High

   $ 103.39       93.00        109.60        107.57       109.60  

Low

     83.56       79.00        91.70        76.84       76.84  

Cash dividends declared

   $ 0.63       0.63        0.63        0.63       2.52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2017

            

Net revenues

   $ 849,663       972,506        1,791,502        1,596,111       5,209,782  

Operating profit

     78,343       99,984        360,944        271,088       810,359  

Earnings before income taxes

     70,837       86,886        349,841        278,586       786,150  

Net earnings (loss)

     68,599       67,723        265,583        (5,298     396,607  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per common share

            

Net earnings (loss)

            

Basic

   $ 0.55       0.54        2.12        (0.04     3.17  

Diluted

     0.54       0.53        2.09        (0.04     3.12  

Market price

            

High

   $ 101.08       113.49        116.20        99.17       116.20  

Low

     77.20       94.76        91.57        87.92       77.20  

Cash dividends declared

   $ 0.57       0.57        0.57        0.57       2.28  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

 

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Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 30, 2018. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Hasbro’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Hasbro’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018. In making its assessment, Hasbro’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013)”. Based on this assessment, Hasbro’s management concluded that, as of December 30, 2018, its internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. Hasbro’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

Hasbro, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Hasbro, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Providence, Rhode Island

February 26, 2019

 

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Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, during the quarter ended December 30, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B.

Other Information.

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Certain of the information required by this item is contained under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Governance of the Company” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this item with respect to executive officers of the Company is included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has a Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all of the Company’s employees, officers and directors, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. A copy of the Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website under the Corporate, Investors, Corporate Governance tabs. The Company’s website address is http://www.hasbro.com. Although the Company does not generally intend to provide waivers of or amendments to the Code of Conduct for its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, or other officers or employees, information concerning any waiver of or amendment to the Code of Conduct for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, or any other executive officers or directors of the Company, will be promptly disclosed on the Company’s website in the location where the Code of Conduct is posted.

The Company has also posted on its website, in the Corporate Governance location referred to above, copies of its Corporate Governance Principles and of the charters for its (i) Audit, (ii) Compensation, (iii) Finance, (iv) Nominating, Governance and Social Responsibility, (v) Executive Committee and (vi) Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Committee of its Board of Directors.

In addition to being accessible on the Company’s website, copies of the Company’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Principles, and charters for the Company’s six Board Committees, are all available free of charge upon request to the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Tarrant Sibley, at 1027 Newport Avenue, P.O. Box 1059, Pawtucket, R.I. 02861-1059.

 

Item 11.

Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Compensation of Directors”, “Executive Compensation”, “Compensation Committee Report”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof”, “Security Ownership of Management” and “Equity Compensation Plans” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item is contained under the captions “Governance of the Company” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is contained under the caption “Additional Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Consolidated Financial Statements, Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements

Included in PART II of this report:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Fiscal Years Ended in December 2018, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings for the Three Fiscal Years Ended in December 2018, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Fiscal Years Ended in December 2018, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests for the Three Fiscal Years Ended in December 2018, 2017 and 2016

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

Included in PART IV of this report:

For the Three Fiscal Years Ended in December 2018, 2017 and 2016:

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. Columns omitted from schedules filed have been omitted because the information is not applicable.

 

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary.

Not applicable.

 

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Exhibit         
3.   Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
  (a)    Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No. 1-6682.)
  (b)    Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated June  28, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File  No. 1-6682.)
  (c)    Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated May  19, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 29, 2003, File No.  1-6682.)
  (d)    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2006, File No. 1-6682.)
  (e)    Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 6, 2014, File No. 1-6682.)
  (f)    Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 5, 2015, File No. 1-6682.)
  (g)    Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2015, File No. 1-6682.)
  (h)    Certificate of Designations of Series C Junior Participating Preference Stock of Hasbro, Inc. dated June 29, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No. 1-6682.)
  (i)    Certificate of Vote(s) authorizing a decrease of class or series of any class of shares. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No. 1-6682.)
4.   Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures.
  (a)    Indenture, dated as of July  17, 1998, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to Citibank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 14, 1998, File No. 1-6682.)
  (b)    Indenture, dated as of March  15, 2000, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b)(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 1999, File No. 1-6682.)
  (c)    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September  17, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, File No. 1-6682.)
  (d)    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May  13, 2009, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2009, File No. 1-6682.)
  (e)    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March  11, 2010, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2010, File No. 1-6682.)
  (f)    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May  13, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2014, File No. 1-6682.)
  (g)    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated September  13, 2017, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 13, 2017, File No. 1-6682.)

 

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Exhibit         
10.   Material Contracts
  (a)    Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November  26, 2018, by and among Hasbro, Inc., Hasbro SA, Bank of America, N.A. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner  & Smith Incorporated, Citibank, N.A., Citizens Bank, N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the other banks party thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 29, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (b)    Form of Commercial Paper Deal Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2011, File No. 1-6682.)
  (c)    Form of Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 28, 2011, File No. 1-6682.)
  (d)    License Agreement, dated February  17, 2009, by and between Hasbro, Inc., Marvel Characters B.V. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. (Portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule  24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March  29, 2009, File No. 1-6682.)
  (e)    Amendment, dated September  27, 2011, to License Agreements by and between Hasbro, Inc., Marvel Characters B.V. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. (Portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(g) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 25, 2011, File No. 1-6682.)
  (f)    Amendment, dated December  15, 2011, to License Agreements by and between Hasbro, Inc., Marvel Characters B.V. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. (Portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 25, 2011, File No. 1-6682.)
  (g)    Amendment, dated July  19, 2013, to License Agreements by and between Hasbro, Inc., Marvel Characters B.V. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. (Portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2013, File No. 1-6682.)
  (h)    Agreement with TOMY Company, Ltd. relating to TRANSFORMERS, as amended to date. (Portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 25, 2011, File No. 1-6682.)
  (i)    Amended and Restated Hub Television Networks LLC Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended September  23, 2014, between the Company, Discovery Communications, LLC, Hub Television Networks LLC and Discovery Communications, Inc. (Portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 28, 2014, File No. 1-6682.)
  Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements
  (j)    Form of Director’s Indemnification Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(jj) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2007, File No. 1-6682.)
  (k)    Hasbro, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(cc) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 1993, File No. 1-6682.)
  (l)    First Amendment to Hasbro, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated April 15, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 29, 2003, File No. 1-6682.)
  (m)    Second Amendment to Hasbro, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated July 17, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 28, 2003, File No. 1-6682.)

 

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Exhibit         
  (n)    Third Amendment to Hasbro, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated December 15, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(nn) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2005, File No. 1-6682.)
  (o)    Fourth Amendment to Hasbro, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated October 3, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(oo) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2007, File No. 1-6682.)
  (p)    Hasbro, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, File No. 1-6682.)
  (q)    Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix D to the definitive proxy statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, File No. 1-6682.)
  (r)    First Amendment to Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the definitive proxy statement for the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, File No. 1-6682.)
  (s)    Form of 2018 Stock Option Agreement under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Applicable to John Frascotti, Deborah Thomas, Steve Davis and Wiebe Tinga.) (Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (t)    Form of 2018 Stock Option Agreement under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan for Brian Goldner. (Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (u)    Form of 2018 Contingent Stock Performance Award under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Applicable to John Frascotti, Deborah Thomas, Steve Davis and Wiebe Tinga.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (v)    Form of 2018 Contingent Stock Performance Award under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan for Brian Goldner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (w)    Form of 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Applicable to John Frascotti, Deborah Thomas, Steve Davis, Wiebe Tinga.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (x)    Hasbro, Inc. Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aaa) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 28, 2008, File No. 1-6682.)
  (y)    Hasbro, Inc. 2014 Senior Management Annual Performance Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix F to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, File No. 1-6682.)
  (z)    First Amendment to Hasbro, Inc. 2014 Senior Management Annual Performance Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Appendix E to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, File No. 1-6682.)
  (aa)    Hasbro, Inc. 2018 Performance Rewards Program. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (bb)    Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated October  4, 2012, between the Company and Brian Goldner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of October 11, 2012, File No. 1-6682.)
  (cc)    Amendment, dated August  5, 2014, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, between the Company and Brian Goldner.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of August 6, 2014, File No. 1-6682.)
  (dd)    Amendment, dated December  15, 2016, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Brian Goldner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of December 20, 2016, File No. 1-6682.)

 

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Exhibit         
  (ee)    Amendment, dated August  1, 2018, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Brian Goldner. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of August  6, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (ff)    Employment Agreement, dated August  1, 2018, between the Company and John Frascotti. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of August  6, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (gg)    Letter Agreement between the Company and Wiebe Tinga, dated March  4, 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, file No.  1-6682.)
  (hh)    Chairmanship Agreement between the Company and Alan Hassenfeld dated August 30, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 25, 2005, File No. 1-6682.)
  (ii)    Amendment to Chairmanship Agreement between the Company and Alan  Hassenfeld. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(hhh) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December  28, 2008, File No. 1-6682.)
  (jj)    Second Amendment to Chairmanship Agreement between the Company and Alan  Hassenfeld. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ggg) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December  27, 2009, File No. 1-6682.)
  (kk)    Third Amendment to Chairmanship Agreement between the Company and Alan Hassenfeld effective as of November  1, 2013. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(yy) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2013, File No. 1-6682.)
  (ll)    Form of 2018 Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement. (Applicable to John Frascotti, Deborah Thomas, and Wiebe Tinga.) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 1, 2018, File No. 1-6682.)
  (mm)    Hasbro, Inc. Change in Control Severance Plan for Designated Senior Executives. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 23, 2011, File No. 1-6682.)
  (nn)    Hasbro, Inc. Clawback Policy.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of October 11, 2012, File No. 1-6682.)
21.      Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23.      Consent of KPMG LLP.
31.1      Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2      Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1*      Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.2*      Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
101.INS      XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL      XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF      XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

*

Furnished herewith.

The Company agrees to furnish the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of each agreement with respect to long-term debt of the Company, the authorized principal amount of which does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

103


Table of Contents

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Fiscal Years Ended in December

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

     Balance at
Beginning of
Year
     Expense
(Benefit)
     Other
Additions
     Write-Offs
and Other
    Balance
at End
of Year
 

Valuation accounts deducted from assets to which they apply — for doubtful accounts receivable:

             

2018

   $ 31,400        57,800          —        (80,100   $ 9,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2017

   $ 16,800        23,300               (8,700   $ 31,400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2016

   $ 14,900        19,500               (17,600   $ 16,800  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

104


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

HASBRO, INC.

(Registrant)

 

By:

  /s/ Brian D. Goldner   Date: February 26, 2019
  Brian D. Goldner  
  Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Brian D. Goldner

Brian D. Goldner

   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)   February 26, 2019

/s/ Deborah M. Thomas

Deborah M. Thomas

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   February 26, 2019

/s/ John A. Frascotti

John A. Frascotti

   President and Chief Operating Officer Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Kenneth A. Bronfin

Kenneth A. Bronfin

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Michael R. Burns

Michael R. Burns

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Hope F. Cochran

Hope F. Cochran

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Sir Crispin H. Davis

Sir Crispin H. Davis

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Lisa Gersh

Lisa Gersh

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Alan G. Hassenfeld

Alan G. Hassenfeld

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Tracy A. Leinbach

Tracy A. Leinbach

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Edward M. Philip

Edward M. Philip

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Richard S. Stoddart

Richard S. Stoddart

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Mary Beth West

Mary Beth West

   Director   February 26, 2019

/s/ Linda K. Zecher

Linda K. Zecher

   Director   February 26, 2019

 

105

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Subsidiaries of the Registrant (a)

 

Name Under Which Subsidiary

Does Business

  

State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization

Hasbro International, Inc.

   Delaware

Hasbro Latin America Inc.

   Delaware

Hasbro Chile LTDA

   Chile

Hasbro International Holdings, B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro Netherlands Holdings, B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro France S.A.S.

   France

Hasbro Deutschland GmbH

   Germany

Hasbro Italy S.r.l.

   Italy

Hasbro do Brasil Ind E Com

   Brazil

Hasbro S.A.

   Switzerland

Hasbro Holding S.A.

   Switzerland

Hasbro Canada Corporation

   Nova Scotia

Hasbro Asia-Pacific Marketing Ltd.

   Hong Kong

Hasbro Trading Co. Ltd.

   China

Hasbro de Mexico S.R.L. de C.V.

   Mexico

Hasbro (Schweiz) AG

   Switzerland

Hasbro U.K. Limited

   United Kingdom

MB International B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro Hellas Industrial & Commercial Company S.A.

   Greece

Hasbro Iberia, S.L.

   Spain

S.A. Hasbro Belgium N.V.

   Belgium

Hasbro Oyuncak Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S.

   Turkey

Hasbro Far East LTD

   Hong Kong

Hasbro Australia Pty Ltd

   Australia

Hasbro Australia Limited

   Australia

Hasbro International Trading B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro European Trading B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro Czech S.R.O.

   Czech Republic

Hasbro Emerging Markets B.V.

   Netherlands

Hasbro Korea Ltd.

   Korea

Hasbro Peru S.R.L.

   Peru

Hasbro Romania SRL

   Romania

Hasbro Colombia

   Colombia

Hasbro Thailand Ltd.

   Thailand

Hasbro Russia LLC

   Russia

Hasbro Irish Holdings Designated Activity Co.

   Ireland

Boulder Media Limited

   Ireland

Sobral Ltd.

   Bermuda

Hasbro Studios LLC

   Delaware

Hasbro Managerial Services, LLC

   Rhode Island

Backflip Studios, LLC

   Delaware

Wizards of the Coast LLC

   Delaware

 

(a)

Inactive subsidiaries and subsidiaries with minimal operations have been omitted. Such subsidiaries, if taken as a whole, would not constitute a significant subsidiary.

EX-23

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Hasbro, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements Nos. 333-34282, 333-110000, 333-110001, 333-110002, 333-129618, 333-147109, 333-162762, 333-170355, 333-190377, and 333-225590 on Form S-8 and Nos. 333-44101, 333-82077, 333-83250, 333-46986, 333-103561, 333-145947, 333-195789, and 333-220331 on Form S-3 of Hasbro, Inc. of our reports dated February 26, 2019, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Hasbro, Inc. as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity and redeemable noncontrolling interest for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, which reports appear in the December 30, 2018 annual report on Form 10-K of Hasbro, Inc.

/s/ KPMG

Providence, Rhode Island

February 26, 2019

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I,

Brian Goldner, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hasbro, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 26, 2019

 

/s/ Brian Goldner

Brian Goldner
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Deborah Thomas, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hasbro, Inc.;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 26, 2019

 

/s/ Deborah Thomas

Deborah Thomas
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 1350, CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned, as Chief Executive Officer of Hasbro, Inc., a Rhode Island corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that to the best of the undersigned’s knowledge:

 

  1)

the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “10-K Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2)

the information contained in the Company’s 10-K Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Brian Goldner

Brian Goldner

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hasbro, Inc.

Dated: February 26, 2019

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Hasbro, Inc. and will be retained by Hasbro, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 1350, CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned, as Chief Financial Officer of Hasbro, Inc., a Rhode Island corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that to the best of the undersigned’s knowledge:

 

  1)

the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “10-K Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2)

the information contained in the Company’s 10-K Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Deborah Thomas

Deborah Thomas
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hasbro, Inc.

Dated: February 26, 2019

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Hasbro, Inc. and will be retained by Hasbro, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.