PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today reported financial results for the second quarter 2018. Net revenues for the second quarter 2018 decreased 7% to $904.5 million versus $972.5 million in 2017. The lower revenues reflect the liquidation of Toys“R”Us in the U.S. and many other global markets. In addition, revenues declined internationally, most notably in Europe, as a result of managing retail inventory amid a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Net earnings for the second quarter 2018 were $60.3 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared to $67.7 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2017.

“2018 is unfolding as expected as our teams manage the liquidation of Toys“R”Us in many markets and address the rapidly evolving European retail landscape,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We are investing in our business - in innovation, entertainment and a modern global commercial organization, to drive profitable growth in 2019 and beyond. Consumer takeaway is up for our brands, and we further strengthened our brand portfolio through the acquisition of POWER RANGERS. We are focused on moving beyond the near-term disruption of losing a major customer, with a clear path forward including new retailer activations to meet the consumer demand made available by the Toys“R”Us departure.”

“Our global teams executed well despite the disruption in the market,” said Deborah Thomas, Hasbro’s chief financial officer. “With $1.2 billion in cash, and a healthy balance sheet, our financial position is strong. Our diverse portfolio enabled us to partially offset the negative margin impact from lower revenues, but not entirely. We are working with our retailers to successfully execute their plans for Hasbro’s innovative portfolio this holiday season.”

Second Quarter 2018 Major Segment Performance

*Hasbro’s total gaming category, including all gaming revenue, most notably MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY, which are included in Franchise Brands in the table above, totaled $312.8 million for the second quarter 2018, up 14%, versus $273.3 million in the second quarter 2017. This category was down 2% to $516.3 million for the six months 2018 versus $526.6 million for the six months 2017. Hasbro believes its gaming portfolio is a competitive differentiator and views it in its entirety.

Second quarter 2018 revenues were negatively impacted by the liquidation of Toys“R”Us in the U.S. and many other global markets, including lower Toys“R”Us revenues and the near-term disruption of its stores’ liquidation in the marketplace, as well as managing retail inventory, primarily in Europe.

Second quarter 2018 Franchise Brand revenues decreased 8% to $506.5 million. Growth in MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY and BABY ALIVE were offset by declines in the other Franchise Brands in the quarter, including TRANSFORMERS which declined versus the movie launch in the second quarter 2017. Franchise Brand revenues grew in the Entertainment and Licensing segment and declined in the U.S. and Canada and International segments.

Partner Brand revenues declined 10% to $208.0 million. Revenue growth in BEYBLADE and MARVEL was more than offset by declines in other Partner Brands. Partner Brand revenues decreased in the U.S. and Canada and International segments.

Hasbro Gaming revenue increased slightly to $134.3 million. Revenue gains in DUNGEONS and DRAGONS, DUEL MASTER, JENGA and DON’T STEP IN IT were partially offset by declines in other properties. Hasbro Gaming revenues increased in the International segment and the Entertainment and Licensing segment; but declined in the U.S. and Canada segment. Hasbro’s total gaming category was up 14% to $312.8 million, including growth in MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.

Emerging Brand revenue declined 1% to $55.6 million. The category benefited from several new initiatives, including LOST KITTIES and LOCK STARS. This was offset by declines in other Emerging Brands. Emerging Brands revenues grew in the International segment and declined in the U.S. and Canada segment and the Entertainment and Licensing segment.

Dividend and Share Repurchase

The Company paid $78.7 million in cash dividends to shareholders during the second quarter 2018. The next quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.63 per common share is scheduled for August 15, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 1, 2018.

During the second quarter, Hasbro repurchased 820,343 shares of common stock at a total cost of $74.1 million and an average price of $90.33 per share. Through the first six months of 2018, the Company repurchased 1.2 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $112.9 million and an average price of $90.50. At quarter-end, $565.1 million remained available in the current share repurchase authorizations, including the additional $500 million authorized by the Board of Directors during the second quarter.

About Hasbro: Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 1 on the 2017 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past seven years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).