Electronic Arts(US:EA)2022-05-11 09:16Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - EA reported a record year with net bookings of $7.515 billion, exceeding original guidance by over $200 million, driven by strong player engagement [14][22] - For Q4, net bookings reached $1.75 billion, an 18% increase year-over-year, marking a new Q4 high [15] - Operating cash flow for FY '22 was $1.9 billion, nearly $150 million above guidance, with $1.5 billion returned to shareholders [14][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Live services net bookings grew 17% year-over-year to nearly $5.4 billion, accounting for over 71% of total business [16] - Full game sales increased by 34% to $2.1 billion, with significant contributions from titles like Apex Legends and FIFA [16] - Apex Legends surpassed $2 billion in lifetime net bookings, with a 40% increase for the year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - FIFA Mobile recorded its biggest quarter ever, with unique new players surging nearly 80% year-over-year [11] - Digital sales represented 65% of full game units sold through, up three percentage points from the previous year [17] - Mobile bookings reached nearly $1.2 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - EA plans to launch six new EA SPORTS titles in FY '23, with a strong pipeline including franchises like Need for Speed and Star Wars [9][12] - The company is transitioning its football experiences to the new EA SPORTS FC brand, aiming to enhance player engagement and expand its global football franchise [12][13] - EA emphasizes the importance of its IP, talent, and player engagement in driving future growth [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model, even amid potential macroeconomic challenges [71][73] - The company anticipates net bookings for FY '23 to be between $7.9 billion and $8.1 billion, reflecting a growth of 5% to 8% compared to FY '22 [18][21] - Management highlighted the ongoing strong engagement levels across live services, which are expected to continue driving growth [27][72] Other Important Information - EA has increased its dividend by 12%, from $0.17 to $0.19 per share, and plans to continue stock repurchases [20] - The company is investing in user acquisition for mobile launches and expanding its development teams for future titles [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance increase and player churn post-COVID - Management confirmed guidance increase, normalizing for FX impacts and Russia sales, indicating strong player engagement [26] - Player engagement remains high, with games serving as a means of social connection beyond entertainment [27] Question: FIFA license decision and brand shift - Management discussed the decision to move away from the FIFA license, focusing on delivering experiences players want and expanding commercial partnerships [31][32] Question: Mobile growth opportunities - Management expressed excitement about mobile growth, citing a large total addressable market and strong early metrics for upcoming launches [40][41] Question: Marketing investment for new titles - Management indicated that initial marketing investments may compress margins, but long-term growth is expected as these titles mature [46][48] Question: Impact of console supply shortages - Management acknowledged supply chain challenges but noted record performance despite these issues, anticipating growth as supply improves [59][61] Question: Advertising in free-to-play games - Management emphasized the importance of player experience while exploring advertising opportunities that enhance gameplay [77][78]