Electronic Arts Reveals Preliminary Financial Forecast for Q3

Electronic Arts Provides Preliminary Insight on Financial Results

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) recently shared preliminary results for its third fiscal quarter and adjusted its expectations for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The announcement reflects significant developments within the gaming giant, hinting at challenges and strategic re-evaluations.

Adjustments to Financial Outlook

Initially, EA estimated moderate growth in live services for fiscal year 2025, expecting mid-single-digit increases in net bookings. However, the company has now revised this forecast to reflect a projected decline, particularly influenced by Global Football’s performance.

Understanding Global Football's Performance

Previously, Global Football had achieved two consecutive years of double-digit net bookings growth. Unfortunately, this trend has faced a downturn, as the momentum seen in the early part of the fiscal third quarter did not carry through to the end. Consequently, EA now anticipates a mid-single-digit decline for Global Football by year-end, as indicated in their revised projections.

Engagement Statistics for Dragon Age

In more specific terms, the popular franchise Dragon Age engaged around 1.5 million players during the quarter, which is nearly a 50% drop compared to the company’s earlier expectations. This decline adds to the pressing need for an assessment of both player retention and game engagement strategies moving forward.

Projected Financial Numbers for Q3

Turning to the numbers, EA anticipates reporting net bookings close to $2.215 billion for the third fiscal quarter. Additionally, the updated forecast for the entire fiscal year now stands between $7.000 billion and $7.150 billion.

Revenue and Earnings Expectations

For the upcoming quarter, EA's expectations for GAAP net revenue hover around $1.883 billion, translating into approximately $1.11 in GAAP diluted earnings per share. These figures reflect a commitment to maintaining financial health amidst challenging market conditions.

Statements from Company Leadership

Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA, commented on Q3's performance, noting, "During Q3, we continued to deliver high-quality games and experiences across our portfolio; however, Dragon Age and EA SPORTS FC 25 underperformed our net bookings expectations." He remains optimistic, holding onto a confident outlook for a return to growth in FY26 as new game titles and updates roll out.

Adding to this sentiment, Stuart Canfield, CFO of EA, stated, "We continue to balance investment for future growth with operational discipline and remain committed to EA’s long-term financial framework." As FY26 approaches, EA anticipates growth with launches of its most iconic franchises.

Upcoming Announcements and Calls

EA plans to disclose its detailed results for the third fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2024, on February 4, 2025. The company will also host a conference call at 2:00 PM PT (5:00 PM ET) to discuss the financial outcomes and future outlook with analysts and stakeholders. Access to the live call will be available through standard audio means.

Conference Call Details

The conference call is set for February 4, 2025, with dial-in numbers for domestic and international listeners available beforehand, ensuring broad access for interested parties.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) stands as a leader in the global digital interactive entertainment landscape. The company develops a wide range of games, content, and online services for a variety of platforms, including Internet-connected consoles and mobile devices. In the previous fiscal year, EA proudly reported GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.6 billion, reinforcing its status in the industry.

EA's extensive portfolio boasts critically acclaimed franchises such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™, and many others. The company is dedicated to creating immersive experiences for its players, continually striving to enhance gaming entertainment. For further insights about EA, additional information can be accessed through their corporate website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Electronic Arts' preliminary Q3 results?

EA reported net bookings expectations of approximately $2.215 billion for Q3, with GAAP net revenue projected at around $1.883 billion.

What caused the revision in EA's fiscal year projections?

The revision was primarily driven by a decline in performance for Global Football and a significant drop in engagement for Dragon Age.

When will EA announce its official Q3 results?

EA is set to announce its detailed Q3 results on February 4, 2025.

How does EA plan to address the challenges it faced?

EA's leadership emphasizes balancing future growth investments with operational discipline while planning for the launch of iconic franchises in the upcoming year.

What is the significance of the announcement made by EA?

The announcement is significant as it outlines changes in expectations and highlights potential challenges faced by well-known franchises, informing stakeholders of the current fiscal outlook.

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