HASBRO, INC. (HAS) FY 2023 MD&A
This page reproduces the company's own Item 7 MD&A text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective within the following discussion is to provide an analysis of the Company’s Financial Condition, Cash Flows and Results of Operations from management's perspective, which should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Annual Report on 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, of this Form 10-K 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 is a toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. We are Creating Magic Through Play by delivering engaging brand experiences for global audiences across gaming, consumer products and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, Hasbro Gaming, PLAY-DOH, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.
Hasbro is guided by our purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For the past decade, we have been consistently recognized for our corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute.
Our strategic plan, which we sometimes refer to as our Blueprint or Blueprint 2.0, supports our mission by bringing compelling and expansive brand experiences to consumers and audiences around the world. Using this approach, our brands are transformed as story-led and play-led consumer franchises brought to life through games, play and experiences and offered across a multitude of platforms and media. Our commitment to disciplined, strategic investments, differentiates Hasbro as a purpose-driven business with diversified capabilities focused on driving long-term, sustainable and profitable growth and enhancing shareholder value.
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Key elements of our strategy include:
•building innovative toys and games that create memorable, social and collectible experiences of play and entertainment in our key focus categories: games (board games, trading cards, role playing); preschool; action brands; creativity; outdoor; and dolls;
•pursuing a franchise-first approach to deliver the magic of our brands through licensing, digital games and entertainment;
•focusing on fewer, bigger, more profitable brands and driving market share in our key focus categories;
•investing in our Hasbro direct-to-consumer business and building direct relationships with fans through ecommerce, social, digital games and services;
•continuing to cultivate our digital gaming business, through AAA games, games as a service and licensing relationships that activate our brands;
•licensing of our brands through a growing portfolio of partners from theme park operators to toy companies, for consumers to experience our brands and drive communities of friendship and fandom around them;
•executing on our operational savings initiatives, including supply chain transformation, to improve operating results and reinvest in our business; and
•investing in and empowering our people at all levels of our organization and continue to foster a diverse and inclusive culture that drives accountability and focuses on profitability.
Hasbro generates revenue and earns cash by developing, marketing, licensing and selling products, play and entertainment experiences, based on our global brands as well as other IP in a broad variety of categories. This includes: innovative toy and gaming brands and role-playing and fantasy card collecting games, the marketing and sale of toys and games, including our owned and partner brands, through retail stores, ecommerce platforms and Hasbro Direct, our direct-to-consumer platform; the distribution, license and sale of digital games developed both internally and through licensing out our IP to third parties, such as Baldur's Gate 3, Monopoly Go! and Magic: The Gathering Arena and other digital games. Additionally, the Company generates revenue though the development, production and sales of entertainment content and from out-licensing certain non-core brands which are more profitable through a licensing arrangement for products that include various toys and games, consumer products, such as apparel and publishing, as well as for use in theme park attractions and other forms of location-based entertainment and within formats such as film and TV programming.
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.
Results discussed herein include income from operations before income taxes attributable to the eOne Film and TV business sold to Lionsgate on December 27, 2023. The eOne Film and TV results were recorded to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, within the Entertainment segment, through the sale transaction closing date. Assets of $1.5 billion and liabilities of $542.0 million, attributable to the eOne Film and TV business were de-consolidated as of the closing date and, as of December 31, 2023, there are no remaining carrying amounts relative to that part of the business within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. See note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K, for further information on the sale of the Company's eOne Film and TV business.
During each of the periods presented in this Form 10-K there were significant charges and benefits incurred which impacted operating results. These charges are detailed below in the Summary of Financial Performance.
2023 highlights
•Net revenues of $5,003.3 million decreased 15% from $5,856.7 million in 2022. The decline in net revenues includes a favorable foreign currency translation of $20.6 million.
◦Net revenues in the Consumer Products segment decreased 19% to $2,886.4 million; Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment increased 10% to $1,457.6 million; and Entertainment segment net revenues decreased 31% to $659.3 million.
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◦Franchise Brands net revenues decreased 3%; Partner Brands net revenues decreased 35%; Portfolio Brands net revenues decreased 17%; and Non-Hasbro Branded Film and TV net revenues declined 35%.
◦Hasbro’s total gaming portfolio, including the Hasbro Gaming portfolio as reported above, and all other gaming revenue, most notably MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY, totaled $2,074.4 million, an increase of 4%.
•Operating losses were $1,538.8 million, or 30.8% of net revenues in 2023 and declined compared to operating profit of $407.7 million, or 7.0% of net revenues in 2022.
◦Operating profit in the Consumer Products segment declined greater than 100% to an operating loss of $64.7 million; Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment operating profit declined 2% to $525.7 million; Entertainment segment operating losses declined to an operating loss of $1,911.5 million; and Corporate and Other operating losses improved 76% to an operating loss of $88.3 million.
◦Operating profit in 2023 was negatively impacted by non-cash goodwill and asset impairment charges of $1,307.2 million recorded within the Entertainment segment consisting of: $231.2 million related to the goodwill impairment of the eOne Film & TV business included in Impairment of goodwill; $65.0 million related to an impairment of the Company's definite-lived intangible, eOne Trademark, included in Selling, distribution and administration; a goodwill impairment charge of $960.0 million due to impairment of the Company's Family Brands business included in Impairment of goodwill; and, impairment charges of $51.0 million related to the impairment of the Company's PJ MASKS definite-lived intangible asset, included within Selling, distribution and administration. See note 6 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for more information on these impairments and charges.
◦Certain other charges impacting 2023 operating segment performance, in the Company’s Consumer Products, Entertainment and Corporate and Other segments, are discussed below in Results of Operations - Consolidated
•Net losses attributable to Hasbro, Inc. were $1,489.3 million in 2023, or $10.73 per diluted share, compared to net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. of $203.5 million, or $1.46 per diluted share in 2022.
2022 highlights
•Net revenues of $5,856.7 million decreased 9% from $6,420.4 million in 2021. The decline in net revenues includes an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $166.3 million.
◦Net revenues in the Consumer Products segment decreased 10% to $3,572.5 million; Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment increased 3% to $1,325.1 million; and Entertainment segment net revenues decreased 17% to $959.1 million.
◦TV/Film/Entertainment portfolio net revenues decreased 17%; Hasbro Gaming net revenues decreased 13%; Emerging Brands net revenues decreased 12%; Partner Brands net revenues decreased 9%; and Franchise Brands net revenues decreased 4%.
◦Hasbro’s total gaming portfolio, including the Hasbro Gaming portfolio as reported above, and all other gaming revenue, most notably MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY, totaled $2.0 billion, a decrease of 5%.
•Operating profit was $407.7 million, or 7.0% of net revenues in 2022 compared to operating profit of $763.3 million, or 11.9% of net revenues in 2021.
◦Operating Profit in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment decreased 2% to $538.3 million; Consumer Products segment operating profit decreased 46% to $217.3 million; Entertainment segment operating losses increased greater than 100% to $22.7 million; and Corporate and Other operating losses increased greater than 100% to $370.6 million.
•Net earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. declined in 2022 to $203.5 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, compared to $428.7 million, or $3.10 per diluted share in 2021.
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Summary of Financial Performance
A summary of the Company’s results of operations for 2023, 2022 and 2021 is illustrated below.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net revenues | $ | 5,003.3 | $ | 5,856.7 | $ | 6,420.4 | ||||
| Operating (loss) profit | (1,538.8) | 407.7 | 763.3 | |||||||
| (Loss) earnings before income taxes | (1,709.1) | 261.5 | 581.9 | |||||||
| Net (loss) earnings | (1,487.8) | 203.0 | 435.3 | |||||||
| Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1.5 | (0.5) | 6.6 | |||||||
| Net (loss) earnings attributable to Hasbro, Inc. | (1,489.3) | 203.5 | 428.7 | |||||||
| Diluted (loss) earnings per share | (10.73) | 1.46 | 3.10 |
Results of Operations — Consolidated
The fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was a fifty-three week period, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 were each fifty-two week periods.
Net losses attributable to Hasbro, Inc. were $1,489.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 compared to net earnings of $203.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2022, and net earnings of $428.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2021.
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Hasbro, Inc. were $(10.73) in 2023, $1.46 in 2022 and $3.10 in 2021.
Net (loss) earnings and diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Hasbro, Inc. for each fiscal year in the three years ended December 31, 2023 include certain charges and benefits as described below.
2023
•Non-cash goodwill and asset impairment charges of $1,278.2 million or $9.20 per diluted share, incurred within the Entertainment segment, associated with the eOne Film and TV business and within Family Brands to align with a change in entertainment strategy consisting of:
◦Net charges of $279.9 million recorded during the second quarter as a result of the Company's impairment review of its Film and TV reporting unit, consisting of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $231.2 million recorded in Impairment of goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges of $48.7 million related to the Company's definite-lived intangible eOne Trademark, recorded within Selling, distribution and administration.
◦A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $960.0 million recorded during the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of the Company's impairment review of its Family Brands reporting unit.
◦A net charge of $38.3 million related to the impairment of the Company's definite-lived PJ MASKS intangible asset.
•Net charges of $453.7 million, or $3.26 per diluted share, of Blueprint 2.0 implementation charges, consisting of:
◦A Loss on disposal of business of $419.7 million related to the sale of the Company's non-core eOne Film and TV business within the Entertainment segment, executed during the fourth quarter; and
◦Charges of $34.0 million associated with the eOne Film & TV business sale process recorded in Selling, distribution and administration expense within the Corporate and Other segment.
•Net charges of $55.6 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, of Operational Excellence program related charges consisting of consultant and transformation office expenses of $27.0 million and severance and
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other employee charges of $ 28.6 million included within Selling, distribution and administration within Corporate and Other.
•Net charges of $48.8 million, or $0.35 per diluted share of intangible amortization costs related to certain intangible assets acquired in the eOne Acquisition. These expenses are allocated between the Consumer Products and Entertainment segments, to match the revenue generated from such intangible assets.
•Net charges of $1.7 million, or $0.01 per diluted share associated with retention awards granted in connection with the eOne Acquisition. These expenses were incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and are included within Selling, distribution and administration within the Corporate and Other segment.
2022
•In association with the Company's strategic review and subsequent Blueprint 2.0 strategy shift to focus on fewer, bigger brands, the Company incurred net charges of $253.0 million consisting of the following:
◦Net asset impairments and other net charges of $231.9 million, or $1.67 per diluted share, of which $215.2 million, or $1.55 per diluted share relates to the partial impairment of the Company's definite-lived Power Rangers intangible asset, $12.4 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, of incurred incremental asset charges related to product cancellations, consisting of inventory and asset write offs, and $4.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, of strategy-related asset impairments due to the cancellation of certain projects primarily within the Entertainment segment; and
◦A net loss on disposal of business of $21.1 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, comprised of a non-cash goodwill impairment loss of $11.8 million and other asset impairments of $9.3 million, related to the exit of non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment.
•In support of Blueprint 2.0, Hasbro announced an Operational Excellence program. In association with this program the Company incurred net charges of $89.2 million comprised of the following:
◦Net severance expense and other employee charges of $79.8 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, associated with cost-savings initiatives across the Company; and
◦Net charges of $9.4 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, of program related consultant and transformation office expenses.
•In association with the Company's acquisition of eOne, the Company incurred related expenses of $72.3 million, comprised of the following:
◦Net expenses of $59.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, of incremental intangible amortization costs related to the intangible assets acquired in the eOne acquisition; and
◦A net charge of $12.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, of stock based compensation expenses.
2021
•A net charge of $116.1 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, comprised of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $108.8 million and transaction expenses of $7.3 million, associated with the closing of the sale of eOne's music business ("e-One Music"). The goodwill impairment charge of $108.8 million is based on revalued assets and liabilities of eOne Music as of the second quarter of 2021 and finalized closing working capital adjustments made during the fourth quarter 2021.
•In association with the Company's acquisition of eOne, the Company incurred related expenses of $77.0 million, comprised of the following:
◦Net expenses of $70.4 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, of incremental intangible amortization costs related to the intangible assets acquired in the eOne acquisition; and
◦A net charge of $6.6 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, of stock based compensation expenses.
•Charges of $20.9 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, of additional stock compensation expense due to the contractual accelerated vesting of certain equity awards following the passing of the Company's former CEO in the fourth quarter of 2021.
•A net impairment charge of $41.3 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, associated with Hasbro's investment in the Discovery Family Channel, due to the impact of accelerating changes in the cable distribution industry. This charge was comprised of a pre-tax impairment of the investment held in Discovery of $74.1
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million, which resulted in a pre-tax reduction to the Company’s Discovery option agreement liability of $20.1 million. See note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for further information on the Company’s Discovery option.
•A net charge of $39.4 million or $0.28 per diluted share of income tax expense as a result of revaluation of Hasbro’s UK tax attributes in accordance with the Finance Act 2021 enacted by the United Kingdom on June 10, 2021. Effective April 1, 2023, the law increases the corporate income tax rate to 25% from 19%.
Consolidated net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 declined 15% to $5,003.3 million from $5,856.7 million for the year ended December 25, 2022 and include a favorable foreign currency translation impact of $20.6 million as the result of stronger currencies, primarily in Latin America and to a lesser extent, the Company's European markets.
Consolidated net revenues for the year ended December 25, 2022 declined 9% to $5,856.7 million from $6,420.4 million for the year ended December 26, 2021 and included unfavorable foreign currency translation impact of $166.3 million.
Effective for the first quarter 2023, we realigned our brand portfolios to correspond with the evolution of our strategy. As a result, net revenues for the years ended December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021 have been restated to reflect the realigned brand portfolio structure.
The following table presents net revenues expressed in millions of dollars, by brand portfolio for each year in the three years ended December 31, 2023.
| 2023Net Revenues | % Change | 2022Net Revenues | % Change | 2021Net Revenues | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Brands | $ | 3,256.5 | -3 | % | $ | 3,350.8 | -5 | % | $ | 3,541.9 | ||
| Partner Brands | 687.8 | -35 | % | 1,052.0 | -9 | % | 1,161.0 | |||||
| Portfolio Brands | 521.3 | -17 | % | 625.2 | -13 | % | 719.8 | |||||
| Non-Hasbro Branded Film & TV | 537.7 | -35 | % | 828.7 | -17 | % | 997.7 | |||||
| Total | $ | 5,003.3 | $ | 5,856.7 | $ | 6,420.4 |
2023 versus 2022
Net revenues declined in all brand portfolios in 2023 compared to 2022.
Franchise Brands: The Franchise Brands portfolio net revenues decreased 3% in 2023 compared to 2022. The net revenue decrease primarily reflects lower net revenues from NERF products, lower net revenues from Hasbro Gaming products, lower net revenues from PLAY-DOH products compared to 2022, which benefited from the release of Play-doh Squished programming and to a lesser extent, lower net revenues from PEPPA PIG products. These net revenue decreases were partially offset by net revenue increases from DUNGEONS & DRAGONS digital gaming products, most notably Baldur's Gate 3, the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS-based role-playing video game released during the third quarter 2023, as well as the theatrical release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves released in March 2023 and higher net revenues from D&D Beyond, acquired during the second quarter of 2022. In addition, partially offsetting losses in the category were higher net revenues from TRANSFORMERS products, supported by the June 2023 theatrical release of Transformers: Rise of the Beast, and to a lesser extent, higher net revenues from MAGIC: THE GATHERING products, most notably from sales of the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth card set released in June 2023, making 2023 the second consecutive year that MAGIC: THE GATHERING has reached billion-dollar brand acclaim, reflecting ongoing fan enthusiasm for the brand, as well as higher net revenues from MONOPOLY products reflecting the success of the mobile game Monopoly Go!, launched during the second quarter of 2023.
Partner Brands: The Partner Brands portfolio net revenues declined 35% in 2023 compared to 2022. Within the Partner Brands portfolio, there are a number of brands which are reliant on related entertainment, including movie and television releases. As such, net revenues fluctuate from year-to-year by brand, depending on entertainment popularity, release dates and the success of related product line offerings. Historically these entertainment-based brands experience higher revenues during years in which major films or television programming is released.
In 2023, Partner Brands net revenue declines were primarily driven by lower sales of the Company's products for DISNEY FROZEN and DISNEY PRINCESS due to the expiration of the related license agreements in December 2022, lower net revenues from the Company's products for MARVEL and STAR WARS compared to 2022, which benefited from a robust slate of entertainment releases in 2022 as described below, without comparable releases in
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2023, and to a lesser extent, lower net revenues from BEYBLADE products. These decreases were partially offset by net revenue contributions from the introduction of the Company's products for INDIANA JONES, supported by the June 2023 theatrical release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Portfolio Brands: The Hasbro Gaming portfolio net revenues declined 17% in 2023 compared to 2022 driven primarily by lower sales of FURREAL FRIENDS products and to a lesser extent, lower sales of PJ MASKS, MY LITTLE PONY and BABY ALIVE products. These decreases were partially offset by net revenues from FURBY products following the Company's successful reintroduction of the brand and refreshed product line during the second quarter of 2023, as well as higher net revenues from GI JOE products.
Non-Hasbro Branded Film & TV: Net revenues from the TV/Film/Entertainment portfolio declined 35% in 2023 compared to 2022. Lower net revenues in 2023 were driven by lower scripted and unscripted television deliveries, as well as lower film deliveries in 2023 compared to 2022. These decreases were due primarily to the impact of the several months-long worker strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the American actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, which disrupted the number and timing of planned program productions, most notably, Rookie seasons five and six, Rookie Feds season two, The Recruit season two, Yellowjackets season three and Cruel Summer season three. In 2024, this category will be removed from the Company's brand architecture. Hasbro will continue to develop and produce animation, digital shorts, scripted TV and theatrical films for audiences related to core Hasbro IP. All retained Hasbro-branded content is included in the portfolios noted above.
2022 versus 2021
Net revenues declined in all brand portfolios in 2022 compared to 2021.
Franchise Brands: The Franchise Brands portfolio net revenues decreased 5% in 2022 compared to 2021. Higher net revenues from MAGIC: THE GATHERING products, due to record sales from set releases that included: Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, Double Masters, and others, reflecting momentum in the brand, and elevating MAGIC: THE GATHERING to the Company's first billion-dollar brand. In addition, the Franchise Brands portfolio benefited from higher sales of PEPPA PIG products, driven by the third quarter 2021 launch of the Company's first line of PEPPA PIG product line and higher sales of PLAY-DOH products. These net revenue increases were more than offset by lower net revenues from NERF products, lower sales of Hasbro Gaming products, most notably MONOPOLY products, and to a lesser extent, lower net revenues from TRANSFORMERS products and lower net revenues from the Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance digital game launched during the second quarter 2021 with no comparable release in 2022.
Partner Brands: The Partner Brands portfolio net revenues declined 9% in 2022 compared to 2021. In 2022, Partner Brands net revenue declines were driven by lower sales of the Company's products for DISNEY FROZEN and DISNEY PRINCESS as the related license neared the end of its term, in addition to lower sales of BEYBLADE products, and to a lesser extent, lower sales of GHOSTBUSTERS products. These net revenue decreases were partially offset by higher net revenues from the Company's products for MARVEL, led by momentum in the SPIDER-MAN franchise which benefited from entertainment releases including the children’s animated television series, Marvel's Spidey and His Amazing Friends as well as Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: No Way Home, released in December 2021. The Company's products for Marvel's AVENGERS benefited from the release of Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in May 2022 and the July 2022 release of Thor: Love and Thunder, while the Company's products for BLACK PANTHER were supported by the November 2022 release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. To a lesser extent, net revenues from the Company's line of STAR WARS products increased as a result of continued STAR WARS entertainment released on Disney+.
Portfolio Brands: Portfolio Brands net revenues declined 13% in 2022 compared to 2021 driven primarily by lower net revenues from BABY ALIVE, FURREAL FRIENDS, PJ MASKS and MY LITTLE PONY products and to a lesser extent, lower net revenues from core PLAYSKOOL and POTATO HEAD products.
Non-Hasbro Branded Film & TV: Net revenues from the Non-Hasbro Branded Film & TV portfolio declined 17% in 2022 compared to 2021. Lower net revenues in 2022 were driven by the sale of eOne Music during the third quarter of 2021, which represented $65.2 million or 6% of portfolio net revenues during 2021. In addition to the sale of eOne Music, net revenue declines in 2022 were driven by the lower number of film deliveries in 2022 compared to 2021 due to timing shifts of certain films into 2023, and to a lesser extent, lower unscripted television deliveries in 2022. These decreases were partially offset by higher net revenues from scripted production deliveries, most notably, Cruel Summer season two, The Rookie seasons four and five and The Rookie: Feds season one.
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SEGMENT RESULTS
The summary that follows provides a discussion of the results of operations of our four reportable segments: Consumer Products, Wizards of the Coast & Digital Gaming, Entertainment and Corporate and Other.
Net Revenues
The table below illustrates net revenues expressed in millions of dollars, derived from our principal operating segments in 2023, 2022 and 2021.
| 2023Net Revenues | % Change | 2022Net Revenues | % Change | 2021Net Revenues | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Products | $ | 2,886.4 | -19 | % | $ | 3,572.5 | -10 | % | $ | 3,981.6 | ||
| Wizards of the Coast & Digital Gaming | 1,457.6 | 10 | % | 1,325.1 | 3 | % | 1,286.6 | |||||
| Entertainment | 659.3 | -31 | % | 959.1 | -17 | % | 1,152.2 |
Consumer Products Segment
The following table presents the Consumer Products segment net revenues by major geographic region for each fiscal year in the three years ended December 25, 2022.
| 2023Net Revenues | % Change | 2022Net Revenues | % Change | 2021Net Revenues | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | $ | 1,649.1 | -20 | % | $ | 2,064.8 | -11 | % | $ | 2,315.9 | ||||||
| Europe | 669.5 | -26 | % | 899.5 | -16 | % | 1,067.7 | |||||||||
| Asia Pacific | 256.3 | -13 | % | 293.4 | -5 | % | 310.1 | |||||||||
| Latin America | 311.5 | -1 | % | 314.8 | 9 | % | 287.9 | |||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | 2,886.4 | -19 | % | $ | 3,572.5 | -10 | % | $ | 3,981.6 |
2023 versus 2022
Consumer Products segment net revenues declined 19% in 2023 compared to 2022 and included the impact of a favorable $21.8 million foreign currency translation, most notably from the Company's Latin American markets and to a lesser extent, from markets across Europe. Within the Consumer Products segment, net revenues declined in the Franchise Brands, Partner Brands and Portfolio Brands categories during 2023 compared to 2022.
The net revenue decrease was driven by lower sales of Partner Brands products including the Company's products for DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN, following the expiration of associated license agreements in December 2022, lower sales of the Company's products for MARVEL and to a lesser extent, lower sales of the Company's products for STAR WARS compared to 2022, which benefited from a variety of entertainment releases without a comparable slate in 2023. In addition, lower sales of NERF products and lower sales of certain Hasbro Gaming products, as well as lower net revenues from FURREAL FRIENDS products contributed to the decrease. These net revenue decreases were partially offset by higher sales of TRANSFORMERS products supported by the theatrical release of Transformers: Rise of Beasts in June 2023 and from the Company's refreshed lineup of FURBY products following the reintroduction of the brand during the second quarter of 2023 and higher sales of GI JOE products. Overall, segment net revenue declines were primarily attributable to the challenging consumer discretionary environment in North America and to a lesser extent, the Company's markets across Europe during 2023.
2022 versus 2021
Consumer Products segment net revenues declined 10% in 2022 compared to 2021, declining in all brand portfolios.
The drivers of the net revenue decrease included lower sales of NERF, MONOPOLY, TRANSFORMERS and BABY ALIVE products, lower sales of the Company's products for DISNEY PRINCESS and DISNEY FROZEN as the related license term ended during the fourth quarter of 2022, and lower sales of BEYBLADE products. In addition, lower sales of Hasbro Gaming products, primarily from the Company's tabletop gaming brands such as JENGA, LIFE and certain other Hasbro Gaming brands and lower net revenues from FURREAL FRIENDS products contributed to the decrease. These net revenue decreases were partially offset by higher sales of PEPPA PIG and PLAY-DOH products, and higher sales of the Company's products for MARVEL and STAR WARS. Overall segment
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net revenue declines were primarily attributable to North America and to a lesser extent, the Company's European markets during 2022.
Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming Segment
The following table presents Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment net revenues by category (tabletop gaming and digital and licensed gaming) for each fiscal year in the three years ended December 31, 2023.
| 2023Net Revenues | % Change | 2022Net Revenues | % Change | 2021Net Revenues | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabletop Gaming | $ | 1,072.5 | 1 | % | $ | 1,067.0 | 12 | % | $ | 950.6 | ||||||
| Digital and Licensed Gaming | 385.1 | 49 | % | 258.1 | -23 | % | 336.0 | |||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | 1,457.6 | 10 | % | $ | 1,325.1 | 3 | % | $ | 1,286.6 |
2023 versus 2022
Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment net revenues increased 10% in 2023 compared to 2022 and included the impact of a favorable $2.9 million foreign currency translation. The net revenue increase in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment was primarily attributable to higher net revenues from DUNGEONS & DRAGONS digital gaming products, most notably Baldur's Gate 3, the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS-based role-playing video game released during the third quarter 2023 and to a lesser extent, higher digital licensing net revenues, attributable to the increased success of Monopoly Go!, as well as the launch of the Peppa Pig: World Adventures video game released in the first quarter of 2023. In addition, higher net revenues from Wizards of the Coast tabletop gaming products contributed to segment growth in 2023, most notably from MAGIC: THE GATHERING, driven by the success of the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth card set released in June 2023.
2022 versus 2021
In 2022, net revenues from the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment increased 3% compared to 2021. The net revenue increase in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment was attributable to higher net revenues from Wizards of the Coast tabletop gaming products, most notably, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, which in 2022, became the Company's first billion-dollar brand, driven by the number of strong performing card sets released during the year. In total, 81% of segment net revenues were attributable to Wizards of the Coast tabletop games during 2022. The increase in tabletop gaming net revenues was partially offset by lower digital and licensed gaming net revenues, primarily from Magic: The Gathering Arena and from Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance, launched during the first half of 2021 and to a lesser extent, lower net revenues from certain other of the Company's licensed digital games during 2022.
Entertainment Segment
The following table presents Entertainment segment net revenues by category for each fiscal year in the three years ended December 31, 2023.
| 2023Net Revenues | % Change | 2022Net Revenues | % Change | 2021Net Revenues | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film and TV | $ | 575.5 | -31 | % | $ | 837.6 | -10 | % | $ | 932.5 | ||||||
| Family Brands | 83.8 | 6 | % | 79.4 | -40 | % | 132.9 | |||||||||
| Music and Other | — | -100 | % | 42.1 | -51 | % | 86.8 | |||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | 659.3 | -31 | % | $ | 959.1 | -17 | % | $ | 1,152.2 |
*Music and Other category net revenues for the period ended December 26, 2021 includes $65.2 million from eOne Music, which was sold by the Company early in the third fiscal quarter of 2021.
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2023 versus 2022
Entertainment segment net revenues declined 31% in 2023. compared to 2022 and included the impact of an unfavorable $4.3 million foreign currency translation. The net revenue decrease during 2023 was driven by lower entertainment productions and deliveries, reflecting the impact of the several months-long strikes during 2023 by the Writers Guild of America and the American actors' union, SAG-AFTRA. Notable programming that was delayed or cancelled included, Rookie seasons five and six, Rookie Feds season two, The Recruit season two, Yellowjackets season three and Cruel Summer season three. To a lesser extent, lower net revenues from unscripted programming contributed to the decrease reflecting the lower number of new deliveries during 2023 compared to 2022. Additionally, to a lesser extent, the strategic exit of certain non-core businesses during the fourth quarter of 2022 contributed to the decrease. These decreases were partially offset by higher net revenues from the Company's Family Brands business, from new agreements entered, and the renewal of certain existing streaming content agreements throughout 2023, related to programs featuring the Company's brands including the television series Power Rangers Cosmic Fury season 30, released on the Netflix streaming platform in September 2023.
2022 versus 2021
Entertainment segment net revenues declined 17% in 2022 compared to 2021. The segment net revenue decrease primarily reflects the number of major film deliveries compared to 2021 where films such as Clifford The Big Red Dog, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris and Come From Away were delivered, without a comparable number of major film deliveries in 2022, as well as lower net revenues from streaming content sales compared to 2021, which benefited from the September 2021 release of My Little Pony: A New Generation. To a lesser extent, lower transactional net revenues and lower net revenues from unscripted television deliveries compared to 2021 contributed to the decline. These decreases were partially offset by higher scripted television deliveries that include The Rookie seasons four and five, Cruel Summer season two, The Rookie: Feds season one and Yellowjackets season two.
Operating Profit (Loss)
The table below illustrates operating profit expressed in millions of dollars and operating profit margins, derived from our principal operating segments in 2023, 2022 and 2021. 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. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K.
| 2023 | % Net Revenues | % Change | 2022 | % Net Revenues | % Change | 2021 | % Net Revenues | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Products | $ | (64.7) | -2.2 | % | 100% | $ | 217.3 | 6.1 | % | -46 | % | $ | 401.4 | 10.1 | % | |||
| Wizards of the Coast & Digital Gaming | 525.7 | 36.1 | % | -2 | % | 538.3 | 40.6 | % | -2 | % | 547.0 | 42.5 | % | |||||
| Entertainment | (1,911.5) | 100% | 100% | 22.7 | 2.4 | % | 100% | (91.8) | -8.0 | % | ||||||||
| Corporate and Other | (88.3) | n/a | 76 | % | (370.6) | n/a | 100% | (93.3) | n/a | |||||||||
| Total | $ | (1,538.8) | 407.7 | 763.3 |
Effective for the first quarter of 2022, intangible amortization costs related to the intangible assets acquired in the eOne acquisition have been allocated between the Consumer Products and Entertainment segments to match the revenue generated from such intangible assets. In 2021, comparable intangible amortization costs were recorded within the Entertainment segment.
Consumer Products Segment
2023 versus 2022
Consumer Products segment operating results decreased $282.0 million to an operating loss of $64.7 million in 2023, compared to operating profit of $217.3 million in 2022. Operating profit margin decreased to -2.2% of net revenues in 2023 from 6.1% of net revenues in 2022.
In 2023, the Consumer Products segment operating loss was driven by lower net revenues reflecting the challenging consumer discretionary environment in North America and Europe, and to a lesser extent, Asia Pacific regions, combined with higher sales allowances and obsolescence charges, including inventory scrap write-downs of excess aged inventory, as well as higher levels of closeout sales, primarily across North America and Europe, due to efforts to reduce retail inventory levels. These impacts to operating profit were partially offset by lower product costs associated with improved inventory management including supply chain improvements, lower royalty
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expenses as a result of the decline of Partner Brands sales in 2023, lower shipping and warehousing expenses associated with the Company's lower levels of inventory as well as lower advertising and promotion costs and lower product development and lower administrative expenses, reflecting focused cost savings initiatives and savings realized from the Company's Operational Excellence program.
2022 versus 2021
Consumer Products segment operating profit decreased $184.1 million to $217.3 million in 2022, compared to $401.4 million in 2021. Operating profit margin decreased to 6.1% of net revenues in 2022 from 10.1% of net revenues in 2021.
In 2022, to align with the revenue generated from the assets acquired in the eOne acquisition, Consumer Products segment operating profit included $37.7 million of incremental intangible asset amortization costs. In 2021, comparable costs were reported in the Entertainment segment results. Additionally, in connection with the Company's Blueprint 2.0 strategy shift, Consumer Products segment operating profit included charges of $14.9 million of incremental asset charges related to product cancellations, consisting of inventory and asset write offs related to the Company's plans to focus on fewer, bigger brands. The remaining operating profit decrease in 2022 was driven by lower net revenues and higher sales allowances and obsolescence charges, as well as higher levels of closeout sales and warehousing costs associated with higher inventory levels. These negative effects were partially offset by the impact of the expiration of certain Consumer Products licensing agreements acquired through the eOne acquisition, which carried higher royalty expenses in prior periods and higher net revenues from licensing agreements related to certain of the Company's Franchise Brands. In addition to these benefits were savings realized from the Company’s operational excellence program within cost of sales and distribution expense, price increases implemented in 2022 combined with lower product development costs, lower advertising and promotion expenses, and lower incentive compensation.
Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming Segment
2023 versus 2022
Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment operating profit decreased $12.6 million to $525.7 million in 2023, compared to $538.3 million in 2022. Operating profit margin decreased to 36.1% in 2023 from 40.6% in 2022.
The decrease in segment operating profit in 2023 was driven primarily by higher tabletop gaming product costs including higher inventory obsolescence charges, higher royalty expenses attributable the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and Magic: The Gathering - Doctor Who releases, higher product development costs as the Company continues to invest in Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming initiatives, as well as higher administrative expenses including costs to attract and retain talent and higher marketing and sales expenses in support of D&D Beyond and the Wizards of the Coast MagicCon event series. These impacts to operating profit were partially offset by a favorable mix of digital gaming product sales driven by Baldur's Gate 3 and certain other licensed digital gaming products including Monopoly Go!.
2022 versus 2021
Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment operating profit decreased $8.7 million to $538.3 million in 2022, compared to $547.0 million in 2021. Operating profit margin was 40.6% in 2022 compared to 42.5% in 2021.
The decrease in segment operating profit in 2022 was the result of higher inventory costs and higher product development costs in support of the Company's tabletop and digital gaming initiatives and talent to support long-term growth within the segment, as well as higher royalty expense due to the growth of MAGIC: THE GATHERING UNIVERSES BEYOND. These increases were partially offset by lower administrative expenses, including lower incentive compensation expenses and lower advertising expense and depreciation costs compared to 2021, where the Company incurred higher costs associated with the launch of the mobile version of Magic: The Gathering Arena and Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance.
Entertainment Segment
2023 versus 2022
The Entertainment segment operating loss was $1.9 billion, compared to operating profit of $22.7 million, or 2.4% of segment net revenues in 2022.
Entertainment segment operating losses in 2023 were driven primarily by a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $960.0 million, reflecting a reduced long-term forecast due to lower profitability of PJ MASKS as described below, and a change in outlook for our owned and operated production efforts that shifted the Entertainment strategy to an
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asset lite and partner led model, a loss on disposal of business of $539.0 million related to the sale of the eOne Film and TV business not directly supporting the Company's Entertainment Strategy, a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $231.2 million related to the goodwill impairment of the Company's Film & TV reporting unit, due to the expected economic impact of industry factors, as well as asset impairment charges of $65.0 million related to the Company's definite-lived intangible eOne Trademark. In addition to these charges, the Company recorded a $51.0 million intangible asset impairment charge related to the impairment of the Company's definite-lived PJ MASKS intangible asset due to challenging retail conditions and competitive market conditions leading to a reduction in brand profitability, and $19.4 million of intangible amortization costs recorded throughout 2023, related to certain intangible assets acquired in the eOne Acquisition. In addition to these charges, Entertainment segment operating losses were attributable to lower segment net revenues, due primarily to the impact of the writers' and actors' strikes mentioned above, which disrupted the number and timing of planned program productions and deliveries in 2023 compared to 2022, and higher program amortization costs due to production asset impairment charges associated with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and other cancelled projects, due to the Company's go-forward brand strategy. These increases were partially offset by lower operating expenses as a result of the exit of certain non-core businesses during the fourth quarter of 2022 and lower royalty expenses within the Company's film and TV business due to the volume and mix of content delivered during 2023, compared to 2022.
2022 versus 2021
Entertainment segment operating profit was $22.7 million, or 2.4% of segment net revenues in 2022, compared to operating losses of $91.8 million, or 8.0% of segment net revenues in 2021.
The improved operating results in 2022 were driven primarily by the non-cash impairment charge of $108.8 million in 2021 associated with the sale of eOne Music, the allocation of $37.7 million of intangible asset amortization costs to the Consumer Products segment during 2022, as well as lower royalty expenses and lower advertising expense attributable to the lower number of film releases compared to 2021. These impacts to segment operating results were partially offset by a loss on disposal of assets of $22.1 million and asset impairment charges of $4.1 million related to the exit of certain non-core businesses, the impact of the sale of the eOne Music business during 2021 described above and higher program amortization costs in proportion to entertainment revenues related to the mix of programming delivered in 2022.
Corporate and Other Segment
In the Corporate and Other segment, the operating losses were $88.3 million in 2023 compared to operating losses of $370.6 million in 2022 and operating losses of $93.3 million in 2021.
Improved operating results in 2023 reflects lower administrative expenses, including lower compensation costs associated with headcount reductions, partially offset by Operational Excellence program related consultant and transformation office expenses of $35.3 million, severance and other employee charges of $34.2 million, and charges of $35.1 million associated with the non-core eOne Film and TV business sale process as well as higher marketing and sales costs compared to 2022.
In the Corporate and Other segment, the operating losses were $370.6 million in 2022 compared to operating losses of $93.3 million in 2021.
The Corporate and Other segment operating losses during 2022 were primarily related to impairment charges of $281.0 million related to the Company's Power Rangers intangible asset, severance charges of $94.1 million and transformation office and consultant fees of $12.3 million associated with Company's restructuring actions and operational excellence program related cost-savings initiatives, as well as $14.6 million of expense associated with retention awards granted in connection with the eOne acquisition. These operating loss increases were partially offset by lower incentive compensation, royalty expenses and lower advertising costs.
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OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES
The Company’s operating expenses, stated as percentages of net revenues, are illustrated below for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of sales | 34.1 | % | 32.6 | % | 30.0 | % |
| Program cost amortization | 9.0 | 9.5 | 9.8 | |||
| Royalties | 8.6 | 8.4 | 9.7 | |||
| Product development | 6.1 | 5.3 | 4.9 | |||
| Advertising | 7.2 | 6.6 | 7.9 | |||
| Amortization of intangibles | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.8 | |||
| Impairment of goodwill | 23.8 | — | — | |||
| Loss on disposal | 10.8 | 0.4 | 1.7 | |||
| Selling, distribution and administration | 29.6 | 28.4 | 22.3 |
Operating expenses for 2023, 2022 and 2021 include benefits and expenses related to the following events:
2023
•During 2023 the Company recorded non-cash Goodwill and Asset impairment charges of $1.3 billion incurred within the Entertainment segment consisting of the following:
◦Charges of $296.2 million recorded during the second quarter as a result of the Company's impairment review of its Film and TV reporting unit, consisting of a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $231.2 million recorded in Impairment of goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges of $65.0 million related to the Company's definite-lived intangible eOne Trademark, recorded within Selling, distribution and administration.
◦A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $960.0 million recorded in Impairment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2023, as a result of the Company's impairment review of its Family Brands reporting unit.
◦An impairment charge of $51.0 million related to the impairment of the Company's definite-lived PJ MASKS intangible asset.
•During 2023 in association with actions taken following the Company's strategic review and subsequent strategy shift to focus on fewer, bigger brands, the Company incurred $574.1 million of Blueprint 2.0 implementation charges, consisting of:
◦A Loss on disposal of business of $539.0 million related to the sale of the Company's non-core eOne Film and TV business recorded in Loss on disposal within the Entertainment segment, executed during the fourth quarter; and,
◦Charges of $35.1 million associated with the eOne Film & TV business sale process recorded in Selling, distribution and administration expense within the Corporate and Other segment.
•During 2023 in association with the Company's Operational Excellence program the Company recorded charges of $69.5 million consisting of consultant and transformation office expenses of $35.3 million and severance and other employee charges of $34.2 million included within Selling, distribution and administration within Corporate and Other.
•During 2023, the Company incurred charges of $62.6 million of intangible amortization costs related to certain intangible assets acquired in the eOne Acquisition. These expenses are allocated between the Consumer Products and Entertainment segments, to match the revenue generated from such intangible assets.
•During 2023, the Company incurred charges of $1.9 million of stock based compensation expense associated with retention awards granted in connection with the eOne Acquisition. These expenses were
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incurred during the first quarter of 2023 and are included within Selling, distribution and administration within the Corporate and Other segment.
2022
•During 2022, in association with actions taken following the Company's strategic review and subsequent Blueprint 2.0 strategy shift to focus on fewer, bigger brands, the Company incurred:
◦Asset impairments and charges of $300.3 million of which $281.0 relates to the partial impairment of the Company's definite-lived Power Rangers intangible asset recorded in Selling, distribution and administration within the Corporate and Other segment, $14.9 million of incurred incremental asset charges recorded within Cost of sales related to product cancellations, consisting of inventory and asset write offs within the Consumer Products segment, and $4.4 million of strategy related asset impairments recorded within Program cost amortization, due to the cancellation of certain projects within the Entertainment segment; and
◦Charges of $22.1 million comprised of a non-cash goodwill impairment loss of $11.8 million and other asset impairments of $10.3 million related to the exit of non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment, included in Loss on disposal of business.
•In support of the Company's strategic shift, Hasbro announced an Operational Excellence program. In association with this program the Company incurred:
◦Severance and other employee charges of $94.1 million associated with cost-savings initiatives across the Company, included within Selling, distribution and administration; and
◦Program related consultant fees and transformation office expenses of $12.3 million included within Selling, distribution and administration.
•During 2022, the Company incurred incremental intangible amortization costs of $71.4 million related to the intangible assets acquired in the eOne acquisition allocated between the Consumer Products and Entertainment segments, to match the revenue generated from such intangible assets.
•During 2022, the Company incurred $14.6 million of stock based compensation expense associated with retention awards granted in connection with the eOne acquisition. These expenses are included within Selling, distribution and administration within the Corporate and Other segment.
2021
•During 2021, in association with the sale of the eOne Music business, the Company incurred a loss of $118.3 million comprised of a goodwill impairment charge of $108.8 million included within Loss on disposal of business, and transaction costs of $9.5 million included within Selling, distribution and administration.
•During 2021, the Company incurred incremental intangible amortization costs of $85.0 million related to the intangible assets acquired in the eOne acquisition.
•During 2021, the Company incurred $20.9 million of stock based compensation expense associated with the accelerated vesting of certain equity awards as a result of the passing of its former CEO included within Selling, distribution and administration.
•During 2021, in association with the Company's acquisition of eOne, the Company incurred stock based compensation expense of $7.7 million for acquisition related equity grants, included within Selling, distribution and administration.
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 11% to $1,706.0 million, or 34.1% of net revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $1,911.8 million, or 32.6% of net revenues, for the year ended December 25, 2022. In 2023, the cost of sales decrease was driven by lower sales volumes, primarily in North America and Europe, and to a lesser extent Asia Pacific markets during 2023, and lower product input costs, most notably within the Consumer Products segment as well as cost savings realized from the Company's Operational Excellence Program combined with the impact of the exit of certain non-core business. These decreases were partially offset by higher closeout sales during 2023 compared to 2022. As a percent of net revenues, the cost of
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sales increase was primarily the result of higher inventory obsolescence charges, primarily within the Consumer Products segment, partially offset by the mix of net revenues during 2023 compared to 2022.
In 2022, Cost of sales decreased 1% to $1,911.8 million, or 32.6% of net revenues, for the year ended December 25, 2022 compared to $1,927.5 million, or 30.0% of net revenues, for the year ended December 26, 2021. The cost of sales decrease in dollars was driven by lower sales volumes, primarily within the Consumer Products segment during 2022 compared to 2021. These decreases were partially offset by cost of sales increases within the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment, reflecting higher tabletop gaming sales during 2022. The cost of sales increase as a percent of net revenues was the result of higher product input costs including higher material costs and higher inventory obsolescence, sales allowances and closeout charges to address excess inventory, most notably within Europe and the U.S., partially offset by the benefit of implemented price increases and lower freight costs.
Program Cost Amortization
Program cost amortization totaled $448.9 million, or 9.0% of net revenues in 2023, compared to $555.5 million, or 9.5% of net revenues in 2022 and $628.6 million, or 9.8% of net revenues, in 2021. The majority of the Company's program costs are capitalized as incurred and amortized using the individual-film-forecast method. The Company also utilizes the percentage of completion methodology, primarily related to unscripted content. Program cost amortization reflects both the phasing of revenues associated with films and television programming, as well as the type of content being produced and distributed. The program cost amortization decrease during 2023 reflects the impact of the writers' and actors' strikes during 2023, which disrupted the number and timing of planned productions and led to reduced deliveries during the year, in addition to an overall slowdown in production activity due to the sale of the eOne Film and TV business unit late in the fourth quarter of 2023. This decrease was partially offset by higher program cost amortization due to production asset impairment charges of $38.1 million associated with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, recorded during the second quarter of 2023 and higher program amortization costs attributable to certain other cancelled projects as a result of the Company's go-forward brand strategy.
The Program cost amortization decrease during 2022 was driven by the volume and mix of programming revenues compared to 2021, partially offset by $4.1 million of asset impairment charges recorded during 2022, related to discontinued projects associated with the exit of non-core business within the Entertainment segment.
Royalty Expense
Royalty expense of $428.3 million, or 8.6% of net revenues, in 2023 compared to $493.0 million, or 8.4% of net revenues, in 2022 and $620.4 million, or 9.7% of net revenues, in 2021. 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 products for STAR WARS and MARVEL properties and certain other licensed properties which carry higher royalty rates than other licensed properties. In 2023, the decrease in royalty expense was primarily due to lower sales of certain Partner Brands products which carry higher royalty rates, driven in part by the exit of certain license agreements in December 2022, combined with lower royalty expense associated with the eOne Film & TV business as a result of the slowdown in production activity described above. These decreases to royalty expense were partially offset by the impact of royalty rates associated with the 2023 card set releases, Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth and Doctor Who.
In 2022, the decrease in Royalty expense was driven by lower sales of certain Partner Brands products which carry higher royalty rates and a change in product mix within the Consumer Products segment, and to a lesser extent, the mix of entertainment deliveries in 2022 reflecting lower film deliveries compared to 2021. In addition, lower royalty expense in 2022 reflects the impact of the sale of eOne Music during 2021 and the expiration of certain licensing agreements acquired through the eOne acquisition, resulting in lower royalty expenses compared to prior periods. See note 20 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for information on the Company's future royalty commitments as of December 31, 2023.
Product Development
Product development expense in 2023 totaled $306.9 million, or 6.1% of net revenues, compared to $307.9 million, or 5.3% of net revenues, in 2022 and $315.7 million, or 4.9% of net revenues, in 2021. Product development expenditures reflect the Company’s investment in innovation and anticipated growth across our brand portfolio. In 2023 product development expense was consistent in dollars compared to 2022 and higher as a percent of net
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revenues reflecting the Company's continued investments and costs to support the Wizards of the Coast tabletop and digital gaming initiatives, partially offset by lower personnel costs with the Consumer Products segment.
The decrease in 2022 Product development expense in dollars compared to 2021 was driven by lower spending in line with the Company's global cost savings initiatives partially offset by higher spending in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment in support of the Company’s core initiatives.
Advertising Expense
Advertising expense in 2023 totaled $358.4 million, or 7.2% of net revenues, compared to $387.3 million or 6.6% of net revenues in 2022 and $506.6 million or 7.9% in 2021. The level of the Company’s advertising expense is generally impacted by revenue mix, the amount and type of theatrical releases and television programming delivered. The advertising expense decrease during 2023 was driven by lower expense within the Consumer Products segment, due to the volume and mix of product sales and timing of advertising expenditures during 2023, partially offset by higher expense within the Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segments, in support of the theatrical release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and advertising costs associated with D&D Beyond, acquired during the second quarter of 2022.
The Advertising expense decrease during 2022 was driven by lower expense within the Consumer Products segment, reflecting the implementation of the Company's strategic shift to focus on fewer, bigger brands and lower advertising expense in the Entertainment segment related to the sale of the eOne Music business and a shift in the type of entertainment releases delivered in 2022. In 2021, higher advertising expense was driven by support for the September 2021 release of My Little Pony: A New Generation and within the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment, expense in support of the 2021 launch of the mobile version of Magic: The Gathering Arena and Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance, with no comparable releases in 2022.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets decreased to $83.0 million, or 1.7% of net revenues, in 2023 compared to $105.3 million, or 1.8% of net revenues, in 2022 and $116.8 million, or 1.8% of net revenues in 2021. The decrease in 2023 reflects the discontinuation of amortization expense associated with intangible assets included with the sale of the eOne Film and TV business to Lionsgate, lower expense due to the impairment of the Company's definite-lived intangible asset, eOne Trademark during the second quarter of 2023, lower expense due to the partial impairment of the Company's definite-lived Power Rangers intangible assets during the fourth quarter of 2022, as well as lower expense due to certain classic gaming properties becoming fully amortized during the first quarter of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by additional expense associated with assets acquired through the D&D Beyond Acquisition during the second quarter of 2022.
The decrease in 2022 was the result of the discontinuation of amortization related to the eOne Music intangible assets following the sale of eOne Music during 2021. This decline was partially offset by additional expense associated with assets acquired through the D&D Beyond acquisition during 2022.
Impairment of Goodwill
In 2023, Impairment of goodwill of $1,191.2 million, or 23.8% of net revenues represents non-cash impairment charges of $960.0 million associated with the Company's Family Brands reporting unit recorded during the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting a reduced long-term forecast due to lower profitability of PJ MASKS, and a change in outlook for the Company's owned and operated production efforts that shifted the Entertainment strategy to an asset lite and partner led model. In addition, $231.2 million of goodwill impairment charges recorded during the second quarter of 2023, related to the goodwill impairment of the Company's Film & TV reporting unit, due to the expected economic impact of industry factors. These charges were recorded within the Entertainment segment. See note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for additional information on impairment of goodwill.
Loss on Disposal of Business
In 2023, the Loss on disposal of business of $539.0 million, or 10.8% of net revenues represents non-cash impairment charges and foreign currency translation losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive losses to current earnings, associated with the sale of the Company's non-core eOne Film and TV business within the Entertainment segment. In 2022, the loss on disposal of business of $22.1 million, or 0.4% of net revenues represents non-cash impairment charges associated with the exit of certain non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment. The Loss on disposal of business of $108.8 million, or 1.7% of net revenues, represents a non-cash impairment charge associated with the disposition of eOne Music during 2021. See note 3 to the
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consolidated financial statements, included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for additional information on the sale of the eOne Film and TV business.
In 2022, the Loss on disposal of business of $22.1 million, or 0.4% of net revenues represents non-cash impairment charges associated with the exit of certain non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment. The Loss on disposal of business of $108.8 million, or 1.7% of net revenues, represents a non-cash impairment charge associated with the disposition of eOne Music during 2021.
Selling, Distribution and Administration Expenses
Selling, distribution and administration expenses decreased to $1,480.4 million, or 29.6% of net revenues in 2023, from $1,666.1 million, or 28.4% of net revenues, in 2022. In 2021, Selling, distribution and administration expenses were $1,432.7 million, or 22.3% of net revenues in 2021. In 2023, the decline in Selling, distribution and administration expense was driven by lower compensation expense associated with workforce reductions, lower costs for professional services and lower freight and warehousing expenses as a result of lower shipments during 2023. Additionally, Selling, distribution and administration expense in 2023 included $116.0 million of intangible asset impairment charges as compared to $281.0 million of intangible asset impairment charges in 2022. 2023 intangible asset impairment charges consist of $65.0 million related to the Company's definite-lived intangible eOne Trademark and $51.0 million related to the Company's PJ MASKS intangible asset, charges of $69.5 million associated with the Company's Operational Excellence program consisting of $35.3 million of consultant and transformation office charges and $34.2 million of severance and other employee charges, as well as charges totaling $35.1 million incurred by the Company associated with the process to sell the eOne Film and TV business. In addition, higher marketing and sales costs, most notably within the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment in support of digital gaming and location based entertainment initiatives.
In 2022, Selling, distribution and administration expense reflects lower incentive compensation expense, lower depreciation expense within the Wizards of the Coast business, most notably due to the release of Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance in 2021, with no comparable releases in 2022 and lower shipping costs due to global supply chain improvements during the year. These decreases were wholly offset by the impairment charges and severance and other charges associated with the Company's strategic review noted previously, and higher warehousing expenses, primarily in the Consumer Products segment and, to a lesser extent, the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment, as a result of higher inventory levels for the year ended December 25, 2022.
NON-OPERATING EXPENSE (INCOME)
Interest Expense
Interest expense totaled $186.3 million in 2023 compared to $171.0 million in 2022 and $179.7 million in 2021. The increase in interest expense during 2023 primarily reflects higher interest rates in 2023 related to interest payments for the Company's variable-rate Five-Year term loan, which was retired late in the fourth quarter of 2023, using proceeds from the sale of the eOne Film and TV business. In addition, higher interest expense associated with borrowings from the Company's production financing credit facilities contributed to the increase. The Company's remaining senior revolving credit facility dedicated to production financing and all individual production loans were assumed by Lionsgate effective upon the closing of the sale of eOne Film and TV in the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in 2022 compared to 2021 primarily reflects long-term debt repayments made throughout 2021, primarily related to borrowings utilized for the eOne acquisition, partially offset by higher interest expense related to borrowings from the Company's production financing credit facilities. For more information on the Company's long-term debt and production financing facilities see notes 9 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K.
Interest Income
Interest income was $23.0 million in 2023 compared to $11.8 million in 2022 and $5.4 million in 2021. Higher interest income in 2023 primarily reflects higher average interest rates and higher interest income on income tax recoveries received in 2023 compared to 2022. Higher interest income in 2022 compared to 2021 is primarily the result of higher average interest rates in 2022 compared to 2021.
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Other Expense (Income), Net
Other expense (income), net was $7.0 million, $(13.0) million and $7.1 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The following table outlines major contributors to other expense (income), net, expressed in millions of dollars.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings from Discovery Family Channel | (10.9) | (8.1) | (20.8) | |||||
| Discovery Family Channel impairment | 1.3 | — | 74.1 | |||||
| Impairment of right-of-use asset | 2.7 | — | — | |||||
| Foreign currency losses (gains) | 13.3 | (5.3) | (5.1) | |||||
| Legal settlement | — | — | (26.7) | |||||
| Discovery Family Channel option | — | — | (20.1) | |||||
| Other | 0.6 | 0.4 | 5.7 | |||||
| $ | 7.0 | (13.0) | 7.1 |
•Earnings from the Discovery joint venture are comprised of the Company’s share in the results of the Discovery Family Channel (the "Network").
•During 2023, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $1.3 million related to its investment in Discovery Family Channel due to lower expected future returns. During 2021, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $74.1 million related to its investment in Discovery Family Channel. The Network projected a significant decline in affiliate revenue in 2021, driven by changes in the cable distribution industry due to a decline in linear subscribers. There were no comparable losses during 2022.
•During 2023, the Company exited a lease agreement associated with the eOne Film and TV business sold to Lionsgate during the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in a $2.7 million impairment loss recorded on the right-of-use asset during the second quarter.
•Foreign currency losses (gains) losses reflect fluctuations of foreign currency translation across the Company's international markets against the U.S. dollar. During 2023, the Company incurred $3.9 million of expense associated with the remittance of cash from Argentina to the U.S. The Central Bank of Argentina maintains currency controls that limit access to U.S. dollars in Argentina. The execution of certain trades, known as Blue Chip Swap transactions, which effectively result in a parallel U.S. dollar exchange rate, resulted in a $3.9 million loss during 2023.
•During the 2021, the Company realized a gain of $26.7 million from a legal settlement related to a historical eOne dispute.
•In relation to the Discovery joint venture, Hasbro and Discovery have a put/call option on the share of the Discovery Family Channel. The option’s fair value is periodically re-measured and in 2021, as a result of the Discovery Family Channel impairment, the adjustment of the option's fair value resulted in a $20.1 million gain. There were no material fair value changes to the put/call option in 2023 or 2022.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax benefit totaled 12.9% of pre-tax loss in 2023 compared with income tax expense on pre-tax earnings of 22.4% in 2022 and 25.2% in 2021. 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. Fiscal year 2023 includes discrete items related to (i) impairment of goodwill in our Family Brands business segment of $960.0 million with no tax benefit and (ii) impairment of goodwill in the Film and TV reporting unit of $231.2 million with no tax benefit. Exclusive of the goodwill impairments, the Company recorded a net discrete tax benefit of $278.7 million. This benefit is primarily related to two items. First, the Company recognized tax benefits of $124.0 million associated with the impairment of trade names in our Film and TV reporting unit, as well as loss on assets held for sale. Second, during 2023, the Company concluded its discussions with the tax authorities in Switzerland as to the application of the grandfathering rules related to 2020 Swiss Tax Reform. This resulted in the recording of a deferred tax asset of $135.6 million related to tax intangibles that will be amortized over time and result in a future cash tax benefit. This treatment applies starting in 2021.
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Income tax expense for 2022 includes a net discrete benefit primarily related to: (i) favorable return to provision adjustments; offset by (ii) a discrete expense recording a valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets due to Russia's on-going conflict with Ukraine.
Income tax expense for 2021 includes a net discrete expense primarily related to: (i) a non-deductible impairment charge from the sale of eOne Music; and (ii) the remeasurement of UK net deferred tax liability as a result of the United Kingdom’s enactment of Finance Act 2021; offset by (iii) a benefit from the release of uncertain tax positions resulting from a change in management judgement and (iv) discrete tax planning benefits.
Subsequent to the United States passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("the Tax Act"), the Company has greater flexibility to manage cash globally. The Company intends to repatriate 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. As of 2023, we have recorded $3.2 million of foreign withholding and U.S. state income tax liability. 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.
Tax laws are regularly being re-examined and evaluated globally. Recently, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has a framework to implement a global minimum corporate tax of 15% for companies with global revenues and profits above certain thresholds (referred to as Pillar 2). Certain aspects of Pillar 2 are effective January 1, 2024, and other aspects are effective January 1, 2025. Many non-US tax jurisdictions have either (i) enacted legislation to adopt certain components of Pillar 2 beginning in 2024 (including the European Union Member States) with delayed adoption of other components; or (ii) announced their plans to enact legislation in future years. We continue to evaluate the impacts of enacted and pending legislation related to Pillar 2 in our non-US tax jurisdictions.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations. This ASU requires a buyer in a supplier finance program to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about the program including the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude. ASU 2022-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those annual periods. A rollforward of obligations during the annual period, including the amount of obligations confirmed and obligations subsequently paid, is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied retrospectively to each period in which a balance sheet is presented. We adopted provisions of this ASU in 2023, with the exception of the amendment on rollforward information, which will be adopted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. Adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update enhance disclosures for significant segment expenses for all public entities required to report segment information in accordance with ASC 280. The standard did not change the definition of a segment, the method for determining segments or the criteria for aggregating operating segments into reportable segments. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Retrospective adoption is required for all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are assessing the impact of this ASU and upon adoption expect that any impact would be limited to additional segment expense disclosures in the footnotes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We expect to adopt the standard beginning with our 2024 Form 10-K.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements in Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This amendment requires public companies to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. Additionally, under the amendment entities are required to disclose the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes, as well as disaggregated by material individual jurisdictions. Finally, the amendment requires entities to disclose income from continuing operations before income tax expense disaggregated between domestic and
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foreign and income tax expense from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state and foreign. The new rules are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K.
OTHER INFORMATION
Russian Sanctions
As a result of the military conflict in Ukraine, which has led to sanctions and other penalties being levied by the United States, European Union and other countries against Russia, the Company paused all shipments and new content distribution into Russia. The impact to the Company’s operating results includes a loss of both revenue and operating profit, as well as a tax charge associated with recording a valuation allowance against local deferred tax assets. As of December 25, 2022, the Company has exhausted all locally held inventories, recovered all receivables and released all reserves in Russia.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has historically generated a significant amount of cash from operations. In 2023, the Company primarily funded its operations and liquidity needs through cash on hand and from cash flows from operations, commercial paper, and when needed, used borrowings under its available lines of credit. In addition, the Company’s Entertainment operating segment used production financing to fund certain of its television and film productions which are typically arranged on an individual production basis by using either the Company's senior revolving film and television production credit facility or through special purpose production subsidiaries. The senior revolving credit facility dedicated to production financing and individual production loans were assumed by Lionsgate effective upon the closing of the sale of eOne Film and TV in the fourth quarter of 2023. For more information on the Company's production financing facilities, see notes 3, 9 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K.
During 2024, the Company expects to continue to fund its working capital needs primarily through available cash, cash flows from operations and, if needed, by issuing commercial paper or borrowing under its revolving credit agreement. The Company believes that the funds available to it, including cash expected to be generated from operations, funds available through its commercial paper program or its available lines of credit, are adequate to meet its working capital needs for 2024, including the repayment of the current portion of long-term debt of $500.0 million, as shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets which represents the Company's 3% fixed-rate notes due in November 2024. The Company may also issue debt or equity securities from time to time, to provide additional sources of liquidity when pursuing opportunities to enhance our long-term competitive position, while maintaining a strong balance sheet. However, unexpected events or circumstances such as material operating losses or increased capital or other expenditures, or the 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.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $545.4 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 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 31, 2023, the Company had a total liability of $103.3 million related to this tax, $45.9 million is reflected in current liabilities and represents the Company's 2024 payment while the remaining long-term payable related to the Tax Act of $57.4 million, which represents the Company's final interest free installment due in 2025, is presented within Other liabilities, non-current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K. As a result of the Tax Act and associated repatriation tax payments, earnings in foreign jurisdictions are 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 31, 2023 are denominated in the U.S. dollar.
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The table below outlines key financial information pertaining to our Consolidated Balance Sheets including the year-over-year changes, expressed in millions of dollars.
| 2023 | % | 2022 | % | 2021 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents, net of short-term borrowings (including restricted cash of $0.6, $14.5 and $35.8) | $ | 545.4 | 6 | % | $ | 513.1 | -50 | % | $ | 1,019.2 | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 1,029.3 | -9 | % | 1,132.4 | -25 | % | 1,500.4 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 332.0 | -51 | % | 676.8 | 23 | % | 552.1 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 416.9 | -38 | % | 676.8 | 3 | % | 656.4 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 862.0 | -46 | % | 1,589.3 | 23 | % | 1,297.0 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,556.4 | -20 | % | 1,934.1 | -14 | % | 2,255.0 | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | 431.7 | -19 | % | 533.1 | -21 | % | 670.7 |
Accounts receivable, net decreased 9% in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease in accounts receivable reflects the removal of receivable balances included as part of the sale of the eOne Film and TV business during the fourth quarter of 2023, combined with lower revenues during 2023 compared to 2022. Days sales outstanding increased from 61 days at December 25, 2022 to 73 days at December 31, 2023, reflecting lower revenues and mix of sales during 2023. Accounts receivable, net decreased 25% in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease in accounts receivable during 2022 was driven by lower sales and improved collections across the majority of the Company's markets during 2022. Days sales outstanding decreased from 68 days at December 26, 2021 to 61 days at December 25, 2022, primarily due to the improved collections described above.
Inventories decreased 51% in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting enterprise-wide efforts to reduce retail inventory levels while improving the quality of inventory on hand. Inventory management efforts included inventory scrap and obsolescence write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory, most notably in the U.S. and Europe and within the Consumer Products and Wizards of the Coast tabletop gaming businesses, in addition to increases to inventory obsolescence reserves, as the Company looks toward 2024. Inventories increased 23% in 2022 compared to 2021, primarily reflecting accelerated inventory purchases attributable to the Company's Consumer Products and Wizards of the Coast businesses, to mitigate the impact of certain global supply chain challenges. However, as global supply chain constraints began to subside in 2022, the Company experienced lower than anticipated Consumer Products sales, resulting in higher inventory levels.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased 38% in 2023 compared to 2022, driven primarily by lower accrued income balances and lower accrued tax credits for film and television production costs attributable to the eOne Film and TV business, sold during the fourth quarter of 2023. These decreases were partially offset by higher accrued royalty and licensing balances and higher prepaid income tax balances reflecting the reclassification of the Company's 2023 transition tax liability installment payment due in April 2024, which is increasing to $45.9 million, from $34.4 million paid in 2023. In 2022, prepaid expenses and other current assets increased 3% driven by higher accrued royalty and licensing balances, primarily attributable to the Company's Entertainment business as well as the reclassification of certain accrued income balances from long-term to current. These increases were partially offset by lower prepaid royalty balances in relation to the Company’s MARVEL, POWER RANGERS and DISNEY PRINCESS royalty agreements, the disposal of certain Entertainment assets in relation to the exit of certain non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment and from lower prepaid income tax balances during 2022.
Other assets decreased 46% in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease primarily reflects the removal of long-term asset balances as a result of the sale of the eOne Film and TV business including balances for investments in film and television productions, non-current receivables and acquired intangible assets. Lower acquired intangible asset balances also reflects impairment write-downs of the definite-lived intangible eOne Trademark and the definite-lived PJ MASKS intangible asset. In addition, lower balances for the Company's investment in Discovery Family Channel, due to distributions received, contributed to the decrease in other assets during 2023. These decreases were partially offset by higher deferred tax balances as a result of a certain tax basis increase. Other assets increased 23% in 2022 compared to 2021. The increase was primarily driven by higher deferred tax balances, higher investments in film and television productions and higher non-current receivable balances within the Entertainment segment. These increases were partially offset by a lower balance for the Company's investment in Discovery Family Channel, due to distributions received during 2022.
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased 20% in 2023 compared to 2022. The decrease was driven by lower accounts payable and accrued liability balances attributable to the eOne Film and TV business sold during the fourth quarter of 2023, including accrued participations, accrued expenses in relation to investments in film and
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television content and productions, and certain accounts payable balances that were included with the sale. In addition, the decrease to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities was driven by lower accounts payable balances associated with the Company's global cost savings initiatives and the timing of payments. These decreases were partially offset by higher accrued royalty balances associated with the Company's digital gaming business, higher accrued income tax balances and higher incentive bonus accrual balances. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased 14% in 2022 compared to 2021. The drivers of the decrease include lower accounts payable balances associated with the Company's global cost savings initiatives and the timing of payments in 2022, lower incentive bonus accruals, lower accrued royalty balances as a result of partner brand product sales declines, lower accrued freight balances due to improving supply chain conditions within certain markets, as well as the disposal of certain Entertainment liabilities in relation to the exit of non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment. These decreases were partially offset by higher severance accrual balances related to certain cost savings initiatives mentioned above.
Other liabilities decreased 19% in 2023 compared to 2022 reflecting lower lease liability balances and lower long-term deferred income tax balances associated with the eOne Film and TV business sold during the fourth quarter of 2023. In addition, the decrease in Other liabilities was driven by a lower transition tax liability balance reflecting the reclassification of the 2023 installment payment due April 2024, and lower long-term deferred tax balances reflecting the amortization of deferred tax liabilities attributable to legacy Hasbro businesses. These decreases were partially offset by a higher long-term lease liability balance attributable to a lease entered during the first nine months of 2023 in support of the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment. Other liabilities decreased 21% in 2022 compared to 2021. The decrease was driven by a lower transition tax liability balance reflecting the reclassification of the 2022 installment payment due April 2023, lower long-term lease liability balances, lower deferred tax balances reflecting the amortization of certain deferred tax liabilities and the impact of foreign exchange revaluation, primarily related to the British Pound. These decreases were partially offset by an increase to the liability for uncertain tax positions, primarily related to the capitalization of research and experimentation expenditures.
Cash Flow
The following table summarizes the changes in the consolidated statement of cash flows included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K, expressed in millions of dollars, for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||||
| Operating Activities | $ | 725.6 | $ | 372.9 | $ | 817.9 | ||||
| Investing Activities | 117.6 | (313.0) | 242.0 | |||||||
| Financing Activities | (818.1) | (553.3) | (1,459.8) |
In 2023, 2022 and 2021, Hasbro generated $725.6 million, $372.9 million and $817.9 million of cash from its operating activities, respectively. Operating cash flows in 2023, 2022 and 2021 included $408.0 million, $767.7 million and $697.3 million, respectively, of cash used for television program and film production. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 2023 after adjusting for non-cash items, was attributable to lower working capital requirements, most notably, lower investments in entertainment content and production during 2023. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during 2022 reflected higher working capital requirements, including cash utilized for accounts payable and higher spend for television program and film production.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities was $117.6 million in 2023 compared to net cash flows utilized for investing activities of $313.0 million in 2022 and net cash flows provided by investing activities of $242.0 million in 2021. Investing activities in 2023 primarily reflect net proceeds of $329.6 million from the sale of the eOne Film and TV Business. Investing activities in 2022 reflect a cash payment of $146.3 million related to the D&D Beyond Acquisition during the second quarter of 2022. Investing activities in 2021 include net proceeds of $378.5 million, from the sale of eOne Music. The net proceeds received from the sale of the eOne Film & TV Business in 2023 were used to retire the Company's remaining floating rate long-term debt as a continuation of the Company's deleveraging plan and for other general corporate purposes. The D&D Beyond Acquisition during 2022 was funded with cash on hand. The net proceeds received from the sale of eOne Music during 2021 were used for long-term debt repayments and for general corporate purposes. Additions to property, plant and equipment were $209.3 million, $174.2 million and $132.7 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Of these additions, 23% in 2023, 44% in 2022 and 52% in 2021 were for purchases of tools, dies and molds related to the Company’s products.
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During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, December 25, 2022 and December 26, 2021, the depreciation of plant and equipment was $127.7 million, $127.3 million and $163.3 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.
Net cash utilized by financing activities was $818.1 million, $553.3 million, and $1,459.8 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Net cash utilized for financing activities in 2023 included payments totaling $310.0 million to retire the remaining principal balance of the Company's Five-Year Tranche loan described below, consisting of $60.0 million of quarterly principal amortization payments during the first three months of 2023 and a $250.0 million payment for the remaining principal balance, following the completion of the sale of the eOne Film and TV Business during the fourth quarter of 2023. In addition, cash utilized for financing activities included drawdowns of $118.1 million and repayments of $206.7 million related to production financing loans.
Net cash utilized for financing activities in 2022 included payments totaling $87.5 million toward the Five-Year Tranche loan consisting of a $50.0 million principal and quarterly principal amortization payments of $37.5 million. In addition, cash utilized for financing activities included as drawdowns of $258.6 million and repayments of $231.5 million related to production financing loans and cash payments of $125.0 million to repurchases the Company's Common Stock.
Net cash utilized for financing activities in 2021 included repayment of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.15% Notes due 2021, during the first quarter; early repayment of $300.0 million aggregate principal of 2.60% Notes due 2022 and related debt extinguishment costs of $9.1 million during the third quarter; payments totaling $480 million related to the $1.0 billion in term loans consisting of $300.0 million for the remaining principal balance of the Three-Year Tranche loans and $150.0 million principal and quarterly principal amortization payments totaling $30 million toward the Five-Year Tranche loan; and drawdowns of $144.0 million and repayments of $140.1 million related to production financing loans.
Dividends paid were $388.0 million in 2023, $385.3 million in 2022 and $374.5 million in 2021 reflecting the Company's quarterly dividend rate increase from $0.68 per share in 2021, to $0.70 per share in 2022 and 2023. Net (repayments) proceeds of short-term borrowings were $(41.6) million, $141.7 million and $(5.6) million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company generated cash from employee stock option transactions $74.2 million, and $30.6 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. There were no employee stock options transactions in 2023. The Company paid withholding taxes related to share-based compensation of $16.8 million, $24.0 million and $13.7 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Sources and Uses of Cash
The Company commits to inventory production, advertising and marketing expenditures in support of its consumer products business, prior to the peak fourth quarter retail selling season. Accounts receivable typically increase during the third and fourth quarters as customers increase their purchases to meet expected consumer demand in the 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 sometimes makes it necessary for the Company to borrow amounts during the latter part of the year. In the Company's entertainment business, cash expenditures for productions are often made well in advance of sale and delivery of the content produced whereas trading card and digital gaming revenues have shorter collection periods, but product development expense often occurs years prior to release and revenue generation. During 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company primarily used cash from operations and, to a lesser extent, borrowings under its commercial paper program in addition to borrowings under its 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 $1.0 billion. 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. Subject to market conditions, the Company intends to utilize the Program as its primary short-term borrowing facility and does not intend to sell unsecured commercial paper notes in excess of the available amount under the revolving credit
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agreement discussed below. If, for any reason, the Company is unable to access the commercial paper market, the Company intends to use the revolving credit agreement to meet the Company's short-term liquidity needs. During the second quarter and third quarter of 2023, the Company issued and repaid intra-quarter commercial paper notes under the Program, to meet certain of its short-term liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings related to the Program.
During September 2023, the Company entered into a third amended and restated revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swing line lender and a letter of credit issuer and lender and certain other financial institutions, as lenders thereto (the "Amended Revolving Credit Agreement"), which provides the Company with commitments having a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.25 billion, effective as of September 5, 2023. The Amended Revolving Credit Agreement also provides for a potential additional incremental commitment increase of up to $500.0 million subject to agreement of the lenders. The Amended Revolving Credit 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 Revolving Credit Agreement extends through September 5, 2028. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2023. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under its committed revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2023. However, letters of credit outstanding under this facility as of December 31, 2023 were approximately $4.0 million. Amounts available and unused under the committed line, at December 31, 2023 were approximately $1.2 billion, inclusive of borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program. The Company also has other uncommitted lines from various banks, of which approximately $9.3 million was utilized in the form of letters of credit, at December 31, 2023.
During November 2019, in conjunction with the Company's acquisition of eOne, the Company issued an aggregate of $2.4 billion of senior unsecured debt securities (collectively, the "Notes") consisting of the following tranches: $300 million of notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes") that bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.60%; $500 million of notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes") that bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.00%; $675 million of notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") that bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.55%; and $900 million of notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes") that bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.90%. The Company intends to refinance all or a portion of its 2024 Notes during the fourth quarter of 2024. The terms of the Notes are described in note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K.
The Company has principal amounts of long-term debt at December 31, 2023 of $3.5 billion due at varying times from 2024 through 2044. Of the total principal amount of long-term debt, $500.0 million is current at December 31, 2023 of which represents the Company's 3% fixed-rate notes due November 2024. See note 11 and note 20 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for additional information on long-term debt and long-term debt interest repayment, respectively.
The Company also has various third-party, inventory and tooling purchase commitments related primarily to the Company's Consumer Products segment which may total approximately $157.3 million in 2024. These payments exclude inventory and tooling purchase liabilities included in Accounts payable or Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023.
The Company has a supplier finance program which provides participating suppliers the option of receiving payment in advance of an invoice due date, to be paid by certain administering banks, on the basis of invoices that the Company has confirmed as valid and approved. The Company’s obligation is to make payment in the invoice amount negotiated with participating suppliers, to the administering banks on the invoice due date. The Company’s suppliers are not required to participate in the supplier finance program. The early payment transactions between the Company’s supplier and the administering bank are subject to an agreement between those parties, and the Company does not participate in any financial aspect of the agreements between the Company’s suppliers and the administering banks. The Company has not pledged any assets to the administering bank under the supplier financing program. The Company or the administering bank may terminate the agreement upon at least 30 days’ written notice.
The amount of obligations confirmed under the program that remain unpaid by the Company were $43.3 million, and $76.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 25, 2022, respectively. These obligations are presented within Accounts payable in our condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The activity related to this programs is reflected within the operating activities section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Share Repurchases and Dividends
The Company has a long history of returning cash to its shareholders through quarterly dividends and share repurchases. During 2023 Hasbro maintained its quarterly dividend rate of $0.70 per share for dividends paid in
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February, May, August and November. In addition to the dividend, the Company periodically returns cash to shareholders through its share repurchase program. As part of this initiative, since 2005 the Company’s Board of Directors adopted numerous share repurchase authorizations with a cumulative authorized repurchase amount of $4.3 billion. The most recent authorization was approved in May 2018 for $500 million. At December 31, 2023, $241.6 million remained available under these share repurchase authorizations. There were no share repurchases made during 2023. 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 and the Company's generation of, and uses for, cash.
The Company believes that cash from operations, and, if necessary, its committed line of credit and other borrowing facilities, will allow the Company to meet its obligations over the next twelve months.
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 critical accounting policies which management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company’s reported financial results include film and television production costs, recoverability of goodwill, intangible assets, income taxes and business combinations. Additionally, the Company identified the valuation of the Company’s equity method investment in Discovery Family Channel as a significant accounting estimate.
Film and Television Production Costs
The Company incurs certain costs in connection with the production of television programs and films which are capitalized as they are incurred, the majority of which are amortized using the individual-film-forecast method. These costs, which include direct production costs, development costs, acquisition and inventory costs as well as residuals and participations, 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 each fiscal year related to the film or television 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.
The most significant estimates are those used in the determination of ultimate revenue in the individual-film-forecast method. Ultimate revenue estimates impact the timing of program production cost amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Ultimate revenue includes revenue from all sources that are estimated to be earned related to a film or television program and include theatrical exhibition; first run program distribution fees; toy, game and other consumer product licensing fees; and other revenue sources, such as secondary market home entertainment formats and subscription video on demand services. Our ultimate revenue estimates for each film or television program are developed based on our estimates of expected future results. We review and revise these estimates at each reporting date to reflect the most current available information. When estimates for a film or television program are revised, the difference between the program production cost amortization determined using the revised estimate and any amounts previously expensed during that fiscal year, are included as an adjustment to program production cost amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which the estimates are revised. Prior period amounts are not adjusted for subsequent changes in estimates. Factors that can impact our revenue estimates include the historical performance of similar films and television programs, expected distribution platforms, factors unique to our television and film content and the success of our program-related toy, game and other merchandise.
Recoverability of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually. If an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company will perform an interim goodwill impairment 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 the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value.
If it is more likely than not the carrying value exceeds its fair value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. When performing a quantitative impairment test, goodwill is tested for impairment by comparing the
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carrying value to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit which is calculated using an income approach and market approach. Other intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment by comparing their carrying value to their estimated fair value.
During the second quarter of 2023, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test of its Film and TV reporting unit due to triggering events that included the impact of the several months long strikes during 2023 by the Writers Guild of America and the American actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, which resulted in delayed production schedules, additional cost burdens and delayed content deliveries. These factors led to revised profitability and lower cash flow forecasts for the Film and TV reporting unit and as a result, we determined that the Film and TV reporting unit was impaired as the carrying value of the Film and TV reporting unit exceeded its fair value, and as such, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $231.2 million in Impairment of goodwill within the Entertainment segment, during the second quarter of 2023.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company determined that a triggering event occurred following declines in the Company's financial forecast for the Family Brands reporting unit. The downward forecast revision reflects a lower profitability forecasts for the PJ MASKS franchise as described below, as well as Family Brand’s strategic shift to a support model for existing Hasbro-branded IP, rather than a brand innovator. As a result of these indicators the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test of the Family Brands reporting unit and determined it was impaired as its carrying value exceeded its fair value, and as such, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $960.0 million in Impairment of goodwill within the Entertainment segment.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company performed a qualitative goodwill assessment with respect to each of its reporting units. Based on its qualitative assessments, the Company determined, it is not more likely than not that the carrying values exceed the fair values of its reporting units other than the goodwill impairments of the Film and TV and Family Brands reporting units described above. As a result, during 2023 the Company concluded it was not necessary to perform a quantitative test for impairment of goodwill for any reporting unit, other than Film and TV and Family Brands.
On May 19, 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of D&D Beyond for $146.3 million, which was funded with cash on hand. Based on the valuation of these assets, $64.7 million was allocated to goodwill within the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment during the second quarter of 2022.
During the third quarter of 2022, the Company determined to exit certain non-core businesses within the Entertainment segment. A revaluation of the effected businesses resulted in a pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $11.8 million, recorded within Loss on Assets held for sale, within the Entertainment segment for the quarter ended September 25, 2022.
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. See note 6 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for more information on the Company's goodwill.
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.
During the second quarter of 2023, in connection with the Company's quantitative goodwill impairment test of its Film and TV reporting unit described above, it was determined that there was an impairment of the Company's definite-lived intangible eOne Trademark, as the Film and TV reporting unit produces content under, and is synonymous with, the eOne name. As a result, the Company recorded a $65.0 million intangible asset impairment charge during the second quarter of 2023, in Selling, distribution and administration costs, within the Entertainment segment.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, due to challenging retail conditions and competitive market conditions leading to a reduction in brand profitability, the Company lowered its future revenue and costs estimates associated with its PJ MASKS brand as determined using a discounted cash flow model. As a result, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test of the PJ MASKS definite-lived intangible asset and determined it was impaired as its carrying value exceeded its fair value. As a result, the Company recorded a $51.0 million impairment charge, recorded in Selling, distribution and administration within the Entertainment segment.
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During the fourth quarter of 2022, following the decision to cancel certain projects in conjunction with the Company's strategic shift, it was determined that there was a partial impairment of the Company's definite-lived Power Rangers intangible asset. As a result of these cancelled projects, changes to anticipated revenues and related cash flows led to the determination that carrying values of these intangible assets exceeded their related estimated future cash flows, thus indicating impairment. As a result, charges of $281.0 million were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 within Selling, Distribution and Administration within the Corporate and Other segment.
There were no other triggering events in 2023, 2022 or 2021 which would indicate the Company's intangible assets were impaired.
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 to account for events in which these positions are challenged, and the Company is not successful in defending those 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 May 2019, a public referendum held in Switzerland approved the Swiss Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing ("TRAF") proposals previously approved by the Swiss Parliament. The Swiss tax reform measures were effective on January 1, 2020. During 2023, the Company concluded its discussions with the tax authorities in Switzerland as to the application of the grandfathering rules related to 2020 Swiss Tax Reform. This has resulted in the recording of a deferred tax asset of $135.6 million related to tax intangibles that will be amortized over time and result in a future cash tax benefit. This treatment applies starting in 2021.
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. The 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 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. In addition, the Company enters into contractual commitments to obtain film and television content distribution rights and minimum guarantee commitments related to the purchase of film and television rights for content to be delivered in the future. The Company has also entered into operating leases for certain facilities and equipment. In addition, the Company has $3,484.9 million in principal amount of total debt outstanding at December 31, 2023. See note 20 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements, of this Form 10-K for further information on the Company's contractual obligations and commercial commitments.
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. These amounts are described below:
•Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023, the Company has a liability of $47.4 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.
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•At December 31, 2023, the Company had letters of credit and related instruments of approximately $13.3 million.
The Company believes that cash from operations and funds available through its commercial paper program or lines of credit, as described above under "Liquidity and Capital Resources", will allow the Company to meet these and the other contractual obligations and commercial commitments 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, Hong Kong dollars and Euros 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, Euro, British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, Brazilian real, 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 and foreign exchange option contracts. At December 31, 2023, 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 $16.6 million decrease in the fair value of these instruments. A decrease in the fair value of these instruments would be offset by increases 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 31, 2023, these contracts had net unrealized losses of $3.2 million, of which $0.7 million are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets, $3.9 million are recorded in Accrued liabilities. Included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2023 are deferred losses of $2.5 million, net of tax, related to these derivatives.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had fixed rate long-term debt of $3,484.9 million. In May 2014, the Company issued an aggregate $600.0 million of long-term debt which consisted of $300.0 million of 3.15% Notes, subsequently repaid in 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 31, 2023 are deferred losses, net of tax, of $14.2 million related to these derivatives.
Industry Trends, the Economy and Inflation
The principal market for the Company’s toys and games and licensed consumer products, is the retail sector. Revenues from the Company’s top five retail customers, accounted for approximately 34% of its consolidated net revenues in 2023, 35% in 2022 and 36% of its consolidated net revenues in 2021. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its customers and adjusts credit policies and limits as it deems appropriate.
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 2023, approximately 56% 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
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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 as well as growth in ecommerce 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 2023, the Company's inventory levels decreased 51% compared to 2022. This decrease reflects company-wide efforts to reduce retail inventory levels, while improving the quality of inventory on hand. Inventory management efforts included inventory scrap and obsolescence write-downs for excess or obsolete inventory as the Company looks toward 2024. Inventories increased 23% in 2022 compared to 2021, primarily reflecting accelerated inventory purchases attributable to the Company's Consumer Products and Wizards of the Coast businesses, to mitigate the impact of certain global supply chain challenges experienced in 2021. However, as global supply chain constraints began to subside later in 2022, the Company experienced lower than anticipated Consumer Products sales, resulting in higher inventory levels. The Company is continuing to manage inventory levels through closeout sales where needed and by monitoring consumer purchase patterns to ensure adequate supply of new product while clearing excess supply to mitigate the risk of inventory obsolescence.
In addition to these inventory management challenges, the bankruptcy or other lack of success of one of the Company’s significant retailers could negatively impact the Company’s future revenues.
Unlike the Company's retail sales patterns, revenue patterns from the Company's entertainment businesses fluctuate based on the timing and popularity of content releases. Release dates are determined by factors including the timing of holiday periods, geographical release dates and competition in the market. In addition, entertainment business operating results fluctuate due to expenses recorded in relation to productions and content such as program amortization costs and advertising expenses, which are incurred and recognized, beginning prior to initial releases and then continue throughout the related distribution windows.
Inflation
The impact of inflation on the Company's business operations was significant during 2022 and 2023. The Company monitors the impact of inflation to its business operations on an ongoing basis and may need to implement actions such as price adjustments to mitigate the impact of changes to the rate of inflation in future periods. However, future volatility of general price inflation could affect consumer purchases of our products and spending on entertainment. Additionally, the impact of inflation on costs and availability of materials, costs for shipping and warehousing and other operational overhead, could adversely affect the Company's financial results.
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.