10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

ELECTRONIC ARTS INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Sep 30, 2006

Filed November 7, 2006For Securities:EA

Summary

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) reported its quarterly results for the period ending September 30, 2006. The company experienced a notable increase in net revenue, driven by strong sales of its popular sports titles such as Madden NFL 07, NCAA Football 07, and FIFA 07, as well as growth in its mobile gaming business following the acquisition of JAMDAT. However, net income saw a decrease compared to the prior year, partly due to increased operating expenses related to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R for stock-based compensation and ongoing investments in next-generation console development. The company is navigating the industry's transition to next-generation consoles (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii), which involves increased development costs and potential declines in sales of current-generation titles. EA is strategically investing in mobile platforms and online services to capitalize on emerging market trends. Significant upcoming events include the launch of the PlayStation 3 and Wii, which will shape the market dynamics in the coming periods.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenue increased by 16% to $784 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared to the prior year.
  • 2Net income decreased to $22 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, down from $51 million in the same period last year.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share were $0.07 for the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $0.16 in the prior year.
  • 4The company adopted SFAS No. 123R, impacting operating expenses with $33 million in stock-based compensation recognized in the current quarter.
  • 5EA acquired Mythic Entertainment for $76 million in July 2006, strengthening its position in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game market.
  • 6The company is investing in next-generation console development (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii) and experiencing a transition phase in the industry, leading to increased costs.
  • 7Mobile platform revenue showed strong growth, more than doubling to $121 million for the quarter, driven by the JAMDAT acquisition and PSP title releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

EA reported a significant increase in net revenue, up 16% to $784 million for the quarter. However, net income decreased to $22 million from $51 million in the same period last year, and diluted EPS fell to $0.07 from $0.16. This divergence is primarily due to increased operating expenses, including stock-based compensation expense from the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and investments in next-generation console development.

EA is actively managing the industry's transition to next-generation consoles like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. This involves continued development and support for current-generation titles while making substantial investments in products for the new platforms. The company anticipates increased development costs and potential declines in current-generation sales as consumers shift to new hardware.

EA is strategically expanding its presence in the mobile gaming market, which is showing strong growth. This strategy includes developing games for handheld systems and downloadable content for cellular handsets. The acquisition of JAMDAT Mobile Inc. in February 2006 has significantly boosted EA's capabilities and revenue in this segment, with mobile platform revenue more than doubling year-over-year.

EA adopted SFAS No. 123R, which requires recognizing stock-based compensation expense at fair value. This adoption resulted in an increase in operating expenses, with $33 million recognized in stock-based compensation for the current quarter. This expense significantly reduced reported net income and earnings per share compared to the previous accounting method.