The Dividend Daily

On Friday toy and game manufacturer Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) announced its full-year 2012 earnings expectation, which are below analysts’ views.

The Rhode Island-based company said that it is expecting earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $2.73 to $2.75. This forecast includes fourth quarter restructuring costs and the negative impact of foreign exchange. Without the impact of foreign exchange, earnings are expected to be between $2.83 and $2.85 per share.

The company’s guidance is below the Wall Street outlook, which predicts Hasbro to earn $2.85 per share for 2012.

The maker of Hasbro, Tonka, and Milton Bradley games and toys believes full year 2012 sales will be $4.09 billion, down from $4.29 billion in 2011. Analysts are predicting sales to be $4.21 billion.

“We fundamentally believe our strategy is sound and we remain confident in our ability to drive profitable long-term growth through brand innovation,” said Deb Thomas, Chief Financial Officer. “We believe a reduction in ongoing costs in a challenging environment will deliver the greatest long-term return to our shareholders.”

Hasbro will release its fourth quarter and full year 2012 earnings report on February 4th.

Hasbro shares were down 97 cents, or -2.52%, during morning trading on Friday. The stock is up +6.54% over the past year.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Hasbro (HAS) have a 3.75% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $38.45. The stock has technical support in the $35-$36 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $40-$41 price levels.

Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.