Hasbro warns of weak holiday quarter results, cuts 15% of its

Shares of toymaker Hasbro fell after the bell Thursday after the company said it would eliminate around 1,000 employee positions and warned of weak fourth-quarter earnings results on the horizon.

“Despite strong growth in Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, Hasbro Pulse, and our licensing business, our Consumer Products business underperformed in the fourth quarter against the backdrop of a challenging holiday consumer environment,” said Chris Cocks, Hasbro chief executive officer.

The layoff of around 15% of its global workforce comes as the company seeks to save between $250 million and $300 million annually by the end of 2025.

Hasbro said it expects fourth-quarter revenue, which includes the holiday season, to reach $1.68 billion, down 17% compared to the same period last year. For the full year, the company foresees revenue hitting $5.86 billion, down 9% compared to 2021.

“While the full-year 2022, and particularly the fourth quarter, represented a challenging moment for Hasbro, we are confident in our Blueprint 2.0 strategy, unveiled in October, which includes a focus on fewer, bigger brands; gaming; digital; and our rapidly growing direct to consumer and licensing businesses,” Cocks said.

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