Electronic Arts (EA) raises guidance but shares slip on soft Q4 numbers

Electronic Arts (NYSE: EA) shares slipped after the video entertainment company reported mixed fourth-quarter results compared to analyst expectations.

The company's bookings, a key revenue measure in the gaming industry, amounted to $2.37 billion. This figure fell slightly short of the analyst estimate of $2.39 billion.

Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.95 billion, while analysts were looking for as much as $2.4 billion. EA also reported an adjusted profit of $2.96 per share, which was higher than the estimated $2.93 per share.

EA stock fell 2.2% on the news.

“Our incredible teams delivered a strong Q3, entertaining hundreds of millions of people across our portfolio, driving deep engagement and record live services,” said Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA.

“We remain focused on growing our biggest franchises and delivering new, innovative games and experiences for our global communities.”

The company also revised its profit forecast upwards, now expecting it to be in the range of $4.21 to $4.68 per share. This is a slight increase from its previous forecast, which predicted annual profits to be between $4.10 and $4.66 per share.

The company said that bookings and EPS for FY25 are anticipated to increase low-single digits and mid- to high-single digits, respectively.

"This view was below Street forecasts (pre-earnings) of mid-single digits for bookings and high-single digits for EPS," Roth MKM analyst Eric Handler said.

For Handler, the stock lacks catalysts for him to become more constructive, hence the reiterated Neutral rating.

"EA's 3QFY24 results were mixed but our full year EPS outlook is moving higher. Of greater importance for the company's shares, the early FY25 read was below consensus growth expectations."

"EA's game pipeline is still two-years away from reaching an inflection point (FY26), which keeps it in investment mode for another year. The development pipeline is robust but visibility is still lacking and consistent execution remains a question mark."

Morgan Stanley analyst Matthew Cost raised the price target by $10 to $140 per share.

"Looking ahead, we see the outlook as balanced until investors can gain greater confidence on the timing/magnitude of the new game pipeline."

By Senad Karaahmetovic

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