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EA Posts 64 Percent Gain In Ultimate Team Revenue In Second Fiscal Quarter
EA has exceeded revenue guidance for its second quarter, with more big gains from sports game Ultimate Team components. The company posted revenue of $815 million, down from $990 million the year before.
The company says that monthly average users for this year’s Madden, NHL, and FIFA titles are currently up 30 percent form last year. The two active Battlefield games (Hardline and Battlefield 4) combine for six million monthly active users.
On a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, EA posted a loss of $140 million. However, the company is touting adjusted net income of $212 million.
Despite the loss of Mirror’s Edge Catalyst in the current fiscal year, EA has raised its full-year guidance. The company is now expecting revenue of $4.4 billion on the year, up from $4.3 billion. If the company hits its mark, it will fall slightly short of last year’s revenue of $4.52 billion.
EA’s most important ace for the holiday season is still up its sleeve. Star Wars Battlefront is poised to make a huge impact on the company’s performance. It’s due out on November 17 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
[Source: EA]
Our Take
EA is clearly feeling confident. Bumping Mirror’s Edge Catalyst to next fiscal year isn’t even a risky move. Not only does it give DICE time to make the game exactly what fans want, but EA clearly can handle the financial hit.
With the increase in Ultimate Team revenue and the huge windfall that Star Wars Battlefront can bring, the new quarter looks good for EA. It just doesn’t look great for Faith in February.
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