Electronic Arts Inc. (EA)

Sector: Communication Services|Industry: Electronic Gaming & Multimedia|Market Cap: $39.32B|Employees: 13.7K


Electronic Arts (EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment, developing, marketing, and publishing games, content, and services across consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. The company's core business model revolves around creating innovative games and experiences, with primary revenue streams from full game sales and live services, including extra content and subscriptions. EA holds a strong market position with a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed intellectual properties, and a global presence.

  1. Filings
  2. Company Profile

Business Summary

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment, developing, marketing, publishing, and delivering games, content, and services across game consoles, PCs, mobile phones, and tablets. The company's core business revolves around a portfolio of owned and licensed intellectual property (IP), including franchises like Apex Legends, Battlefield, The Sims, and EA SPORTS FC. EA focuses on building global online communities around its key franchises, deepening engagement through interactive storytelling, and generating recurring revenue through live services and annualized sports titles. The company's strategic advantages include its portfolio of IP, talented teams, culture of innovation, technological foundation, and a network of hundreds of millions of unique active accounts.

EA operates in a highly competitive market, facing competition from other game developers, technology companies, and entertainment providers. The company's success depends on its ability to deliver high-quality, innovative games and services that resonate with players.

Key Statistics

  • Employees: 13,700 (as of March 31, 2024)
  • Geographic Footprint: Global, with 66% of employees located internationally
  • Headquarters: Redwood City, California
  • Founded: 1982
  • Revenue: $7.562 billion (FY2024)
  • Key Brands: Apex Legends, Battlefield, The Sims, EA SPORTS FC, EA SPORTS Madden NFL

Leadership

  • CEO: Andrew Wilson
  • CFO: Stuart Canfield
  • President of EA Entertainment, Technology & Central Development: Laura Miele
  • Chief People Officer: Mala Singh
  • EVP of Global Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary: Jacob Schatz
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer: Eric Kelly

Key executives have extensive experience within EA and the gaming industry. Andrew Wilson has served as CEO since September 2013 and was appointed Chair of the Board in August 2021. Stuart Canfield joined EA in 2003 and has over 20 years of experience in finance. Laura Miele joined EA in 1996 and has held various positions at the company. Mala Singh was previously employed by EA from 2009 to 2013 and rejoined in 2016. Jacob Schatz joined EA in 1999 and has held several roles in the legal department. Eric Kelly joined EA in 2003 and has held several positions in the finance organization.

Key Financial Metrics

  • Annual Revenue: $7.562 billion (FY2024)
  • Net Income: $1.273 billion
  • Total Assets: $13.420 billion
  • Key Financial Highlights: Total net revenue increased by 2% year-over-year, with live services and other net revenue up by 1%. Gross margin was 77.4%, up 2 percentage points year-over-year. Operating income was $1.518 billion, up 14 percent year-over-year. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.315 billion, up 49 percent year-over-year.

Products and Services

EA offers a variety of games, content, and services, including:

  • Full Games: Console and PC games available through digital downloads and packaged goods.
  • Live Services: Extra content, subscription offerings, and other revenue generated outside of full game sales.
  • Mobile Games: Games available on mobile phones and tablets, often utilizing a free-to-play model.
  • Subscription Services: EA Play and EA Play Pro, offering access to a selection of games for a monthly or annual fee.

Key franchises include EA SPORTS FC, Apex Legends, Battlefield, and The Sims. Live services, particularly extra content purchased for Ultimate Team mode within sports franchises and for Apex Legends, are a significant revenue driver.

Key Business Segments

EA's business is primarily organized around the development and distribution of digital interactive entertainment. Key segments include:

  • Full Games: Includes revenue from digital downloads and packaged goods. In FY2024, full game revenue was $2.015 billion.
  • Live Services and Other: Includes revenue from extra content, subscriptions, and other services. In FY2024, live services and other revenue was $5.547 billion.

The company is focusing on expanding its re-occurring revenue streams through live services and annualized sports franchises.

Business Strategy

EA's current strategic priorities include:

  • Building games and experiences that grow global online communities around key franchises.
  • Deepening engagement through interactive storytelling.
  • Building re-occurring revenue through live services and annualized sports franchises.
  • Expanding global football experiences through innovation across platforms, geographies, and business models.
  • Investing in new areas of opportunity.

The company is also focused on accelerating content generation and increasing player engagement. EA is adapting to changing consumer preferences by offering choices of business models, distribution channels, and devices. A restructuring plan initiated in February 2024 is focused on aligning portfolio, investments, and resources to support strategic priorities and growth initiatives.

Industry Context

EA operates in the intensely competitive interactive entertainment market, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Key trends include the increasing popularity of digital game downloads, live services, and free-to-play models. The company competes with a wide range of companies, including established interactive entertainment companies, emerging start-ups, and large diversified technology and entertainment companies. EA also faces competition for talent and intellectual property licenses.

EA's market position is strong, with a significant portion of revenue derived from a few popular franchises. The company is focused on maintaining its competitive edge through innovation, high-quality content, and strategic investments.

Risk Factors

  • Strategic Risks: Intense competition, failure to deliver successful products and services, and inability to meet product development schedules.
  • Operational Risks: Catastrophic events, security breaches and cyber threats, outages and disruptions in services, and difficulties in attracting and retaining talent.
  • Financial Risks: Currency and interest rate fluctuations, reliance on third-party platforms, and changes in tax laws.
  • Legal and Compliance Risks: Complex regulations regarding consumer protection, data privacy, and intellectual property.

These risks could materially impact EA's financial performance and future prospects.

Last Updated

2024-05-22

(Generated from latest 10-K filing)