Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Results for Fiscal Third Quarter 2023

GAAP net revenue increased 56% to $1.41 billion

GAAP net loss per share was $0.91

GAAP net cash provided by operating activities for the nine-months ended December 31, 2022 was $35.8 million

Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) for the nine-months ended December 31, 2022 was $122.9 million

Net Bookings grew 60% to $1.38 billion

Company updates outlook for fiscal year 2023, including Net Bookings of $5.2 to $5.25 billion

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today reported results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2023, ended December 31, 2022. Third quarter results include the Company’s combination with Zynga, which closed on May 23, 2022, and affects the comparability of its results relative to last year. In addition, the Company revised its outlook for fiscal year 2023, ending March 31, 2023, and provided its initial outlook for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, ending March 31, 2023. For further information, please see the third quarter fiscal 2023 results slide deck posted to the Company’s investor relations website at take2games.com/ir.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 Financial Highlights

GAAP net revenue increased 56% to $1.41 billion, as compared to $903.3 million in last year’s fiscal third quarter. Recurrent consumer spending (which is generated from ongoing consumer engagement and includes virtual currency, add-on content, in game purchases and in-game advertising) increased 104% and accounted for 79% of total GAAP net revenue. Digitally-delivered GAAP net revenue increased 68% to $1.34 billion, as compared to $795.7 million in last year’s fiscal third quarter, and accounted for 95% of total GAAP net revenue. The largest contributors to GAAP net revenue were NBA® 2K23 and NBA 2K22; Grand Theft Auto® Online and Grand Theft Auto V; Empires & Puzzles™; Toon Blast™; Rollic’s hyper-casual portfolio; Red Dead Redemption® 2 and Red Dead Online; Words With Friends™; Merge Dragons!™; and Toy Blast™.

GAAP net loss was $153.4 million, or $0.91 per share, as compared to net income of $144.6 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year.

During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2022, GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $35.8 million, as compared to $19.2 million in the same period last year. During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2022, Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow (Non-GAAP), which is defined as GAAP net cash from operating activities, adjusted for changes in restricted cash, was $122.9 million, as compared to $278.7 million in the same period last year (please see the section below titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information). As of December 31, 2022, the Company had cash and short-term investments of $1.13 billion and debt of $3.09 billion.

The following data, together with a management reporting tax rate of 18%, are used internally by the Company’s management and Board of Directors to adjust the Company’s GAAP and Non-GAAP financial results in order to facilitate comparison of its operating performance between periods and to better understand its core business and future outlook:

In order to calculate net income per diluted share for management reporting purposes, the Company uses its fully diluted share count of 169.2 million.

Operational Metric – Net Bookings

Net Bookings is defined as the net amount of products and services sold digitally or sold-in physically during the period, and includes licensing fees, merchandise, in-game advertising, strategy guides and publisher incentives.

During fiscal third quarter 2023, total Net Bookings grew 60% to $1.38 billion, as compared to $866.1 million during last year’s fiscal third quarter. Net Bookings from recurrent consumer spending grew 117% and accounted for 78% of total Net Bookings. Digitally-delivered Net Bookings were up 72% to $1.31 billion, as compared to $762.3 million in last year’s fiscal third quarter, and accounted for 95% of total Net Bookings. The largest contributors to Net Bookings were NBA 2K23; Grand Theft Auto Online and Grand Theft Auto V; Empires & Puzzles; Toon Blast; Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online; Rollic’s hyper-casual portfolio; Words With Friends; Merge Dragons!; and Toy Blast.

Management Comments

“During the third quarter, we continued to execute on our ambition to create the highest-quality, most engaging interactive entertainment franchises in the industry,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two. “Our new game releases and post-launch content received significant critical acclaim; however, our Net Bookings of $1.38 billion were slightly below our prior guidance, as we believe that consumers shifted their holiday spending toward established blockbuster franchises and titles that were offered with pricing promotions in light of macroeconomic conditions. While our catalog benefited from this trend, it affected the performance of certain of our new releases and recurrent consumer spending for some of our console and PC games.”

“We are operating in an environment that is in many ways more challenging than we anticipated and we are lowering our Fiscal 2023 Net Bookings guidance to $5.2 to $5.25 billion to take this backdrop into account. Accordingly, we have embarked on a cost reduction program that we believe will deliver over $50 million of annual savings, which is in addition to the $100 million of annual cost synergies that we plan to realize from our combination with Zynga. These initiatives are expected to optimize our Company’s expense structure, while also positioning us to deliver on our anticipated growth trajectory. Our balance sheet remains strong, allowing us to navigate these uncertain times with confidence.”

“We have always managed our business for the long-term. As we achieve the powerful synergies from our combination with Zynga, release new titles from our robust multi-year pipeline, and execute on our cost savings initiatives, we expect to deliver sequential growth and record performance over the next several years, which we anticipate will drive meaningful shareholder value.”

Cost Reduction Program

In light of the current backdrop and Take-Two’s strong commitment to efficiency, the Company is implementing a cost reduction program expected to yield over $50 million of annual savings, which it will begin to realize in the fourth quarter of its Fiscal Year 2023. The program includes personnel, processes, infrastructure, and other areas, and will primarily focus on corporate and publishing functions. This cost reduction program is in addition to the over $100 million of cost synergies the Company expects to realize from its combination with Zynga, and is not expected to impact the delivery of its robust multi-year pipeline. Take-Two believes these actions, combined with its focus on profitably growing its scale, will enable the Company to maximize its margins as it delivers on its anticipated growth trajectory over the next few years.

Return to Office Update

At Take-Two, our number one priority has remained the health and safety of our employees and their families. The majority of our global offices have reopened. We continue to follow protocols from local governments and health officials to ensure that we are adhering to their safety standards.

Business and Product Highlights

Since October 1, 2022:

Rockstar Games:

• On January 19^th, announced that Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is available to purchase on Steam, and on sale through February 2^nd as part of the Rockstar Games Publisher Sale. In addition to modern controls, graphical and environmental upgrades, and other enhancements — these versions of Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas are Playable on Steam Deck and support additional features including achievements and more.
• Rockstar Games continued to provide an array of free content for their vast and growing online communities, including:
  • On December 13^th, introduced Los Santos Drug Wars, a mind-expanding new GTA Online story update. Los Santos Drug Wars includes an ongoing slate of content, including additional story missions, a new Acid Van business, a fleet of classic and contemporary rides, new weaponry for players to expand their arsenal, and so much more. The update also adds a wide range of community-requested items, including new improvements to Freemode and beyond, various quality of life improvements, vehicle and economy updates, and other enhancements.
  • To celebrate Halloween, Grand Theft Auto Online delivered a month-long schedule of events and gameplay, including the Beast vs. Slasher Adversary Mode, enhanced rewards and payouts, spooky items, and more.
  • Through the GTA+ premium membership program, enrolled members benefit from a rotation of numerous exclusive in-game benefits, including vehicles, upgrades, and special perks in Los Santos Drug Wars.
  • Released new updates for Red Dead Online, including the Halloween Hardcore Telegram Mission, and new Call to Arms locations for Halloween and the holidays.

2K:

• Continued to drive engagement for NBA 2K23 with the launch of seasons that feature new songs by top artists, apparel, themed events, and more.
• On October 18^th, 2K released NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition, the authentic mobile experience for the NBA 2K basketball game on Apple Arcade. The experience includes the all-new “The Greatest” mode, which features 20 of the “Greatest of All-Time” NBA players from the current NBA season at launch, along with official NBA commentary for a more immersive and realistic NBA gameplay experience. This is in addition to a variety of features and modes that offer more ways to play, including Association Mode, where aspiring coaches can play out becoming the GM or Head Coach of their favorite NBA Franchise or build out their dream team.
• On October 14^th, 2K released PGA TOUR® 2K23, the latest entry in the golf simulation video game franchise. Featuring PGA TOUR icon and all-time sports great Tiger Woods as cover athlete, PGA TOUR 2K23 celebrates Woods’ legacy by introducing him as both a playable in-game pro and an Executive Director advising the game’s development team. PGA TOUR 2K23 included 20 licensed courses at launch, including the industry-leading Course Designer, offering players the opportunity to build their dream courses and share them with a global online community. PGA TOUR 2K23 also offers new casual modes to help new players get into the game, while giving seasoned players new challenges and opportunities to work on their skills. The introduction of Topgolf offers a unique experience emulating the popular golf entertainment phenomenon, where players can aim for targets and try to earn the highest score. Training mode offers multiple ways to develop skills, including swing calibration, lessons, chipping practice, a driving range and a putting green.
• In December, 2K and HB Studios supported PGA TOUR 2K23 with a limited-edition holiday bundle that included NBA 2K23 and new content featuring branded gear from Barstool Sports, 100 Thieves, and Dude Perfect.
• On January 23^rd, announced that WWE 2K23, the newest installment of the flagship WWE video game franchise developed by Visual Concepts, will be coming soon for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. In celebration of his 20^th anniversary as a WWE Superstar, 16-time World Champion, Hollywood icon, record-setting philanthropist, and WWE 2K23 Executive Soundtrack Producer, John Cena, will be featured on the cover of each edition of the game. Global music phenom Bad Bunny – Billboard’s Top Artist of the Year and one of the most streamed artists in the world for 2022 – will also make his WWE 2K debut. WWE 2K23 features several franchise advancements, including a unique new take on the 2K Showcase, the WWE 2K introduction of the fan-favorite WarGames, and expansions to several marquee game modes. WWE 2K23 Deluxe Edition and Icon Edition are scheduled for worldwide release on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 via Early Access, followed by the Standard and Cross-Gen editions on Friday, March 17, 2023.
• During the quarter, WWE Supercard released new seasons, including new card tiers, official match commentary and special equipment. This was in addition to their earlier Halloween-themed content drop featuring the infamous Chucky character from the Child’s Play horror film franchise, which coincided with the Season 2 premiere of the Chucky TV series on USA/Syfy.
• On December 2^nd, 2K and Marvel Entertainment released Marvel’s Midnight Suns on Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Created by Firaxis Games, the legendary studio behind the critically-acclaimed, world-renowned XCOM and Civilization franchises, Marvel’s Midnight Suns combines the rich story, character relationships, customization and progression of an RPG with the tactical strategy and combat mechanics of a revolutionary new card-based tactics game.
• On December 22^nd, 2K announced Firaxis Tactical Legends, a new special offer on Steam that was available through January 2, 2023 and includes base game versions of Marvel’s Midnight Suns, XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2.
• On October 21^st, 2K and Gearbox Software launched New Tales from the Borderlands, a standalone, choice-based interactive narrative adventure set in the Borderlands universe. The title contains a number of compelling narrative dynamics and features that bring the cinematic experience to new heights.
• On October 24^th, 2K and Supermassive Games launched a new Halloween-themed DLC for The Quarry featuring a classic makeover with new character outfits inspired by ‘50s horror. Entitled the 50s Throwback Character Outfit DLC, the update was free for new and returning players for a limited time, after which it was available for individual purchase.
• On November 15^th, 2K announced Civilization VI: Leader Pass, a new season pass that adds 18 new playable leader selections to Civilization VI, offering players more ways to rule in the critically-acclaimed strategy game.

Private Division:

• On December 9^th, Private Division and Piccolo Studio announced After Us during The Game Awards. This riveting exploration adventure game will launch in Spring 2023 for PC on Steam, and on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
• On December 14^th, Private Division celebrated its 5^th anniversary by revealing a publishing agreement with Bloober Team. The independent Polish developer is best known for creating psychological horror games and is working on an upcoming unannounced new survival horror IP in partnership with Private Division. Additionally, the label unveiled the Private Division Development Fund to support smaller independent development teams with project financing and mentorship opportunities to enable them to self-publish their ambitious titles. Private Division also released a video highlighting its internal studios and developers they have recently partnered with for upcoming releases.

Zynga:

• On October 26^th, CSR Racing 2 released Race Pass, an all-new seasonal way to earn rewards, complete objectives, and unlock some of the most exciting cars in CSR history. Race Pass features innovative new rewards that help players max out their cars and drive stronger player retention and monetization.
• On November 17^th, Rollic completed the acquisition of mobile game developer Popcore. A leader in the puzzle genre, the Berlin-based Popcore is home to a number of chart-topping games further strengthening Rollic as a leader among hyper-casual publishers worldwide. Following the acquisition, Popcore’s Tap Away game reached the #1 spot for most downloaded game multiple times throughout the quarter in Apple’s U.S. App Store.
• On November 17^th, Top Eleven launched a wide slate of in-game updates celebrating the World Cup, including a limited-time mini-game, Penalty Clash, in which players from around the globe could compete for rewards and in-game content.
• On November 21^st, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells launched Club Quidditch, the game’s first-ever Club vs. Club competition, which drove a meaningful lift in player engagement and monetization during the event.
• In December, Rollic’s game Balls’n Ropes reached the #1 most downloaded game in the U.S., giving Rollic a total of 20 games that have reached #1 or #2 in Apple’s U.S. App Store.
• During the quarter, Small Giant released several in-game events in Empires & Puzzles including Alliance Quest Musketeers, the game’s biggest-ever Black Friday event in terms of revenue, and Contest of Elements.

Ghost Story Games:

• On December 9^th, Ghost Story Games, the development studio led by game creator Ken Levine, announced during The Game Awards that Judas, an all-new single-player, narrative first-person shooter is in development for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. In conjunction with the project reveal, Ghost Story Games has launched the official pages for Judas on Steam and the Epic Games Store where fans can now add the game to their Wishlist.

Outlook for Fiscal 2023

Take-Two is revising its outlook for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, and is providing its initial outlook for its fiscal fourth quarter ending March 31, 2023:

Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2023

• GAAP net revenue is expected to range from $5.24 to $5.29 billion
• GAAP net loss is expected to range from $721 to $704 million
• GAAP net loss per share is expected to range from $4.50 to $4.40
• Share count used to calculate GAAP net loss per share is expected to be 159.8 million
• Share count used to calculate management reporting diluted net income per share is expected to be 161.8 million⁽¹⁾
• Net cash provided by operating activities is expected to be over $350 million
• Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) is expected to be over $400 million ⁽²⁾
• Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $170 million
• Net Bookings (operational metric) are expected to range from $5.2 to $5.25 billion
• EBITDA (Non-GAAP) is expected to range from $386 to $406 million

The Company is also providing selected data and its management reporting tax rate of 18%, which are used internally by its management and Board of Directors to adjust the Company’s GAAP and Non-GAAP financial outlook in order to facilitate comparison of its operating performance between periods and to better understand its core business and future outlook:

Fourth Quarter Ending March 31, 2023

• GAAP net revenue is expected to range from $1.34 to $1.39 billion
• GAAP net loss is expected to range from $214 to $197 million
• GAAP net loss per share is expected to range from $1.27 to $1.17
• Share count used to calculate GAAP net loss per share is expected to be 168.0 million
• Share count used to calculate management reporting diluted net income per share is expected to be 169.2 million⁽⁴⁾
• Net Bookings (operational metric) are expected to range from $1.31 to $1.36 billion
• EBITDA (Non-GAAP) is expected to range from $102 to $122 million

The Company is also providing selected data and its management reporting tax rate of 18%, which are used internally by its management and Board of Directors to adjust the Company’s GAAP and Non-GAAP financial outlook in order to facilitate comparison of its operating performance between periods and to better understand its core business and future outlook:

Key assumptions and dependencies underlying the Company’s outlook include: the timely delivery of the titles included in this financial outlook; continued consumer acceptance of Xbox One and PlayStation 4, as well as continued growth in the installed base of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S; the ability to develop and publish products that capture market share for these current generation systems while also leveraging opportunities on PC, mobile and other platforms; factors affecting our performance on mobile, such as player acquisition costs; and stable foreign exchange rates. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” below.

Product Releases

The following have been released since October 1, 2022:

Take-Two’s future lineup announced to-date includes:

Contacts

(Investor Relations)
Nicole Shevins
Senior Vice President
Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
(646) 536-3005
Nicole.Shevins@take2games.com

(Corporate Press)
Alan Lewis
Vice President
Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
(646) 536-2983
Alan.Lewis@take2games.com

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