Summary
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) reported its third-quarter results for fiscal year 2018, ending December 31, 2017. Total net revenue saw a slight increase of 1% year-over-year to $1.16 billion, driven by strong performance in "Service and other" revenue, which grew 23% to $613 million. This growth was primarily fueled by live services, particularly the "Ultimate Team" modes in EA's sports titles, and mobile games. Digital net revenue increased by 14% to $780 million, reflecting a continued shift towards digital sales channels. Despite the revenue growth, EA reported a net loss of $186 million for the quarter, largely impacted by a provisional $176 million charge related to the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Excluding this tax impact, the company would have reported a net income. The company also announced the acquisition of Respawn Entertainment for $273 million and continued its share repurchase program, highlighting ongoing investments in growth and return of capital to shareholders.
Financial Highlights
48 data points| Revenue | $1.16B |
| Cost of Revenue | $501.00M |
| Gross Profit | $659.00M |
| Operating Expenses | $680.00M |
| Operating Income | -$21.00M |
| Interest Expense | -$10.00M |
| Net Income | -$186.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $-0.60 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $-0.60 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 308.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 308.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Total net revenue for the quarter was $1.16 billion, a 1% increase year-over-year, primarily driven by a 23% rise in 'Service and other' revenue to $613 million.
- 2Digital net revenue grew by 14% to $780 million, indicating a successful transition towards digital sales and services.
- 3The company reported a net loss of $186 million, significantly influenced by a provisional $176 million tax charge related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
- 4Acquisition of Respawn Entertainment for $273 million was completed on December 1, 2017, strengthening EA's development capabilities.
- 5The company continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately 1.4 million shares for $150 million during the quarter.
- 6Cash and cash equivalents, along with short-term investments, totaled $4.88 billion, indicating a strong liquidity position.
- 7Net bookings decreased by 5% to $1.97 billion, primarily due to lower sales of 'Star Wars Battlefront II' compared to 'Battlefield 1' from the prior year's quarter.