10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2020

ELECTRONIC ARTS INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Sep 30, 2019

Filed November 6, 2019For Securities:EA

Summary

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) reported solid financial results for the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2019. Total net revenue increased by 5% year-over-year for the quarter, driven by a strong performance in Service and Other revenue, which grew 18%. This growth was primarily fueled by the success of live services and digital downloads, reflecting EA's ongoing digital transformation. The company also benefited from a significant one-time income tax benefit of $630 million related to a Swiss tax rate change, which substantially boosted net income and diluted earnings per share for the period. Operationally, EA continues to see a strong shift towards digital revenue, which now comprises a larger portion of total net revenue. The company demonstrated robust cash flow from operations, which improved significantly compared to the prior year period. EA also continued its share repurchase program, indicating confidence in its financial position and commitment to returning value to shareholders. Despite a decrease in product revenue, likely due to the timing of major releases, the overall financial health appears strong, supported by recurring revenue streams and strategic investments in its digital offerings.

Financial Highlights

48 data points
Beta

Revenue

$1.35B

70.0% Gross Margin

Net Income

$854.00M

63.4% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$2.89

Total Assets

$10.59B

Cash & Equivalents

$2.94B

Free Cash Flow

$37.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.35B
Cost of Revenue$405.00M
Gross Profit$943.00M
Operating Expenses$675.00M
Operating Income$268.00M
Interest Expense$11.00M
Net Income$854.00M
EPS (Basic)$2.89
EPS (Diluted)$2.89
Shares Outstanding (Basic)295.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)296.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenue increased 5% year-over-year to $1.348 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2019.
  • 2Service and Other revenue grew 18% year-over-year to $780 million, driven by live services and digital downloads.
  • 3Digital net revenue increased 18% to $922 million, highlighting the ongoing shift in the company's business model.
  • 4A significant one-time income tax benefit of $630 million resulted in a substantial increase in Net Income to $854 million and Diluted EPS to $2.89.
  • 5Operating cash flow improved significantly, with $195 million generated in the six months ended September 30, 2019, compared to a use of $6 million in the prior year period.
  • 6The company repurchased 3.3 million shares for $306 million during the quarter, continuing its share repurchase program.
  • 7Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments remained strong at $4.883 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in Service and Other revenue, which saw an 18% year-over-year increase. This growth was largely attributable to strong performance in live services like Apex Legends and Anthem, as well as digital downloads.

Electronic Arts reported a substantial one-time income tax benefit of $630 million due to a new statutory tax rate enacted in Switzerland. This benefit significantly boosted net income and diluted earnings per share for the period, making it a non-recurring item that should be considered when analyzing the company's ongoing profitability.

EA's business model is increasingly shifting towards digital revenue. This is evident in the growing proportion of revenue from digital channels, including full-game downloads and live services. The company is focusing on its digital transformation to drive future growth and engagement through its games and services.

EA maintains a strong liquidity position with $4.883 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 30, 2019. The company continues to actively repurchase shares under its authorized program, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns while also ensuring sufficient resources for operational needs and potential strategic investments.