Hasbro (HAS) Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference 2024 summary

Strategic themes and growth drivers

• Emphasis on three core themes: everyone plays (expanding demographics), digital innovation, and partnerships to extend reach and capabilities.

• Digital is seen as a transformative force, aging up the play industry and enabling lifelong engagement.

• Partnerships are critical for scaling into new markets, platforms, and demographics, especially in digital and mobile gaming.

• Aspiration to increase global consumer reach from one in 14 to one in five over the next five to seven years, with a focus on girls and emerging markets.

• Multi-year investments in digital games and operational efficiency are key pillars for future growth.

Digital gaming and licensing strategy

• Major successes with Monopoly Go! and Baldur's Gate 3 validate brand relevance and digital strategy.

• Focus on building self-publishing capacity for PC and console, while maintaining strong partnerships for mobile due to high capital requirements.

• Plan to release one to two self-published games per year starting in 2026, beginning with Exodus and a new D&D title.

• Licensing business has grown at a 15%-20% CAGR, with increased interest post-Monopoly Go! success.

• Exploring joint ventures and hybrid models to balance risk and leverage upside in digital gaming.

Consumer products and innovation

• Toy business is in turnaround, with operational improvements leading to expected growth in 2025.

• Key product launches for the holiday season include Beyblade, Transformers (animated film tie-in), and Play-Doh innovations.

• Improved packaging, pricing, and promotional strategies are driving better performance at retail.

• Licensed products like D&D Minifigs and Marvel Play-Doh are gaining traction in key retail channels.