The Energon Pub

In these days of dire economic forecasts, it is always uplifting to hear some positive financial news. Today, it is our pleasure to bring you just that, and better yet, our beloved Transformers are part of the reason.

Hasbro today released their 2nd quarter earnings and they have exceeded insider projections.

Here is an excerpt of an article today from toynewsmag.com.

US and Canada sales were $490.9 million, compared to $467.7 million in 2008. The results reflect growth in Transformers, GI Joe, Littlest Pet Shop, Nerf, Play-Doh, Furreal Friends and Tonka. The segment reported an operating profit of $56.3 million, compared to $43.7 million in 2008.

International segment sales fell to $276.2 million, compared to $293.7 million in 2008. The revenues include a negative foreign exchange impact of approximately $42.8 million.

The results reflect growth in Transformers, G.I. Joe, Littlest Pet Shop, Nerf, Play-Doh and Star Wars. The International segment reported an operating profit of $16.5 million, up from $14 million in 2008.

You may view the entire story here.

And for all the latest Transformers news, keep your browser right HERE at Seibertron.com!

Pawtucket, R.I.- Hasbro, Inc. (HAS NYSE) posted its second quarter earnings today, reporting a $7.9 million, or 1%, increase from the same quarter one year ago.

It's no secret that the 2nd largest toy manufacturer in the United States saw major revenue increases due to the live action films based on their Transformers brand, but the foresight and direction offered by company Chief Executive Officer, Brian Goldner, has also had a major impact on the value of the HASBRO brand.

Hasbro performed well in what continues to be a challenging global environment. Our ability to deliver growth in both revenue and earnings per share, while including the dilution from the investment in our joint venture with Discovery Communications, was due to broad based strength across Hasbro’s core brand product portfolio and strong execution globally,” said Brian Goldner, CEO.

“For the remainder of this year, we will continue to invest in our business and closely manage our expenses. While there are challenges in 2009, we believe that the underlying strength of our brands and our commitment to our strategy should enable Hasbro to grow revenue and earnings per share, including the impact of our television investment -- absent a material deterioration in the global economy and the value of foreign currencies,” Goldner concluded.

With the projected launch of the new Joint Venture with Discovery Communications and even more live action films in the works, like the upcoming GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, it seems that even more good things are still ahead for the Transformers creator.

You can here the entire webcast, along with the complete second quarter earnings report by clicking here.

The reason why your sales fell internationally was because you haven't released many Animated and Universe to other territories. I'm still waiting for Dinobot, Hotshot, Cyclonus, Hound, Cheetor, Starscream, Ratchet, Smokescreen, Inferno, Vector Prime, Overload, Leo Prime, Brawn, Beachcomber, Bumblebee, Starscream, Cosmos, Rodimus, Wheelie, Warpath, Silverbolt, Stormcloud, Bruticus, Treadbolt, Animated Ultra Magnus, Shockwave, Wreck-gar, Atomic Lugnut, Skywarp, Samurai Prowl, Sentinel Prime, Swoop, Waspinator, and some others I forgot to show up in my country.

Jetstorm9221 wrote:The reason why your sales fell internationally was because you haven't released many Animated and Universe to other territories. I'm still waiting for Dinobot, Hotshot, Cyclonus, Hound, Cheetor, Starscream, Ratchet, Smokescreen, Inferno, Vector Prime, Overload, Leo Prime, Brawn, Beachcomber, Bumblebee, Starscream, Cosmos, Rodimus, Wheelie, Warpath, Silverbolt, Stormcloud, Bruticus, Treadbolt, Animated Ultra Magnus, Shockwave, Wreck-gar, Atomic Lugnut, Skywarp, Samurai Prowl, Sentinel Prime, Swoop, Waspinator, and some others I forgot to show up in my country.

I second that. The Universe line didn't even make it to my country (Portugal), even TRU doesn't have it. Still, from your list we have Leader class Animated Ultra Magnus here going for just 15 euros at TRU! They have about 30 or more of them in clearance. My local TRU also has Animated Swoop but for the regular price, which is actually 15 euros also . From the Movie ROTF line we still only got the 1st wave and the 2 preview figures...

I second that. The Universe line didn't even make it to my country (Portugal), even TRU doesn't have it. Still, from your list we have Leader class Animated Ultra Magnus here going for just 15 euros at TRU! They have about 30 or more of them in clearance. My local TRU also has Animated Swoop but for the regular price, which is actually 15 euros also . From the Movie ROTF line we still only got the 1st wave and the 2 preview figures...

I really want Ultra Magnus, and that's a great price. Even Supreme Optimus Prime was released and he was a major shelfwarmer.
The ironic part is that you live in Portugal and I live in Mexico and they can't release Ultra Magnus in the country next to the US.
Same situation here with the Movie line, only the first wave released.

Jetstorm9221 wrote:I really want Ultra Magnus, and that's a great price. Even Supreme Optimus Prime was released and he was a major shelfwarmer.
The ironic part is that you live in Portugal and I live in Mexico and they can't release Ultra Magnus in the country next to the US.
Same situation here with the Movie line, only the first wave released.

Yeah, and when I bought mine on my local TRU it was being sold for 20 euros and I thought it was a great price. This week they lowered even more to 15 euros and I was like . You can even check that at the horrible portuguese TRU site (they placed the wrong photo showing Bulkhead instead):

http://www.toysrus.pt/catalogue/ProductListBusqueda.php?page=2&brand=TF

Unfortunately they don't sell on the site.

Why can't it be released in a country next to the USA? At least that can't be a reason for the ones not sold in my country since we're really really far from the USA .

Thanks for the link, it's funny that the FAB's are more expensive than Ultra Magnus .