Hasbro, Inc. - HAS STOCK NEWS

Ancora Holdings Group, a significant shareholder of Hasbro (HAS), has sent a letter urging the company’s Board of Directors to pursue a refresh of its governance, highlighting past failures in capital allocation and the underperformance of subsidiary eOne, acquired for over $4.5 billion. Ancora argues that divesting eOne could enhance Hasbro's long-term focus and financial health. Furthermore, it suggests exploring a tax-free spin-off of Wizards of the Coast, which is currently undervalued. Ancora expresses concern over the Board's lack of responsiveness and calls for stronger alignment with shareholder interests.

Hasbro filed its definitive proxy statement and WHITE proxy card for the 2022 Annual Meeting scheduled on June 8, 2022. The company urges shareholders to reject the dissident director nominees proposed by Alta Fox, citing their lack of relevant expertise and potential to disrupt Hasbro's strategic plans. New CEO Chris Cocks, who recently doubled the Wizards of the Coast business, is positioned to drive long-term value. Hasbro's Board has supported significant investments in Wizards, achieving a 42% revenue increase to $1.28 billion in 2021, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining its current strategic direction.

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) announces key leadership changes, appointing Shane Azzi as Chief Global Supply Chain Officer and promoting Matt Austin to Chief Commercial Officer. Azzi, with over 25 years of experience, aims to enhance Hasbro's supply chain resilience and competitive advantage. Austin will leverage consumer insights to drive profitability, succeeding retiring CCO Michael Hogg. Both executives report to President Eric Nyman. These changes come as Hasbro focuses on growth through strategic brand execution and its successful gaming business.

Hasbro reported a 4% revenue increase for Q1 2022, totaling $1.16 billion, with key segments like Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming up 9%. However, net earnings fell 47% to $61.2 million, impacted by supply chain disruptions and increased costs. The company anticipates mid-single digit adjusted operating profit growth for the year, improving its profit outlook. With a strong cash position of $1.06 billion, Hasbro plans to buy back $75-$150 million of stock and has increased its dividend by 3%.

Alta Fox Capital Management, owning 2.5% of Hasbro shares, has expressed concerns ahead of Hasbro's Q1 2022 results. They question the delay of the Annual Meeting record date to May 9, suspecting it aims to secure friendly shareholders. Additionally, they criticize Hasbro's Board for resisting a much-needed refreshment and formation of a capital allocation committee due to poor past investments. Alta Fox also questions the Board's decision to expand its membership and the quick dismissal of a potential spin-off of the Wizards of the Coast division, urging greater transparency and accountability.

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) has announced the acquisition of D&D Beyond from Fandom for $146.3 million. This strategic move aims to add nearly 10 million users to Hasbro's digital tabletop ecosystem, reinforcing its position in the growing Dungeons & Dragons market. The acquisition is expected to close in Q2 or Q3 of 2022 and will enhance Hasbro's gaming capabilities, leveraging data-driven insights for product development and expansion. Hasbro anticipates the deal will be accretive to earnings per share starting in fiscal year 2023.

Alta Fox Capital Management has initiated a proxy battle against Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) by filing a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC for the nomination of five independent board candidates. Alta Fox, holding approximately 2.5% of Hasbro's shares, cites the current board's lack of objectivity and alignment with shareholder interests as reasons for the move. The managing partner, Connor Haley, criticizes Hasbro's underperformance and calls for change to reinvigorate the company's long-term value creation strategy.

Alta Fox Capital Management, which owns 2.5% of Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS), has criticized Hasbro's recent expansion of its Board of Directors, calling it a defensive move. Connor Haley, Managing Partner at Alta Fox, argues this reflects shareholders' concerns over governance and chronic underperformance. Alta Fox had previously proposed a settlement for a director refreshment that didn't involve expanding the Board.

Alta Fox plans to file a preliminary proxy statement to solicit votes for its independent candidates during Hasbro's upcoming Annual Meeting.

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) filed preliminary proxy materials with the SEC for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Letters from Chair Rich Stoddart and CEO Chris Cocks emphasize the company's leadership strength and strategic Brand Blueprint. They detail the addition of directors Elizabeth Hamren and Blake Jorgensen, reflecting positive shareholder engagement, and Mr. Cocks plans for investing in systems and culture for growth and profitability. The board believes these efforts will create long-term shareholder value.