Earnings: Legal Fees Send Take-Two’s Losses Higher
Looks like that battle to fend off EA had far-reaching costs for Take-Two (NSDQ: TTWO). The video game publisher posted a $50.4 million ($0.66 per share) net loss for its fiscal Q1, more than a third higher than its $38 million ($0.52 per share) loss last year, and up dramatically from its $15 million loss the previous quarter. The company attributed the ballooning losses to “higher marketing, legal, and research and development expenses”—noting that the legal fees could continue to mount—even though getting all of its legal troubles wrapped up was a priority.
SEE ALSO: Earnings: Take-Two’s Losses Grow, Sales Up Slightly; But Future Forecast Looks Grim
—Restructuring and legal costs: There’s a laundry list of legal issues related to the EA deal, including an FTC subpoena Take-Two tried to fight last June, and the company has already paid out more than $11 million to strategic advisors. Take-Two also said it’s still facing repercussions from its stock back-dating charges in 2007, including payouts of overturned board members.
—Revenues were up: Take-Two’s Q1 revenues came in at $256.8 million, up 6.8 percent from $240.4 million last year. The company said sales of GTA IV, Carnival Games, NBA 2K9 and Midnight Club: Los Angeles fueled the growth; the Street was actually expecting revenue to contract, per MarketWatch. But the company’s guidance for the coming quarter was much lower than analyst expectations: Take-Two projected revenues of $200-$220 million, with a $0.10-$0.20 per share loss; analysts expected more than $260 worth of revenue and a gain of $0.03 per share. Release.
Posted In: Entertainment, Games, Money, Earnings, take-two interactive
Facebook Apps
Social Standing
Which media brands are getting a lift from Tweeters and bloggers right now -- and which are getting panned?
Show Me: