Hasbro (HAS)

 

As part of our strategy of offering immersive brand experiences, we look to offer consumers the ability to enjoy our brands in as many different forms and formats as possible. Entertainment media, in forms such as motion pictures and television, can provide popular platforms for consumers to experience our brands and the success of such media efforts can significantly impact demand for our products and our financial success.

 

The success of our products is often dependent on the timelines and effectiveness of media efforts. Television programming, movie and DVD releases, comic book releases, and other media efforts are often critical in generating interest in our products and brands. Not only our efforts, but the efforts of third parties, heavily impact the launch dates and success of these media efforts. When we say that products or brands will be supported by certain media releases, those statements are based on our current plans and expectations. Unforeseen factors may delay these media releases or even lead to their cancellation. Any delay or cancellation of planned product development work, introductions, or media support may decrease the number of products we sell and harm our business.

 

Similarly, if our and our partners’ media efforts fail to garner sufficient consumer interest and acceptance, our revenues and the financial return from such efforts will be harmed. In 2009 we entered into a joint venture with Discovery Communications, Inc. (“Discovery”). Through that joint venture, we are currently working with Discovery to offer a children’s and family entertainment channel called THE HUB, which is scheduled to debut in the fall of 2010. In connection with this joint venture effort, we are also building a virtual studio, called Hasbro Studios, which will develop and produce entertainment media based on our brands. Lack of consumer interest in and acceptance of THE HUB, programming appearing on THE HUB, other programming developed by Hasbro Studios, and products related to that programming could significantly harm our business. Similarly, our business could be harmed by greater than expected costs, or unexpected delays or difficulties, associated with the introduction of the rebranded joint venture network, the development of Hasbro Studios and the creation of new content based on our brands to appear on the joint venture network and elsewhere.

 

At December 27, 2009, $371,783, or 9.5%, of our total assets represented our investment in the Discovery joint venture. If the launch of the rebranded television channel is not successful, or if there are subsequent declines in the success or profitability of the channel, then our investment may become impaired, which could result in a write-down through net earnings.