10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2005

TAKE TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Apr 30, 2004

Filed June 14, 2004For Securities:TTWO

Summary

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. reported its first-quarter fiscal year 2005 financial results, ending April 30, 2004. The company experienced a significant revenue decline of 20.5% year-over-year for the quarter, totaling $153.4 million. This decrease was driven by lower publishing revenues, which faced tough comparisons to the prior year's strong performance, particularly from titles like 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' and the launch of 'Midnight Club 2'. Conversely, distribution revenues saw a slight increase. The company incurred a net loss of $14.6 million for the quarter, a reversal from a net income of $14.6 million in the same period last year. This was impacted by a substantial increase in operating expenses, most notably in general and administrative costs, which rose by 41.7% due to personnel changes and professional fees related to legal and regulatory matters, and research and development expenses, which surged by 72.8% primarily due to recent studio acquisitions and increased in-house development efforts. The company also noted a significant increase in goodwill and intangible assets on its balance sheet as a result of recent acquisitions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales decreased by 20.5% to $153.4 million for the three months ended April 30, 2004, compared to $193.0 million in the prior year period.
  • 2The company reported a net loss of $14.6 million ($0.33 per share) for the quarter, compared to a net income of $14.6 million ($0.35 per share) in the same period last year.
  • 3Operating expenses increased by 23.4% to $58.5 million, primarily driven by higher general and administrative (41.7% increase) and research and development (72.8% increase) expenses.
  • 4Cash and cash equivalents increased to $261.3 million as of April 30, 2004, up from $183.5 million at October 31, 2003, supported by strong operating cash flow.
  • 5Goodwill increased significantly to $123.8 million as of April 30, 2004, up from $101.5 million at October 31, 2003, reflecting recent acquisitions.
  • 6The company faces ongoing SEC proceedings related to accounting matters and revenue recognition policies, with a Wells Notice having been received.
  • 7The company completed two significant acquisitions in late 2003 and early 2004: TDK Mediactive and Mobius Entertainment Limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the 20.5% decrease in net sales was lower publishing revenues, which faced tough year-over-year comparisons to strong performances in the prior year, particularly from titles like 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' and the launch of 'Midnight Club 2'. Sales of catalog products also contributed to the decline.

Operating expenses rose due to a substantial increase in general and administrative costs (up 41.7%) driven by personnel changes and legal/regulatory matters, and a significant rise in research and development costs (up 72.8%) stemming from recent studio acquisitions and a strategic shift to more in-house development. These increased costs, combined with lower revenues, resulted in the net loss for the quarter.

Recent acquisitions, including TDK Mediactive and Mobius Entertainment, have led to a notable increase in intangible assets and goodwill. Goodwill alone rose from $101.5 million at October 31, 2003, to $123.8 million at April 30, 2004.

The company received a Wells Notice from the SEC regarding an investigation into accounting matters, periodic reporting, and internal controls, including revenue recognition policies. The company is in discussions with the SEC staff, but the outcome remains uncertain and could potentially involve sanctions and monetary penalties.