Electronic Arts Reports Robust Bookings Amid Pending Acquisition

Video game publisher Electronic Arts has released its financial results for the third fiscal quarter. The figures reveal a complex picture: a significant surge in net bookings contrasted with a sharp decline in net income. These operational results are currently viewed through the lens of the company's pending $55 billion acquisition by an investor consortium, a deal that dominated management's communication this week.

The company's key performance indicators presented a mixed outcome. A standout figure was the net bookings, which climbed 38% year-over-year to $3.046 billion. However, net revenue was reported at $1.9 billion. Profitability saw a notable contraction, with net income falling to $88 million, a substantial drop from the $293 million earned in the prior-year period. Consequently, earnings per share (EPS) decreased to $0.35 from $1.11. On a positive note, operating cash flow remained strong at $1.826 billion.

Quarterly Financial Snapshot:
* Net Bookings: $3.046 billion (+38% year-over-year)
* Net Revenue: $1.9 billion
* Net Income: $88 million (Prior Year: $293 million)
* Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.35 (Prior Year: $1.11)
* Operating Cash Flow: $1.826 billion

Diverging Top and Bottom Lines

The impressive growth in net bookings, surpassing the $3 billion mark, was primarily fueled by the commercial success of "Battlefield 6." The title emerged as the top-selling shooter game of 2025. Other perennial franchises, including "EA SPORTS FC" and "Apex Legends," also contributed to the stable revenue performance.

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The simultaneous decline in net profit, despite this operational growth, points to increased costs or investments elsewhere in the business. The management team did not hold its customary analyst conference call to discuss these results, citing the pending acquisition agreement.

Shareholder Returns and Acquisition Timeline

For shareholders, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share. This payment will be distributed on March 18, 2026, to all investors of record as of February 25, 2026.

The overarching strategic development remains the agreed-upon acquisition. Electronic Arts entered into a definitive agreement for this transaction in September 2025. The investor group's offer values the company with an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion. The deal's closure is anticipated in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, pending the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and necessary regulatory approvals.