Hasbro Faces Unionization Pressure from Developers
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 27 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HAS?
Source: seekingalpha
- Unionization Movement: Over 100 developers at Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast have moved to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, seeking greater input on layoffs, management accountability, and a living wage, indicating significant employee dissatisfaction with corporate governance.
- AI Job Security Concerns: Workers are demanding job protections against generative AI replacing their roles, reflecting deep concerns within the industry about technological changes that could impact future hiring and employee stability.
- Significant Revenue Contribution: Magic: The Gathering Arena, a major profit driver for Hasbro, generated approximately $1.72 billion last year, including around $500 million from digital gaming, making the success of the unionization effort critical to the company's financial health.
- Industry-Wide Solidarity: This unionization push aligns with broader trends in the gaming industry, where over 4,000 workers have organized to improve working conditions and benefits, potentially increasing pressure on more companies to address employee demands.
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Analyst Views on HAS
Wall Street analysts forecast HAS stock price to fall
9 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 97.390
Low
90.00
Averages
95.71
High
100.00
Current: 97.390
Low
90.00
Averages
95.71
High
100.00
About HAS
Hasbro, Inc. is a game, intellectual property (IP) and toy company. The Company delivers play experiences to kids, families, and fans around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, and toys, among others. Its Consumer Products segment engages in the sourcing, marketing and sales of toy and game products around the world. Its Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment engages in the promotion of the Company's brands through the development of trading cards, role-playing and digital game experiences based on Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast games. Its Entertainment segment engages in the development and production of Hasbro-branded entertainment content, including film, television, children’s programming, digital content and live entertainment focused on Hasbro-owned properties. Its portfolio of brands includes MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONOPOLY, HASBRO GAMES, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Unionization Movement: Over 100 developers at Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast have moved to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, seeking greater input on layoffs, management accountability, and a living wage, indicating significant employee dissatisfaction with corporate governance.
- AI Job Security Concerns: Workers are demanding job protections against generative AI replacing their roles, reflecting deep concerns within the industry about technological changes that could impact future hiring and employee stability.
- Significant Revenue Contribution: Magic: The Gathering Arena, a major profit driver for Hasbro, generated approximately $1.72 billion last year, including around $500 million from digital gaming, making the success of the unionization effort critical to the company's financial health.
- Industry-Wide Solidarity: This unionization push aligns with broader trends in the gaming industry, where over 4,000 workers have organized to improve working conditions and benefits, potentially increasing pressure on more companies to address employee demands.
See More
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- Ongoing Shareholder Communication: Mattel (MAT) emphasized its commitment to ongoing communication with shareholders, valuing their perspectives and appreciating Southeastern Asset Management's continued engagement, indicating the company's attentiveness to shareholder opinions.
- Commitment to Strategic Review: The Mattel board and management team are dedicated to regularly reviewing the company's strategy, performance, and opportunities to enhance long-term value, demonstrating a proactive approach to shareholder interests and future growth.
- Positive Analyst Outlook: Jefferies analyst Kylie Cohu noted that while Mattel faces pressure from activist investors, no immediate changes are expected, suggesting that activism may cap downside risks and revive optionality, maintaining a Buy rating on Mattel.
- Slight Stock Increase: Shares of Mattel (MAT) rose 1.3% in premarket trading, despite a 24% decline year-to-date, reflecting cautious optimism in the market regarding the company's future potential.
See More
Investor Calls for Mattel to Explore Buyout Options
- Investor Push for Privatization: Southeastern Asset Management, holding about 4% or $170 million of Mattel's stock, has urged CEO Ynon Kreiz to consider taking the company private or a buyout by Hasbro in light of weak demand.
- Poor Financial Performance: Mattel reported a larger adjusted operating loss of $70 million for the three months ending in March, up from $8 million a year ago, despite exceeding quarterly sales expectations, highlighting challenges in its transformation efforts.
- Potential for Industry Consolidation: Southeastern emphasized that synergies between Mattel and Hasbro could be significant, arguing that Hasbro's superior execution in digital growth gives it a competitive edge, making a merger more necessary.
- Focus on Strategic Execution: Mattel stated it will continue to focus on its IP-driven strategy, even as it faces challenges from supply chain bottlenecks and declining demand for traditional toys, with the board regularly reviewing strategic opportunities to enhance long-term value.
See More
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- Rob Solomon's Background: As CEO of H55, Solomon has extensive experience in electric aviation and previously led GoFundMe and Groupon, overseeing billions in donations and demonstrating exceptional operational and growth capabilities.
- Lisa Gersh's Contributions: Gersh brings deep expertise in consumer brands and media, having served as CEO for several high-profile companies and as a board member at Hasbro, focusing on brand innovation and consumer engagement to drive business transformation.
- Fadi Hanna's Risk Management: As Chief Risk Officer at Bloomberg, Hanna oversees global risk management and previously served as Managing Director of Compliance at J.P. Morgan, providing critical risk oversight and governance support for Grindr's Board.
See More
Mattel Raises Annual Profit Forecast Amid Strong Toy Demand
- Sales Performance Beats Expectations: Mattel reported first-quarter net sales of $862.2 million, surpassing analysts' estimates of $804.7 million, indicating strong toy demand and growth in its entertainment segment, thereby solidifying its market position.
- Annual Profit Forecast Raised: The company now expects adjusted earnings per share for the full year to range between $1.27 and $1.39, up from the previous guidance of $1.18 to $1.30, reflecting an optimistic outlook for future performance.
- Investment in IP Strategy: Mattel is intensifying its investment in an IP-led strategy, including acquiring the remaining 50% of its joint venture with China's NetEase, aiming to drive demand growth through films and digital partnerships, enhancing its competitive edge.
- Gross Margin Decline: Despite the sales increase, adjusted gross margin fell from 49.6% to 45.1%, primarily due to tariff costs and a stronger dollar, highlighting profitability challenges amid rising cost pressures.
See More
Johnson Fistel Investigates Potential Claims Against Hasbro and Others for Fiduciary Breaches
- Hasbro Shareholder Investigation: Johnson Fistel is investigating potential claims against Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) executives, as shareholders who held shares before February 7, 2022, may seek corporate governance reforms aimed at enhancing executive oversight and recovering funds, highlighting concerns over corporate governance practices.
- Humana Financial Disclosures: Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) shareholders who held shares continuously since July 27, 2022, may pursue governance reforms due to executives allegedly downplaying the impact of rising medical costs on adjusted earnings per share, which poses risks of information asymmetry for investors.
- Ibotta IPO Risks: Ibotta (NYSE: IBTA) failed to disclose significant risks associated with its contract with Kroger during its April 18, 2024 IPO, exposing investors to undisclosed risks and potentially impacting its governance structure reforms.
- Inspire Medical Device Issues: Inspire Medical Systems (NYSE: INSP) shareholders who held shares before August 6, 2024, may seek governance reforms as executives allegedly failed to disclose that demand for the Inspire V device was weaker than expected, leading to a significant reduction in earnings guidance and raising questions about corporate transparency.
See More
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- Unionization Movement: Over 100 developers at Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast have moved to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, seeking greater input on layoffs, management accountability, and a living wage, indicating significant employee dissatisfaction with corporate governance.
- AI Job Security Concerns: Workers are demanding job protections against generative AI replacing their roles, reflecting deep concerns within the industry about technological changes that could impact future hiring and employee stability.
- Significant Revenue Contribution: Magic: The Gathering Arena, a major profit driver for Hasbro, generated approximately $1.72 billion last year, including around $500 million from digital gaming, making the success of the unionization effort critical to the company's financial health.
- Industry-Wide Solidarity: This unionization push aligns with broader trends in the gaming industry, where over 4,000 workers have organized to improve working conditions and benefits, potentially increasing pressure on more companies to address employee demands.
See More
