Hasbro records earnings increase

Hasbro Inc., the nation's second-largest toy maker, said today fourth-quarter profit climbed 15 percent on growth in core brands such as Playskool, Monopoly, and Littlest Pet Shop.

Net income at the Pawtucket, R.I., company rose to $108.3 million, or 62 cents per share, for the three months that ended Dec. 31 versus $94.3 million, or 48 cents per share, a year ago.

Excluding a 12-cent per share adjustment related to a licensing deal with movie director George Lucas, earnings for the current quarter totaled 74 cents per share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were looking for net income of 67 cents per share. Those estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Revenue rose 5 percent to $1.12 billion from $1.07 billion, topping Wall Street's estimate of $1.1 billion. (Associated Press)