Summary
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) reported a strong first quarter for fiscal year 2021, with net revenue increasing by 21% year-over-year to $1.46 billion. This growth was primarily driven by robust performance in live services, which saw a 16% increase, and a significant 37% rise in full game sales. The company highlighted the impact of increased player engagement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to record-breaking operating cash flow and net bookings for a fiscal first quarter. Despite the revenue growth, net income decreased by 74% to $365 million, largely due to a significant one-time tax benefit recognized in the prior year's comparable quarter. EA's balance sheet remains strong, with $4.01 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $1.95 billion in short-term investments, providing ample liquidity. The company continued its share repurchase program, though at a reduced pace compared to the previous year. Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet its operating requirements and strategic objectives, supported by its diverse portfolio, strong live services, and digital delivery model.
Financial Highlights
49 data points| Revenue | $1.46B |
| Cost of Revenue | $288.00M |
| Gross Profit | $1.17B |
| Operating Expenses | $700.00M |
| Operating Income | $471.00M |
| Interest Expense | $11.00M |
| Net Income | $365.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.27 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.25 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 288.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 292.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net revenue grew 21% year-over-year to $1.46 billion, driven by strong performance across full game downloads and live services.
- 2Live services and other net revenue increased by 16% to $1.1 billion, highlighting continued player engagement with ongoing content and subscriptions.
- 3Full game net revenue saw a substantial increase of 37% to $359 million, boosted by titles like FIFA 20, The Sims 4, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
- 4Operating cash flow significantly improved, increasing by 139% year-over-year to $378 million, demonstrating strong operational efficiency and cash generation.
- 5The company ended the quarter with a healthy liquidity position, holding $4.01 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $1.95 billion in short-term investments.
- 6Net income decreased by 74% to $365 million, primarily due to a large one-time tax benefit recorded in the prior year's quarter, masking underlying operational improvements.
- 7Net bookings increased significantly by 78% to $1.39 billion, driven by broad-based strength across key franchises and the positive impact of increased player engagement.