NEWS - Wednesday, May 4, 2005
EA Reports Financial Results
EA Reports Financial Results; Record $3.1 Billion Revenue Electronic Arts announced today preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Net revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 was $3.129 billion, up 6 percent as compared with $2.957 billion for the prior year. EA had 31 platinum titles (over one million units sold) in fiscal 2005 compared to 27 a year ago. Six franchises sold more than five million units: The Sims, Need for Speed, Madden NFL Football, FIFA, The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Net income for the year was $504 million as compared with $577 million for the prior year. Diluted earnings per share were $1.59 as compared with $1.87 for the prior year. Operating cash flow was $634 million as compared with $669 million a year ago. "As we begin the new fiscal year, we are focused on successfully navigating through the console transition," said Larry Probst, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "EA has the people, franchises and strategies to extend our leadership on next generation platforms." "This is a year of execution and investment," said Warren Jenson, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. "We have a strong title line up that allows us to make investments for long-term leadership." Highlights for the Year (comparisons are to the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004) Net revenue surpassed $3 billion for the first time in EA's history. Net revenue: North America -- up 3 percent to $1.7 billion; total international -- up 9 percent to $1.5 billion. The increase in total international net revenue was driven by: Europe -- up 9 percent to $1.3 billion; Asia Pacific, including Japan -- up 8 percent to $180 million. Movement in foreign currency rates contributed $95 million or 3 percent of the increase in total net revenue. Operating income was $669 million -- compared to $776 million. Operating margin was 21 percent -- compared to 26 percent a year ago. EA entered into long-term exclusive agreements with the NFL, NFLPA, ESPN, NCAA and AFL. The Sims franchise sold more than 16 million copies. The Need for Speed franchise sold more than 15 million copies. Need for Speed Rivals was the #1 title on the PSP handheld entertainment system in North America. All EA releases on the PSP charted in the top 10. EA completed the acquisition of Criterion Software, bringing the award-winning Burnout and Black franchises and RenderWare technology. EA completed its tender offer for Digital Illusions, creators of the award-winning Battlefield franchise. Fourth Quarter Results Net revenue for the fourth quarter was $553 million, down 8 percent as compared with $598 million for the prior year. Sales were driven by NBA STREET 3, EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2, Need for Speed Underground 2, FIFA STREET and Time Splitters Future Perfect. Net income for the quarter was $8 million, as compared with $90 million for the prior year. The decrease in net income was driven by lower net revenues at a lower gross margin and higher operating costs. Business Outlook The following forward-looking statements reflect expectations as of May 3, 2005. Fiscal Year Expectations -- Ending March 31, 2006 Net revenue is expected to be between $3.4 and $3.5 billion -- up 9 to 12 percent year-over-year. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be between $1.55 and $1.70 -- as compared with $1.59 for fiscal 2005. Fiscal First Quarter Expectations -- Ending June 30, 2005 Net revenue is expected to be between $300 and $340 million -- as compared with $432 million for the prior year. Diluted net loss per share is expected to be between $0.22 and $0.28 -- as compared with diluted net income per share of $0.08 for the comparable period in fiscal 2005.Source: http://www.ea.com
