HASBRO, INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C.   20549

_________________

FORM 10-Q

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(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2015

Commission File Number 1-6682

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HASBRO, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes R No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes R No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).         Yes ☐ No  R

The number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.50 per share, outstanding as of April 20, 2015 was 124,479,312.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Thousands of Dollars Except Share Data)

(Unaudited)

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

(Thousands of Dollars Except Share Data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Thousands of Dollars Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

(Thousands of Dollars)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Thousands of Dollars)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying condensed notes to consolidated financial statements.

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HASBRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Thousands of Dollars and Shares Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

(1) Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Hasbro, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries ("Hasbro" or the "Company") as of March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are each 13-week periods.

The results of operations for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year, nor were those of the comparable 2014 period representative of those actually experienced for the full year 2014.

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The Company filed audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, which includes all such information and disclosures and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the financial information included herein.

The Company's accounting policies are the same as those described in Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014.

Substantially all of the Company's inventories consist of finished goods.

(2) Earnings Per Share

Net earnings per share data for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 were computed as follows:

For the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, options and restricted stock units totaling 782 and 676, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because to include them would have been antidilutive.

(3) Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

Components of other comprehensive earnings (loss) are presented within the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings (loss). The following table presents the related tax effects on changes in other comprehensive earnings (loss) for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are as follows:

At March 29, 2015, the Company had remaining net deferred gains on hedging instruments, net of tax, of $98,028 in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCE"). These instruments hedge payments related to inventory purchased in the first quarter of 2015 or forecasted to be purchased during the remainder of 2015 and, to a lesser extent, 2016 through 2019, intercompany expenses expected to be paid or received during 2015 and 2016, cash receipts for sales made at the end of the first quarter of 2015 or forecasted to be made in the remainder of 2015 and, to a lesser extent, 2016 through 2017. In addition, the Company entered into hedging contracts on interest payments related to long-term notes due 2021 and 2044.  These amounts will be reclassified into the consolidated statements of operations upon the sale of the related inventory or recognition of the related sales or expenses.  Of the amount included in AOCE at March 29, 2015, the Company expects approximately $55,029 to be reclassified to the consolidated statements of operations within the next 12 months. However, the amount ultimately realized in earnings is dependent on the fair value of the hedging instruments on the settlement dates.

(4) Financial Instruments

The Company's financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable and certain accrued liabilities. At March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014, the carrying cost of these instruments approximated their fair value. The Company's financial instruments at March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014 also include certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value (see Notes 6 and 8) as well as long-term borrowings. The carrying costs and fair values of the Company's long-term borrowings as of March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014 are as follows:

In May 2014, the Company issued $600,000 in long-term debt which consists of $300,000 of 3.15% Notes Due in 2021 and $300,000 of 5.10% Notes Due in 2044 (collectively, the "Notes").  The Company may redeem the Notes at its option at the greater of the principal amount of the Notes or the present value of the remaining scheduled payments discounted using the effective interest rate on applicable U.S. Treasury bills at the time of repurchase.  Prior to the issuance of the Notes, the Company held forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to hedge the variability in the anticipated underlying U.S. Treasury interest rate associated with the expected issuance of the Notes.  At the date of issuance, these contracts were terminated and the Company paid $33,306, the fair value of the contracts on that date, to settle. Of this amount, $6,373 relates to 3.15% Notes Due 2021 and $26,933 relates to 5.10% Notes Due 2044, which has been deferred in AOCE and will be amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective Notes using the effective interest rate method.

The carrying cost of the 6.125% Notes Due 2014 included principal amounts of $425,000 as well as a fair value adjustment of $1,356 at March 30, 2014 related to interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps were terminated in November 2012 and the fair value adjustment at March 30, 2014 represented the unamortized portions of the fair value of the interest rate swaps at the date of termination. At March 30, 2014, the principal amount and fair value adjustment associated with the 6.125% Notes Due 2014 totaling $426,356 were included in the current portion of long-term debt. All other carrying costs represented principal amounts and were included in long-term debt excluding the current portion at March 30, 2014.  The total principal amount of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $1,559,895 at both March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, and $1,384,895 at March 30, 2014.

The fair values of the Company's long-term debt are considered Level 3 fair values (see Note 6 for further discussion of the fair value hierarchy) and are measured using the discounted future cash flows method. In addition to the debt terms, the valuation methodology includes an assumption of a discount rate that approximates the current yield on a similar debt security. This assumption is considered an unobservable input in that it reflects the Company's own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company believes that this is the best information available for use in the fair value measurement.

(5) Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and various state and international jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is regularly audited by U.S. federal, state and local and international tax authorities in various tax jurisdictions.

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years before 2013. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. state or local and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major jurisdictions for years before 2009. The Company is currently under income tax examination in several U.S. state and local and non-U.S. jurisdictions.

(6) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company measures certain financial instruments at fair value. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels: Level 1 fair values are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access; Level 2 fair values are those based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and Level 3 fair values are based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Accounting standards permit entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value and establish presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. The Company has elected the fair value option for certain available-for-sale investments. At March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014, these investments totaled $23,141, $37,201 and $23,560, respectively, and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded net gains and interest income of $17 and $1,177 on these investments in other income, net for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively, related to the change in fair value of such instruments.

At March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014, the Company had the following assets and liabilities measured at fair value in its consolidated balance sheets:

Available-for-sale securities include equity securities of one company quoted on an active public market as well as certain investments valued at net asset values quoted on private markets that are not active. These net asset values are predominantly based on underlying investments which are traded on an active market; investments are redeemable within 45 days. At March 30, 2014, the Company also held an available-for-sale investment in Brazil similar to a repurchase agreement; this investment was valued at the principal plus any interest accrued on the instrument. Lastly, the Company holds an available-for-sale investment which invests in hedge funds and contains financial instruments that are valued using certain estimates which are considered unobservable in that they reflect the investment manager's own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company believes that these estimates are the best information available for use in the fair value of this investment.

The Company's derivatives consist primarily of foreign currency forward contracts. At March 30, 2014, the Company also had forward-starting interest rate swap contracts related to the anticipated issuance of the Notes Due 2021 and 2044. The Company used current forward rates of the respective foreign currencies and U.S. treasury interest rates to measure the fair value of these contracts. The option agreement included in other liabilities at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, is valued using an option pricing model based on the fair value of the related investment.  Inputs used in the option pricing model include the volatility and fair value of the underlying company which are considered unobservable inputs as they reflect the Company's own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company believes that this is the best information available for use in the fair value measurement. There were no changes in these valuation techniques during the first quarter of 2015.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements of the Company's financial instruments which use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

(7) Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The components of the net periodic cost of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are as follows:

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company made cash contributions to its defined benefit pension plans of approximately $200 in the aggregate. The Company expects to contribute approximately $3,800 during the remainder of fiscal 2015.

(8) Derivative Financial Instruments

Hasbro uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the impact of currency rate fluctuations on firmly committed and projected future foreign currency transactions. These over-the-counter contracts, which hedge future currency requirements related to purchases of inventory, product sales and other cross-border transactions not denominated in the functional currency of the business unit, are primarily denominated in United States and Hong Kong dollars, and Euros. Further, during the first quarter of 2014, Hasbro used forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge anticipated interest payments. All contracts are entered into with a number of counterparties, all of which are major financial institutions. The Company believes that a default by a single counterparty would not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company. Hasbro does not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the impact of currency rate fluctuations on firmly committed and projected future foreign currency transactions. All of the Company's designated foreign currency forward contracts are considered to be cash flow hedges. These instruments hedge a portion of the Company's currency requirements associated with anticipated inventory purchases, product sales and other cross-border transactions in 2015 through 2019.

At March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014, the notional amounts and fair values of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments were as follows:

The Company has a master agreement with each of its counterparties that allows for the netting of outstanding forward contracts. The fair values of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014 as follows:

Net gains (losses) on foreign currency cash flow hedging activities have been reclassified from other comprehensive earnings (loss) to net earnings for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 as follows:

In addition, net gains of $65 were reclassified to earnings as a result of hedge ineffectiveness for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  There were no reclassifications as a result hedge ineffectiveness during the first quarter of 2015.

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company held forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability of the anticipated underlying U.S. Treasury interest rate associated with the expected issuance of long-term debt to repay the 6.125% Notes Due 2014 with a principal amount of $425,000. These derivative instruments were designated and effective as cash flow hedges. At March 30, 2014, the total notional amount of these contracts was $500,000. The instruments were settled on the date of the issuance of the related debt and the related deferred loss is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt using the effective interest rate method. For the quarter ended March 29, 2015, the Company reclassified losses of $450 related to these contracts from other comprehensive earnings (loss) to interest expense.

The Company also enters into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the impact of changes in the fair value of intercompany loans due to foreign currency fluctuations. Due to the nature of the derivative contracts involved, the Company does not use hedge accounting for these contracts.  At March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014 the total notional amounts of the Company's undesignated derivative instruments were $119,395, $158,827 and $294,571, respectively.

At March 29, 2015, March 30, 2014 and December 28, 2014, the fair values of the Company's undesignated derivative financial instruments were recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

The Company recorded net (gains) losses of $(10,071) and $4,117 on these instruments to other (income) expense, net for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively, relating to the change in fair value of such derivatives, substantially offsetting gains and losses from the change in fair value of intercompany loans to which the contracts relate.

For additional information related to the Company's derivative financial instruments see Notes 4 and 6.

(9) Segment Reporting

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a broad portfolio of brands and entertainment properties across toys, games, licensed products ranging from traditional to high-tech and digital, and film and television entertainment. The Company's segments are (i) U.S. and Canada, (ii) International, (iii) Entertainment and Licensing, and (iv) Global Operations.

The U.S. and Canada segment includes the marketing and selling of boys' action figures, vehicles and play sets, girls' toys, electronic toys and games, plush products, preschool toys and infant products, electronic interactive products, toy-related specialty products, traditional board games and puzzles, and trading card and role-playing games primarily within the United States and Canada. Within the International segment, the Company markets and sells both toy and game products in markets outside of the U.S. and Canada, primarily in the European, Asia Pacific, and Latin and South American regions. The Company's Entertainment and Licensing segment includes the Company's lifestyle licensing, digital gaming, movie and television entertainment operations. The Global Operations segment is responsible for manufacturing and sourcing finished products for the Company's U.S. and Canada and International segments.

Segment performance is measured at the operating profit level. Included in Corporate and Eliminations are certain corporate expenses, including the elimination of intersegment transactions and certain assets benefiting more than one segment. Intersegment sales and transfers are reflected in management reports at amounts approximating cost. Certain shared costs, including global development and marketing expenses and corporate administration, are allocated to segments based upon expenses and foreign exchange rates fixed at the beginning of the year, with adjustments to actual expenses and foreign exchange rates included in Corporate and Eliminations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those referenced in note 1.

Results shown for the quarter are not necessarily representative of those which may be expected for the full year 2015, nor were those of the comparable 2014 period representative of those actually experienced for the full year 2014. Similarly, such results are not necessarily those which would be achieved were each segment an unaffiliated business enterprise.

Information by segment and a reconciliation to reported amounts for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30,2014 are as follows:

(a) The Global Operations segment derives substantially all of its revenues, and thus its operating results, from intersegment activities.

(b) Certain long-term assets, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangibles, which benefit multiple operating segments, are included in Corporate and Eliminations. Allocations of certain expenses related to these assets to the individual operating segments are done at the beginning of the year based on budgeted amounts. Any differences between actual and budgeted amounts are reflected in Corporate and eliminations. Corporate and Eliminations also includes the elimination of inter-company balance sheet amounts.

 

The following table represents consolidated International segment net revenues by major geographic region for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

The following table presents consolidated net revenues by class of principal products for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the following section entitled Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements expressing management's current expectations, goals, objectives and similar matters. These forward-looking statements may include statements concerning the Company's product and entertainment plans, anticipated product and entertainment performance, business opportunities, plans and strategies, financial goals, cost savings and efficiency enhancing initiatives and expectations for achieving the Company's financial goals and other objectives. See Item 1A, in Part II of this report and Item 1A, in Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014, for a discussion of factors which may cause the Company's actual results or experience to differ materially from that anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements in this report after the date of the filing. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, all dollar or share amounts herein are expressed in thousands of dollars or shares, except for per share amounts.

Hasbro, Inc. ("Hasbro" or the "Company") is a global company dedicated to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. The Company strives to do this through deep consumer engagement and the application of consumer insights, the use of immersive storytelling to build brands, product innovation and development of global business reach. Hasbro applies these principles to leverage its beloved owned and controlled brands, including LITTLEST PET SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, as well as partner brands. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection for children and families around the world. The Company's wholly owned Hasbro Studios creates entertainment brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including television, film and more.

Each of these elements is executed globally in alignment with Hasbro's strategic game plan, its brand blueprint.  At the center of this blueprint, Hasbro re-imagines, re-invents and re-ignites its owned and controlled brands and imagines, invents and ignites new brands, through toy and game innovation, immersive entertainment offerings, including television programming and motion pictures, and a broad range of licensed products. Utilizing consumer engagement and insights coupled with immersive storytelling and product innovation, Hasbro generates revenue and earns cash by developing, marketing and selling global brands in a broad variety of consumer goods categories including toy and game products and distribution of television programming based on the Company's properties, as well as through the out-licensing of rights for third parties to use its properties in connection with products, including digital media and games and lifestyle products. Hasbro also leverages its competencies to develop and market products based on well-known licensed brands, including, but not limited to, DISNEY DESCENDENTS, JURASSIC WORLD, MARVEL, SESAME STREET and STAR WARS. MARVEL and STAR WARS are owned by the Walt Disney Company.

The Company's business is separated into three principal business segments: U.S. and Canada, International and Entertainment and Licensing. The U.S. and Canada segment markets and sells both toy and game products primarily in the United States and Canada. The International segment consists of the Company's European, Asia Pacific and Latin and South American toy and game marketing and sales operations. The Company's Entertainment and Licensing segment includes the Company's lifestyle licensing, digital licensing and gaming, movie and television entertainment operations. In addition to these three primary segments, the Company's global development, marketing, manufacturing and product sourcing operations are managed through its Global Operations segment.

First quarter 2015 highlights include the following:

·	Net revenues increased 5% compared to the first quarter of 2014 and, absent unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $62,600, 2015 net revenues grew 14% compared to the first quarter of 2014.

·	2015 net revenues from franchise brands increased 20%; the Boys, Games and Preschool categories increased and the Girls category decreased in the first quarter 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014.

·

2015 net revenues from the U.S. and Canada and Entertainment and Licensing segments were up 2% and 74%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2014 and net revenues from the International segment were flat compared to the first quarter of 2014.  Absent unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $61,000, primarily in Europe, 2015 International segment net revenues grew 20%.

·	Operating profit grew 25% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 and was up 57% absent foreign currency translation.

·

In line with our commitment to return excess cash to shareholders, Hasbro increased the quarterly dividend rate from $0.43 per share to $0.46 per share effective for the dividend scheduled for May 15, 2015 in addition to repurchasing approximately 436 shares at a total and average cost of $25,200 and $57.80 per share, respectively.

The components of the results of operations, stated as a percent of net revenues, are illustrated below for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

The quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 were each 13-week periods.  Net earnings, including the impact of noncontrolling interests in Backflip, were $25,821 and $31,514 for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively. Net earnings and diluted earnings per share attributable to Hasbro, Inc. for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 were $26,667 and $0.21, respectively, compared to $32,087 and $0.24, respectively, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.

Net earnings for the first quarter of 2014 included a favorable tax benefit of $13,480, or $0.10 per diluted share, related to the settlement of certain open tax years.

Consolidated net revenues for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 grew 5% to $713,500 from $679,453 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014 and were negatively impacted by foreign currency translation of approximately $62,600 as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar in 2015 compared to 2014. Absent the impact of foreign exchange, net revenues grew 14% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. The Company's focus on franchise brands contributed to the overall growth in consolidated net revenues, including growth across all franchise brands totaling approximately 20% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.

Operating profit for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 increased to $54,205, or 7.6% of net revenues, from $43,448, or 6.4% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  Unfavorable foreign currency translation impacted consolidated operating profit by approximately $13,900; absent this impact, operating profit in the first quarter of 2015 grew approximately 57% to 8.8% of net revenues compared to the first quarter of 2014. The higher net revenues discussed above combined with more favorable revenue and product mix, including an increasing portion of net revenues from franchise brands and the Entertainment and Licensing segment, contributed to growth in both operating profit and operating profit margin in the first quarter of 2015.  Higher revenues and improved margins were partially offset by higher selling, distribution and administration expense.

Net Revenues

The following table presents net revenues by product category for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

BOYS: Net revenues from the boys' category increased 10% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to franchise brands TRANSFORMERS and NERF and partner brands MARVEL and JURASSIC WORLD, partially offset by expected lower net sales from BEYBLADE and ANGRY BIRDS products. In 2015, TRANSFORMERS is supported by all new animated programming, TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE. Sales of MARVEL products increased due to shipments related to the May 2015 expected theatrical release of AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON and were higher than 2014 first quarter sales related to two 2014 theatrical releases, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLIDER and THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. The first quarter of 2015 also benefited from initial shipments related to the June 2015 expected theatrical release of JURASSIC WORLD.

GAMES: Net revenues from the games category increased 7% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to growth in franchise brands MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.  These increases were partially offset by declines in several other game brands, including ANGRY BIRDS games. Growth in MAGIC: THE GATHERING benefited from an earlier release date in the KHANS OF TARKIR block compared to release dates in 2014.

GIRLS: Net revenues from the girls' category decreased 16% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to declines in FURBY, FURREAL FRIENDS and EASY BAKE products. These declines were only partially offset by growth in franchise brands LITTLEST PET SHOP, which was supported by Hasbro Studios programming, and PLAY-DOH, specifically PLAY-DOH DOHVINCI.

PRESCHOOL: Net revenues from the preschool category increased 22% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to PLAY-DOH and PLAYSKOOL HEROES products, which includes TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS and initial shipments of JURASSIC WORLD products. These increases were partially offset by lower net revenues from core PLAYSKOOL, SESAME STREET and TONKA products.

Segment Results

Most of the Company's revenues and operating profit are derived from its three principal business segments: the U.S. and Canada segment, the International segment and the Entertainment and Licensing segment, which are discussed below. See product category discussion for more specific brand detail. The following table presents net external revenues and operating profit data for the Company's three principal segments for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

U.S. AND CANADA SEGMENT

The U.S. and Canada segment net revenues increased 2% to $345,690 at March 29, 2015 from $337,699 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. Currency translation negatively impacted net revenues by approximately $1,300 in the quarter ended March 29, 2015.  Growth in the boys', games and preschool categories were partially offset by lower net revenues from the girls' category.

In the boys' category, higher net revenues from JURASSIC WORLD, MARVEL, NERF, STAR WARS and TRANSFORMERS products were partially offset by lower net revenues from BEYBLADE and SUPERSOAKER products.  In the games category, higher net revenues from MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY products, and, to a lesser extent, DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, GAME OF LIFE and TROUBLE  products were partially offset by lower net revenues from other games brands, including ANGRY BIRDS and ELEFUN & FRIENDS. Girls' category decreased primarily due to FURBY, FURREAL FRIENDS and EASY BAKE products. MY LITTLE PONY products also contributed to the decline.  These reductions were only partially offset by higher net revenues from PLAY-DOH DOHVINCI, NERF REBELLE and LITTLEST PET SHOP products. In the preschool category, franchise brand growth, including PLAYSKOOL HEROES TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS and PLAY-DOH, in addition to early shipments of PLAYSKOOL HEROES JURASSIC WORLD products resulted in higher net revenues partially offset by lower net revenues from SESAME STREET and core PLAYSKOOL products.

U.S. and Canada segment operating profit for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 increased to $41,423, or 12.0% of segment net revenues, from $35,763, or 10.6% of segment net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. Favorable revenue mix, including higher contributions from MAGIC: THE GATHERING and other franchise brands, partially offset by higher expense levels, resulted in improved operating profit and margin.

INTERNATIONAL SEGMENT

International segment net revenues were $305,713 for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 compared to $305,475 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. First quarter 2015 International segment net revenues include unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $61,000, primarily in Europe, as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar in 2015 compared to 2014. Absent the impact of foreign exchange, International segment net revenues for the first quarter of 2015 increased 20%. The following table presents net revenues by geographic region for the Company's International segment for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

Net revenues in emerging markets, which includes but is not limited to Russia, Brazil, China and Korea, increased 3% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. Net revenues from the European, Latin American and Asia Pacific regions included unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of approximately $50,200, $8,000 and $2,800, respectively.  Excluding this impact of foreign exchange, all major geographic regions grew: Europe – 19%; Latin America – 23%; and Asia Pacific – 23%.

By product category, growth in the boys and preschool categories was almost entirely offset by declines in the girls and games categories.

In the boys' category, higher net revenues from franchise brands NERF and TRANSFROMERS as well as higher sales of MARVEL and STAR WARS products were partially offset by lower net revenues from ANGRY BIRDS and BEYBLADE products. In the games category, higher net revenues from MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY products were more than offset by other games brands. In the girls' category, higher net revenues reflecting contribution from the 2014 introduction of PLAY-DOH DOHVINCI was more than offset by lower net revenues from the other franchise brands, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MY LITTLE PONY and NERF, as well as  FURBY and FURREAL FRIENDS. Growth in the preschool category reflects higher net revenues from franchise brands PLAY-DOH and PLAYSKOOL HEROES TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS partially offset by lower net revenues from core PLAYSKOOL products.

International segment operating profit decreased to $1,903, or 0.6% of segment net revenues, for the quarter ended March 29, 2015, from $2,414, or 0.8% of segment net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. Lower operating profit reflects the impact of foreign exchange resulting from the strengthening U.S. dollar in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, International segment operating profit improved to $5,455 in the first quarter of 2015.

ENTERTAINMENT AND LICENSING SEGMENT

Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 increased 74% to $60,631 from $34,874 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014, reflecting higher revenues from lifestyle licensing, particularly related to the MY LITTLE PONY and TRANSFORMERS brands, and higher entertainment revenues related to a multi-year digital distribution agreement for Hasbro Studios programming entered during the quarter. These higher net revenues were partially offset by lower net revenues from digital licensing.

Entertainment and Licensing segment operating profit increased to $16,402 for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 from $5,982 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. Improved operating profit primarily reflects higher lifestyle licensing revenues as well as higher programming revenues.

OTHER SEGMENTS AND CORPORATE ELIMINATIONS

Global Operations had an operating loss of $3,782 for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 compared to an operating loss of $1,744 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  Corporate and eliminations operating loss of $1,741 for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 compared to an operating profit of $1,033 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.

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Costs and Expenses

The Company's costs and expenses, stated as percentages of net revenues, are illustrated below for the quarters ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

Cost of sales decreased to $247,735, or 34.7% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 from $258,545, or 38.1% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  Cost of sales decreased in dollars and as a percentage of net revenues on higher net revenues in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. This reflects favorable revenue mix, which includes lower cost franchise brands and Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues.  Entertainment and Licensing segment net revenues represented 8.5% of consolidated net revenues in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 5.1% of consolidated net revenues in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, the first quarter of 2015 benefited from a more favorable impact from foreign exchange hedges related to product purchases.

Royalty expense for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 increased to $59,089, or 8.3% of net revenues, from $49,581, or 7.3% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. Fluctuations in royalty expense are generally related to the volume of entertainment-driven products sold in a given period, especially if there is a major motion picture release. Growth in net revenues from partner brands, particularly related to MARVEL products, generated higher royalty expense in both dollars and as percentage of net revenues in 2015 compared to 2014. In addition, royalties related to revenues from a multi-year digital distribution agreement for Hasbro Studios programming recognized in the quarter also contributed to higher royalty expense.

Product development expense for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 increased to $51,897, or 7.3% of net revenues, from $47,257, or 7.0% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. In dollars, higher product development expenses in 2015 compared to 2014 reflects costs associated with development of the DISNEY PRINCESS and FROZEN product lines under license agreement with The Walt Disney Company.  The Company will continue to incur these development costs in 2015 in advance of the commencement of the license period and product shipments in 2016.

Advertising expense for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 was $67,742, or 9.5% of net revenues, compared to $67,259, or 9.9% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. The reduction in advertising expense as a percent of net revenues primarily resulted from the mix of revenues, including the increase in the Entertainment and Licensing segment and the MAGIC: THE GATHERING brand.

Amortization of intangibles was $12,951, or 1.8% of net revenues, in the first quarter of 2015 from $13,402, or 2.0% of net revenues, in the first quarter of 2014. The decline is primarily due to certain assets which became fully amortized in 2014.

Program production cost amortization increased in the first quarter of 2015 to $11,096, or 1.6% of net revenues, from $4,658, or 0.7% of net revenues, in the first quarter of 2014. Program production costs are capitalized as incurred and amortized using the individual-film-forecast method.  The increase in the first quarter of 2015 resulted from higher net revenues due to the multi-year digital distribution agreement for Hasbro Studios programming.

For the quarter ended March 29, 2015, the Company's selling, distribution and administration expenses increased to $208,785, or 29.3% of net revenues, from $195,303, or 28.7% of net revenues, for the quarter ended March 30, 2014. Higher selling, distribution and administration expenses primarily reflects higher administration and distribution costs, partially offset by lower marketing and sales. Foreign exchange resulted in a decrease of approximately $13,200. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, increased 2015 expense is the result of higher depreciation expense, performance-based stock compensation, investments in MAGIC: THE GATHERING and other general cost increases, such as salaries and wages.

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2015 increased to $24,585 from $22,428 for the comparable period of 2014. The increase in interest expense in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 reflects the impact of favorable interest rate swap agreements that were in place during 2014.

Interest income for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 was $930 compared to $1,326 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  Higher average cash balances in 2015 compared to 2014 were more than offset by lower average interest rates, particularly in international jurisdictions.

Other income, net of $3,765 for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 compared to $3,649 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  The favorable impact of increased earnings from the Company's joint venture television network and certain asset sales were partially offset by higher foreign currency translation losses.

Income tax expense for the quarter ended March 29, 2015 was $8,494 on pre-tax earnings of $34,315 compared to an income tax benefit of $5,519 on pre-tax earnings of $25,995 for the quarter ended March 30, 2014.  Both quarters, as well as the full year 2014, were impacted by certain discrete tax events including the accrual of potential interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions. During the first quarter of 2015, favorable discrete tax adjustments were a net benefit of $771 compared to a net benefit of $12,453 in the first quarter of 2014. The 2014 discrete tax adjustments included a benefit of $13,480 related to the effective settlement of certain open tax years in the United States. Absent discrete items, the adjusted tax rate for the first quarters of 2015 and 2014 were 27.0% and 26.1%, respectively. The adjusted rate of 27.0% for the three months ended March, 29, 2015 is comparable to the full year 2014 adjusted rate of 26.5%.

Historically, the Company's revenue pattern has shown the second half of the year to be more significant to its overall business than the first half. The Company expects that this concentration will continue, particularly as more of its business has shifted to larger customers with order patterns concentrated in the second half of the year. 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 compressed shipping schedules.

The toy and game business is characterized by customer order patterns which vary from year to year largely because of differences each year in the degree of consumer acceptance of product lines, product availability, marketing strategies and inventory policies of retailers, the dates of theatrical releases of major motion pictures for which the Company has product licenses, and changes in overall economic conditions. As a result, comparisons of the Company's unshipped orders on any date with those at the same date in a prior year are not necessarily indicative of the Company's expected sales for that year. Moreover, quick response inventory management practices result in fewer orders being placed significantly in advance of shipment and more orders being placed for immediate delivery. Although the Company may receive orders from customers in advance, it is a general industry practice that these orders are subject to amendment or cancellation by customers prior to shipment and, as such, the Company does not believe that these unshipped orders, at any given date, are indicative of future sales.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), in cooperation with the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606). This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification 605 – Revenue Recognition and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Codification. This new guidance provides a five-step model for analyzing contracts and transactions to determine when, how and if revenue is recognized. Revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the requirements of ASU 2014-09 and its potential impact on the Company's financial statements. Presently, the FASB is in the process of drafting an accounting standards update which would defer the effective date to December 15, 2017 with an option for early adoption not before December 15, 2016.

The Company has historically generated a significant amount of cash from operations. In 2014 the Company funded its operations and liquidity needs primarily through cash flows from operations, and, when needed, using borrowings under its available lines of credit and commercial paper program.

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company continued to fund its working capital needs primarily through cash flows from operations and, when needed, lines of credit and the Company's commercial paper program. The Company believes that the funds available to it, including cash expected to be generated from operations and funds available through its available lines of credit and commercial paper program, are adequate to meet its working capital needs for the remainder of 2015. However, unexpected events or circumstances such as material operating losses or increased capital or other expenditures 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 management believes the risk of nonperformance by the counterparties to the Company's 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 March 29, 2015 the Company's cash and cash equivalents totaled $1,081,397, substantially all of which is held outside of the United States. Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the majority of undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries as such earnings are indefinitely reinvested by the Company. Accordingly, such international cash balances are not available to fund cash requirements in the United States unless the Company changes its reinvestment policy. The Company currently has sufficient sources of cash in the United States to fund cash requirements without the need to repatriate any funds. If the Company changes its policy of permanently reinvesting international earnings, it would be required to accrue for any additional income taxes representing the difference between the tax rates in the United States and the applicable tax jurisdiction of the international subsidiaries. If the Company repatriated the funds from its international subsidiaries, it would then be required to pay the additional U.S. income tax. Substantially all of the Company's cash and cash equivalents held outside of the United States as of March 29, 2015 is denominated in the U.S. dollar.

Because of the seasonality in the Company's cash flow, management believes that on an interim basis, rather than discussing only its cash flows, a better understanding of its liquidity and capital resources can be obtained through a discussion of the various balance sheet categories as well. Also, as several of the major categories, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories and short-term borrowings, fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, again due to the seasonality of its business, the Company believes that a comparison to the comparable period in the prior year is generally more meaningful than a comparison to the prior quarter or prior year-end.

At March 29, 2015, cash and cash equivalents, net of short-term borrowings, increased to $849,483 from $779,391 at March 30, 2014. Net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2015 was $315,281 compared to $242,041 in the first quarter of 2014. During the first quarter of 2014, operating cash flow included $58,040 in cash payments related to the settlement of an adverse arbitration award. On a trailing twelve month basis, the Company generated $527,641 in operating cash flows as of the end of the first quarter of 2015 compared to $345,719 as of the end of the first quarter of 2014 and $454,411 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014.

Accounts receivable increased approximately 2% to $563,301 at March 29, 2015 from $552,471 at March 30, 2014. At March 29, 2015, the accounts receivable balance includes a decrease of approximately $89,400 resulting from the impact of foreign currency translation. Absent the impact of foreign currency translation, accounts receivable increased approximately 18% reflecting the aforementioned 14% revenue growth, absent foreign exchange translation, in the first quarter 2015 compared to 2014. Days sales outstanding decreased from 73 days at March 30, 2014 to 71 days at March 29, 2015.

Inventories decreased approximately 13% to $340,654 at March 29, 2015 from $390,824 at March 30, 2014. Inventory at March 29, 2015 includes a reduction of $55,600 resulting from the impact of foreign currency translation. Absent foreign currency translation, inventories increased approximately 1%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, higher International segment inventories were almost all offset by lower U.S. and Canada segment inventories.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased 3% to $419,956 at March 29, 2015 from $406,561 at March 30, 2014. Higher prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily relate to higher outstanding foreign exchange contracts, reflecting the stronger U.S. dollar at March 29, 2015 compared to March 30, 2014, as well as higher income tax receivables. These higher balances were partially offset by lower prepaid royalties, deferred taxes and non-income based taxes.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at March 29, 2015 decreased 10% to $588,813 from $654,507 at March 30, 2014. The 2014 accrued liability balance included $21,540 of forward-starting interest rate swap contracts related to a contemplated debt issuance, which were terminated when the debt was issued in May 2014. The decrease also included lower accrued severance, due to scheduled payments, and lower accounts payable.

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net decreased approximately 6% to $904,300 at March 29, 2015 from $956,963 at March 29, 2014. The decrease was due to amortization of intangible assets over the last twelve months.

Other assets at March 29, 2015 increased approximately 2% to $707,645 from $693,471 at March 30, 2014. Higher outstanding foreign exchange contracts and deferred income taxes, reflecting higher pension-related balances, were partially offset by a reduction in the Company's joint venture television network and lower long-term royalty advances.  During the third quarter of 2014, the Company sold a 10% equity interest in their joint venture television network to Discovery, which included cash proceeds of $64,400.

Other liabilities increased 16% to $392,479 at March 29, 2015 from $337,219 at March 30, 2014. Increased other liabilities primarily relate to higher pension liabilities primarily due to changes in actuarial assumptions, including a lower discount rate and  mortality tables. In addition, the amended relationship between the Company and Discovery resulted in a net increase to other liabilities of approximately $10,000 reflecting the fair value of an option agreement related to the Company's equity interest in Discovery Family, partially offset by a reduction in amounts due to Discovery related to a tax sharing agreement. These increases were partially offset by lower liabilities related to uncertain tax positions reflecting the settlement of tax examinations in 2014 primarily related to the United States and Mexico. In connection with the settlement of tax assessments and years subject to audit from 2000 to 2013 in Mexico, the Company paid approximately $65,000 during the fourth quarter of 2014.

Net cash utilized by investing activities was $33,111 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $27,078 in 2014. Additions to property, plant and equipment were $31,151 in 2015 compared to $22,239 in 2014, primarily reflecting the Company's investment in tooling and information systems.  2015 investing activity also includes a $3,000 contribution to a 50% joint venture with Guangdong Alpha Animation and Culture Co., Ltd.

Net cash utilized by financing activities was $82,489 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $103,387 in 2014. Cash payments related to purchases of the Company's common stock were $26,507 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $79,913 in 2014. At March 29, 2015, the Company had $538,959 remaining available under its current share repurchase authorizations approved by the Board of Directors. Dividends paid were $53,470 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $52,388 in the first quarter of 2014. The impact of the higher dividend rate in 2015 was partially offset by lower shares outstanding. Net repayments of short-term borrowings of $20,325 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to net proceeds from short-term borrowings of $5,035 in the first quarter of 2014.

The Company has an agreement with a group of banks 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.  Under the Program the Company may issue notes from time to time up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any given time of $700,000. The maturities of these notes will vary but may not exceed 397 days.  The notes will be sold under customary terms in the commercial paper market and will be issued at a discount or par, or alternatively, will be sold at par and will bear varying interest rates based on a fixed or floating rate basis.  The interest rates will 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 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.  At March 29, 2015 the Company had approximately $225,000 in borrowings outstanding related to the Program.

The Company has a revolving credit agreement (the "Agreement"), which provides it with a $700,000 committed borrowing facility. The 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 Company was in compliance with all covenants as of and for the quarter ended March 29, 2015. The Company had no borrowings outstanding under its committed revolving credit facility at March 29, 2015. However, the Company had letters of credit outstanding under this facility as of March 29, 2015 of approximately $900, and borrowings under the Company's commercial paper program of approximately $225,000. Amounts available and unused under the committed line, less outstanding balances under the commercial paper program, as of March 29, 2015 were approximately $474,100. Subsequent to March 29, 2015, the Agreement was amended and restated, extending the term from October 2017 to March 2020. The Company also has other uncommitted lines from various banks, of which approximately $26,700 was utilized at March 29, 2015. Of the amount utilized under the uncommitted lines, approximately $6,500 and $20,200 represent outstanding borrowings and letters of credit, respectively.

The Company has principal amounts of long-term debt at March 29, 2015 of $1,559,895 due at varying times from 2017 through 2044. Of this long-term debt, $600,000 represents the aggregate issuance of long-term debt in May 2014 which consists of $300,000 of 3.15% Notes Due 2021 and $300,000 of 5.10% Notes Due 2044. The Company also had letters of credit and other similar instruments of approximately $162,830 and purchase commitments of $53,138 outstanding at March 29, 2015. Letters of credit and similar instruments include bonds of approximately $141,740 related to tax assessments in Mexico which were settled in December 2014. These bonds were cancelled on March 30, 2015.

Other contractual obligations and commercial commitments, as detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014, did not materially change outside of payments made in the normal course of business and as otherwise set forth in this report. The table of contractual obligations and commercial commitments, as detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014, does not include certain tax liabilities recorded related to uncertain tax positions. These liabilities were $40,222 at March 29, 2015, and are included as a component of other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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 these and other obligations listed.

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 the information available.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented.  The significant accounting policies which management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company's reported financial results include sales allowances, program production costs, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, recoverability of royalty advances and commitments, pension costs and obligations and income taxes. These critical accounting policies are the same as those detailed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014.

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 those products in more than twenty currencies. Results of operations may be affected primarily by changes in the value of the U.S. dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Euro, British pound sterling, Swiss franc, Canadian dollar, Brazilian real, Russian ruble and Mexican peso and, to a lesser extent, other currencies in European, Latin American and Asia Pacific countries.

To manage this exposure, the Company has hedged a portion of its forecasted foreign currency transactions for fiscal years 2015 through 2019 using foreign exchange forward contracts. 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.  Other than as set forth above, the Company does not hedge foreign currency exposures.

The Company reflects all forward contracts 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 March 29, 2015, these contracts had net unrealized gains of $127,037, of which $65,026 are recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets, $65,524 are recorded in other assets, and $3,513 are recorded in accrued liabilities. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 29, 2015 are deferred gains, net of tax, of $118,252, related to these derivatives.

At March 29, 2015, the Company had fixed rate long-term debt of $1,559,895. Of this long-term debt, $600,000 represents the aggregate issuance of long-term debt in May 2014 which consists of $300,000 of 3.15% Notes Due 2021 and $300,000 of 5.10% Notes Due 2044.  The Company had forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with a total notional value of $500,000 related to the May 2014 issuance which hedged 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 debt issuance, the Company terminated these interest rate swap agreements and their fair value, $33,306 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 March 29, 2015 are deferred losses, net of tax, of $20,224 related to these derivatives.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information required by this item is included in Part I Item 2. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of March 29, 2015. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, during the quarter ended March 29, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

The Company is currently party to certain legal proceedings, none of which it believes to be material to its business or financial condition.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning management's expectations, goals, objectives, and similar matters. These forward-looking statements may include statements concerning the Company's product and entertainment plans, anticipated product and entertainment performance, business opportunities and strategies, financial and business goals, expectations for achieving the Company's financial and business goals, cost savings and efficiency enhancing initiatives and other objectives and anticipated uses of cash and may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "expect," "intend," "look forward," "may," "planned," "potential," "should," "will," and "would" or any variations of words with similar meanings. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

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The Company's actual results or experience may differ materially from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The Company has included, under Item 1A. of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 28, 2014 (the "Annual Report"), a discussion of factors which may impact these forward-looking statements. In furtherance, and not in limitation, of the more detailed discussion set forth in the Annual Report, specific factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:

·	the Company's ability to successfully re-imagine, re-invent and re-ignite its existing products and product lines, including through the use of immersive entertainment experiences, to maintain and further their success;

·	the Company's ability to successfully design, develop, produce, introduce, market and sell innovative new brands, products and product lines which achieve and sustain interest from retailers and consumers and keep pace with changes in consumer preferences and lifestyles;

·	the Company's ability to offer products that (i) expand consumer demand for its product offerings and do not significantly compete with the Company's other existing product offerings and (ii) consumers want to purchase and, select over competitors' products;

·	the Company's ability to manufacture, source and ship products in a timely and cost-effective manner and customers' and consumers' acceptance and purchase of those products in quantities and at prices that will be sufficient to profitably recover the Company's costs;

·

recessions, other economic downturns or challenging economic conditions affecting the Company's markets which can negatively impact the financial health of the Company's retail customers and consumers, and which can result in lower employment levels, lower consumer disposable income and spending, including lower spending on purchases of the Company's products;

·	potential difficulties or delays the Company may experience in implementing its cost savings and efficiency enhancing initiatives or the realization of fewer benefits than are expected from such initiatives;

·	currency fluctuations, including movements in foreign exchange rates, which can lower the Company's net revenues and earnings, and significantly impact the Company's costs;

·

other economic and public health conditions or regulatory changes in the markets in which the Company and its customers and suppliers operate, which could create delays or increase the Company's costs, such as higher commodity prices, labor costs or higher transportation costs or outbreaks of diseases;

·	delays, increased costs or difficulties associated with the development and offering of our or our partners' planned digital applications or media initiatives based on the Company's brands;

·	the concentration of the Company's retail customers, potentially increasing the negative impact to the Company of difficulties experienced by any of the Company's retail customers or changes in their purchasing or selling patterns;

·	the Company's ability to generate sales during the fourth quarter, particularly during the relatively brief holiday shopping season, which is the period in which the Company derives a substantial portion of its revenues and earnings;

·

the inventory policies of the Company's retail customers, including the retailers' potential decisions to lower their inventories, even if it results in lost sales, as well as the concentration of the Company's revenues in the second half and fourth quarter of the year, which coupled with reliance by retailers on quick response inventory management techniques, increases the risk of underproduction of popular items, overproduction of less popular items and failure to achieve compressed shipping schedules;

·	work stoppages or disruptions which may impact the Company's ability to manufacture or deliver products in a timely and cost-effective manner;

·

concentration of manufacturing of the substantial majority of the Company's products by third party vendors in the People's Republic of China and the associated impact to the Company of social, economic or public health conditions and other factors affecting China, the movement of people and products into and out of China, the cost of producing products in China and the cost of exporting them to the Company's other markets or affecting the exchange rates for the Chinese Renminbi, including, without limitation, the impact of tariffs or other trade restrictions being imposed upon goods manufactured in China;

·

consumer interest in and acceptance of Discovery Family, the Company's cable television joint venture with Discovery Communications, the programming appearing on Discovery Family, products related to Discovery Family's programming, and other factors impacting the financial performance of Discovery Family;

·	consumer interest in and acceptance of programming and entertainment created by Hasbro Studios, as well as products related to Hasbro Studios' programming and entertainment;

·	the ability of the Company to hire and retain key officers and employees who are critical to the Company's success;

·

the costs of complying with product safety and consumer protection requirements worldwide, including the risk that greater regulation in the future may increase such costs, may require changes in the Company's products and/or may impact the Company's ability to sell some products in particular markets in the absence of making changes to such products;

·

the risk that one of the Company's third-party manufacturers will not comply with applicable labor, consumer protection, product safety or other laws or regulations, or with aspects of the Company's Global Business Ethics Principles, and that such noncompliance will not be promptly detected, either of which could cause damage to the Company's reputation, harm sales of its products and potentially create liability for the Company;

·

an adverse change in purchasing policies or promotional programs or the bankruptcy or other economic difficulties or lack of success of one or more of the Company's significant retailers comprising its relatively concentrated retail customer base, which could negatively impact the Company's revenues or bad debt exposure;

·	the risk that the market appeal of the Company's licensed products will be less than expected or that sales revenue generated by these products will be insufficient to cover the minimum guaranteed royalties;

·	the risk the Company will lose rights to significant licensed property or properties, which will harm the Company's revenues and earnings;

·	the risk that the Company may face product recalls or product liability suits relating to products it manufactures or distributes which may have significant direct costs to the Company and which may also harm the reputation of the Company and its products, potentially harming future product sales;

·

the impact of competition on revenues, margins and other aspects of the Company's business, including the ability to offer Company products which consumers choose to buy instead of competitor products, the ability to secure, maintain and renew popular licenses and the ability to attract and retain employees;

·	the risk that anticipated benefits of acquisitions may not occur or be delayed or reduced in their realization;

·	the Company's ability to obtain and enforce intellectual property rights both in the United States and other worldwide territories;

·	the risk that any litigation or arbitration disputes or government and regulatory investigations could entail significant resources and expense and result in significant fines or other harm to the Company's business or reputation;

·	the Company's ability to maintain or obtain external financing on terms acceptable to it in order to meet working capital needs;

·	the risk that one or more of the counterparties to the Company's financing arrangements may experience financial difficulties or otherwise be unable or unwilling to allow the Company to access financing under such arrangements;

·	the Company's ability to generate sufficient available cash flow to service its outstanding debt;

·	restrictions that the Company is subject to under its credit agreement;

·

unforeseen circumstances, such as severe softness in or collapse of the retail environment that may result in a significant decline in revenues and operating results of the Company, thereby causing the Company to be in non-compliance with its debt covenants and the Company being unable to utilize borrowings under its revolving credit facility, a circumstance likely to occur when operating shortfalls would result in the Company being in the greatest need of such supplementary borrowings;

·	market conditions, third party actions or approvals, the impact of competition and other factors that could delay or increase the cost of implementation of the Company's programs, or alter the Company's actions and reduce actual results;

·

the risk that the Company may be subject to governmental penalties, fines, sanctions or additional taxes for failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations in any of the markets in which it operates, or that governmental regulations or requirements will require changes in the manner in which the company does business and/or increase the costs of doing business;

·	failure to operate our information systems and implement new technology effectively, as well as maintain the systems and processes designed to protect our electronic data;

·	the risk that the Company's reported goodwill may become impaired, requiring the Company to take a charge against its income; or

·	other risks and uncertainties as are or may be detailed from time to time in the Company's public announcements and filings with the SEC, such as filings on Forms 8-K, 10-Q and 10-K.

The Company undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of the filing of this report.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Repurchases Made in the Quarter (in whole dollars and number of shares)

 On August 1, 2013, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of a $500 million in common stock. On February 9, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $500 million in common stock. Purchases of the Company's common stock may be made from time to time, subject to market conditions. These shares may be repurchased in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares under this authorization, and the timing, actual number, and value of the shares that are repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the price of the Company's stock. The Company may suspend or discontinue the program at any time and there is no expiration date.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.

Other Information.

None.

Item 6.

Exhibits.

3.1

Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No. 1-6682.)

3.2

Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated June 28, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No. 1-6682.)

3.3

Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, dated May 19, 2003.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 29, 2003, File No. 1-6682.)

3.4

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, File No. 1-6682.)

3.5

Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 6, 2014, File No. 1-6682.)

3.6

Certificate of Designations of Series C Junior Participating Preference Stock of Hasbro, Inc. dated June 29, 1999. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No. 1-6682.)

3.7

Certificate of Vote(s) authorizing a decrease of class or series of any class of shares. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 2, 2000, File No 1-6682.)

4.1

Indenture, dated as of July 17, 1998, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to Citibank, N.A. as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 14, 1998, File No. 1-6682.)

4.2

Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2000, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b)(i) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 1999, File No. 1-6682.)

4.3

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 17, 2007, File No. 1-6682.)

4.4

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 13, 2009, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2009, File No. 1-6682.)

4.5

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 11, 2010, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2010, File No. 1-6682.)

4.6

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated May 13, 2014, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor Trustee to the Bank of Nova Scotia Trust Company of New York.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 13, 2014, file No. 1-6682.)

10.1

Hasbro, Inc. 2015 Performance Rewards Program.

10.2

Form of Fair Market Value Stock Option Agreement under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Applicable for Duncan Billing, John Frascotti, Wiebe Tinga, Deborah Thomas and certain other employees of the Company.)

10.3

Form of Fair Market Value Stock Option Agreement for Brian Goldner under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan.

10.4

Form of Contingent Stock Performance Award under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Applicable to Duncan Billing, John Frascotti, Wiebe Tinga, Deborah Thomas and certain other employees of the Company.)

10.5

Form of Contingent Stock Performance Award for Brian Goldner under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan.

10.6

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Hasbro, Inc. Restated 2003 Stock Incentive Performance Plan. (Applicable to Duncan Billing, John Frascotti, Wiebe Tinga, Deborah Thomas and certain other employees of the Company.)

10.7

Form of Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Confidentiality Agreement. (Applicable to Duncan Billing, John Frascotti, Wiebe Tinga, Deborah Thomas and certain other employees of the Company.)

31.1

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1*

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.2*

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.SCH

Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

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Exhibit Index