Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Strong Results for Fiscal Third Quarter 2021

GAAP net revenue was $860.9 million

GAAP net income per diluted share increased 10% to $1.57

GAAP net cash provided by operating activities for the nine-months ended December 31, 2020 increased 79% to $787.7 million

Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) for the nine-months ended December 31, 2020 increased 56% to $854.3 million

Net Bookings were $814.3 million

Company again raises outlook for fiscal year 2021, including record Net Bookings

NEW YORK--()--Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) today reported strong results for its fiscal third quarter 2021 ended December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company provided its initial outlook for its fiscal fourth quarter ending March 31, 2021 and again increased its outlook for the fiscal year 2021, ending March 31, 2021. For additional information, please see the fiscal third quarter 2021 results slide deck posted to the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.take2games.com.

Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights

GAAP net revenue was $860.9 million, as compared to $930.1 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 and in-game purchases) increased 57% and accounted for 62% of total GAAP net revenue. The largest contributors to GAAP net revenue in fiscal third quarter 2021 were NBA® 2K21 and NBA 2K20; Grand Theft Auto® Online and Grand Theft Auto V; Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online; Social Point’s mobile offerings; the Mafia: Definitive Editions and Mafia: Trilogy; Borderlands® 3; the WWE® series; and Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.

Digitally-delivered GAAP net revenue increased 4% to $728.5 million, as compared to $700.3 million in last year’s fiscal third quarter, and accounted for 85% of total GAAP net revenue. The largest contributors to GAAP digitally-delivered net revenue in fiscal third quarter 2021 were NBA 2K20 and NBA 2K21; Grand Theft Auto Online and Grand Theft Auto V; Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online; Social Point’s mobile offerings; Borderlands 3; the Mafia Definitive Editions and Mafia: Trilogy; the WWE series; and Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.

GAAP net income increased 11% to $182.2 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, as compared to $163.6 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year. GAAP net income included the favorable impact of a gain on long-term investments of approximately $40.6 million due to the sale of a portion of one of our investments and the resulting increase in value of the remaining portion of that investment.

During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2020, GAAP net cash provided by operating activities increased 79% to $787.7 million, as compared to $440.0 million in the same period last year. During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2020, Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow (Non-GAAP), which is defined as GAAP net cash from operating activities, adjusted for changes in restricted cash, increased 56% to $854.3 million, as compared to $547.9 million in the same period last year (please see the section below titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” for additional information). As of December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and short-term investments of $2.42 billion. Included in our restricted cash as of December 31, 2020 was the cash portion of our offer to acquire Codemasters Group Holdings PLC (“Codemasters”), a UK-based game publisher and developer. As of January 13, 2021, the offer lapsed, and the cash was no longer restricted.

The following data, together with a management reporting tax rate of 16%, are used internally by the Company’s management and Board of Directors to adjust the Company’s GAAP financial results in order to facilitate comparison of its operating performance between periods and to better understand its core business and future outlook:

Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

 

 

Financial Data

 

$ in thousands

Statement

of

operations

Change in

deferred net

revenue

and related

cost of

goods sold

Stock-based

compensation

Impact of

business

reorganization

Business

acquisition

Amortization

& impairment

of acquired

intangible

assets

Gain on long-

term

investments,

net

 

 

 

 

Net revenue

$860,889

(46,607)

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

346,244

9,848

(13,100)

 

 

 

(6,428)

 

Gross profit

514,645

(56,455)

13,100

 

 

 

6,428

 

Operating expenses

338,588

 

(28,016)

 

377

 

(3,427)

 

(3,494)

 

Income from operations

176,057

(56,455)

41,116

(377)

3,427

9,922

 

Interest and other, net

1,098

(2,874)

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on long-term investments, net

39,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

(39,291)

Income before income taxes

216,446

(59,329)

41,116

 

(377)

 

3,427

 

9,922

 

(39,291)

In order to calculate net income per diluted share for management reporting purposes, the Company uses its fully diluted share count of 116.1 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 2021, total Net Bookings were $814.3 million, as compared to $888.2 million during last year’s fiscal third quarter. Net Bookings from recurrent consumer spending grew 30% and accounted for 58% of total Net Bookings. The largest contributors to Net Bookings in fiscal third quarter 2021 were NBA 2K21 and NBA 2K20; Grand Theft Auto Online and Grand Theft Auto V; Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online; Social Point’s mobile offerings; the Mafia: Definitive Editions and Mafia: Trilogy; the WWE series; Borderlands 3; Sid Meier’s Civilization VI; and PGA TOUR 2K21.

Catalog accounted for $500.0 million of Net Bookings led by Grand Theft Auto; Red Dead Redemption; Social Point’s mobile offerings; Borderlands; the Mafia: Definitive Editions and Mafia: Trilogy; NBA 2K; and the WWE series.

Digitally-delivered Net Bookings were $664.4 million, as compared to $690.6 million in last year’s fiscal third quarter, and accounted for 82% of total Net Bookings. The largest contributors to digitally-delivered Net Bookings in fiscal third quarter 2021 were NBA 2K21 and NBA 2K20; Grand Theft Auto Online and Grand Theft Auto V; Red Dead Redemption 2 and Red Dead Online; Borderlands 3; Social Point’s mobile offerings; the WWE series; the Mafia: Definitive Editions and Mafia: Trilogy; and Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.

Management Comments

“Due to an incredibly strong holiday season, coupled with our ability to provide consistently the highest quality entertainment experiences, especially as many individuals continue to shelter at home, Take-Two delivered operating results that significantly exceeded our expectations,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two. “The outperformance of Grand Theft Auto Online, Grand Theft Auto V, NBA 2K, the Mafia: Definitive Editions and Mafia: Trilogy, and Red Dead Redemption 2 reflects our development teams' boundless passion, creativity, and commitment to captivate and engage audiences."

“As a result of our better-than-expected third quarter operating results and increased forecast for the remainder of the year, we are once again raising our fiscal year 2021 outlook, and we expect to achieve record Net Bookings of $3.37 billion to $3.42 billion.”

“Take-Two is exceedingly well-positioned to capitalize further on the positive trends of our industry and to pursue our core mission to become the most innovative, creative, and efficient entertainment company in the world. By scaling our business further through a highly disciplined approach to both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, having the willingness to explore and experiment with new markets and business models, and investing prudently to enhance our global infrastructure and resources, Take-Two remains poised to generate growth and margin expansion over the long-term.”

COVID-19 Update

At Take-Two, our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees and their families. After moving to work-from-home environments by mid-March 2020, several of our offices have re-opened on a voluntary basis. With more people staying at home, we have experienced, and are continuing to experience, heightened levels of engagement and Net Bookings growth-to-date. The full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to our business, operations and financial results will depend on numerous evolving factors that we are not able to predict. The key risks to our business are set forth under the heading “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this release and in Take-Two’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.

Business and Product Highlights

Since October 1, 2020:

Take-Two:

  • Take-Two maintained its commitment to giving back to its communities. During fiscal year 2021, across our Company and labels, we have donated over $18 million to provide support to more than 190 organizations throughout the world, and we will continue these efforts. Our donations have supported charities oriented with COVID-19 relief efforts, as well as efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion within our industry and to help eradicate racial injustice within our communities.
  • On November 6, 2020, Take-Two announced that it had confirmed an announcement made by the Board of Codemasters that the Company had made a proposal to possibly acquire UK-based game publisher and developer Codemasters. On December 14, 2020, Take-Two announced that it noted an announcement made by Codex Games Limited, an indirect subsidiary of Electronic Arts Inc. (“Electronic Arts”), of a firm intention to make an offer for Codemasters, and a subsequent announcement made by the Board of Codemasters to change its recommendation from the acquisition of Codemasters by Take-Two in favor of Electronic Arts. On January 13, 2021, Take-Two announced that, with the consent of the Panel, its offer to acquire Codemasters had lapsed.

Rockstar Games:

  • Acquired Ruffian Games. Based in Dundee, Scotland, the studio will operate under the new name of Rockstar Dundee. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Founded in 2008 by Gary Liddon and Billy Thomson, Ruffian partnered with 343 Industries to work on Halo: Reach from the Halo Master Chief Collection, among many other projects. Ruffian’s talented team of just over 40 have a depth of development experience that includes work on some early Rockstar titles from the Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt series. Both Liddon and Thomson will remain on-board as Co-Studio Directors of Rockstar Dundee.
  • Released Grand Theft Auto Online's biggest update to date – The Cayo Perico Heist featuring a new tropical island Heist location for up to four players, including, for the first time, the option to play the entire Heist solo. The update also features a new nightclub – The Music Locker – open to the public and featuring performances by real-world DJs Moodymann, Palms Trax and Keinemusik, two new radio stations, updates to two existing radio stations, a purchasable submarine HQ, 13 additional new vehicles, three weapons, new clothing and more. In addition, Rockstar Games released an array of free content updates for Grand Theft Auto Online, including Halloween-themed Business Battles featuring UFOs and several new vehicles including sports cars, dirt bikes, military vehicles and more.
  • Released a standalone version of Red Dead Online for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC that for the first time allows new players who do not already own Red Redemption 2 to experience everything that Red Dead Online has to offer, including access to all future content updates. Players will also have the option to unlock Red Dead Redemption 2: Story Mode via an additional purchase.
  • Released new free content updates for Red Dead Online, including:
    • For the Naturalist Role: New Sighting Missions, including the Golden Spirit Bear, Ruddy Moose, and Iwakta Panther; and New Legendary Animals, including the Legendary Nightwalker and Ghost Panther, along with new clothing, weapons, locations and more;
    • The Halloween Pass that featured new cosmetic items and weapons, photo studio backgrounds and a Gothic Décor Theme for a player's Moonshine Bar;
    • For the Bounty Hunter Role: The Prestigious Bounty Hunter License, featuring 10 new Prestigious Ranks with new Role Items, Infamous Bounties, and new Prestigious Legendary Bounty: Gene “Beau” Finley, alongside the Outlaw Pass No. 4 and its new rewards, clothing, skill pamphlets, and photography enhancements, plus, new Mustang and Missouri Fox Trotter horses and gameplay improvements. Additional Legendary Bounties for Carmela "La Muñeca" Montez and Virgil “The Shepherd” Edwards were later released;
    • New Horses and Festive Showdowns, which introduced new Turkoman horse breeds and festive renditions of modes such as Make It Count - Bow & Arrow and Last Stand.
  • Throughout the calendar year, Rockstar Games will continue to support both Red Dead Online and Grand Theft Auto Online with more content updates to keep new and returning players excited and engaged.

2K:

  • Launched NBA 2K21 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Built from the ground up for next-generation consoles, NBA 2K21 once again redefined the standard for sports simulations. In addition to unparalleled graphics and loading speeds, NBA 2K21 introduced several initiatives to bridge prior and new console generations of the game, including MyTEAM Cross-Progression and a Shared VC Wallet within the same console families. NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s lifetime achievement of basketball excellence is celebrated with the NBA 2K21 Mamba Forever Edition, which provides players with seamless access to both prior and next-generation versions of the game. In addition, NBA 2K21 features The City, a completely overhauled Park experience, exclusive to NBA 2K21 on next-generation consoles. Originally introduced in NBA 2K14 forXbox One and PS4, The Park helped push 2K forward by creating a competitive online basketball environment that allowed our quickly growing community to compete against one another outside of the authentic NBA experience. The City, which is many times larger and a more immersive community-based experience, is only possible on next-generation consoles, and is Visual Concept’s most ambitious execution of a virtual basketball community.
  • Expanded the breadth of NBA 2K offerings with the releases of NBA SuperCard and NBA 2K Mobile Season 3 for iOS and Android devices.
  • Launched Borderlands 3 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The title has been fully optimized for next-generation consoles, making mayhem bigger and bolder than ever before. All players who own or purchase the game on prior consoles will be able to download the next-generation upgrade within the same console family free of charge. This free next-gen upgrade will add several exclusive features, including 4K resolution at 60 frames-per-second in single-player and online co-op, plus support for three- and four-player split-screen co-op. In addition, 2K released a second Season Pass for Borderlands 3 for all previously released and next-generation versions of the game. Season Pass 2 includes two brand new content add-ons - Designer’s Cut, which adds all new ways to play Borderlands 3 by introducing a new Skill Tree for each Vault Hunter, a new standalone mode called Arms Race, and more; and the Director’s Cut, which is planned for release in spring 2021.
  • Released a series of free and paid content for PGA TOUR 2K21 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch (digital), PC and Stadia, including the 3-Hole Match Types update, the Halloween update, and the Clubhouse Pass (standard, premium and premium+ editions).
  • Launched the Babylon and Vietnam & Kublai Khan packs for Sid Meier's Civilization VI as part of Firaxis Games' New Frontier Pass for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. The packs feature new civilizations and leaders, and are also available for individual purchase. The final Frontier Pass pack will be released in March 2021.
  • Released a series of roster updates featuring notable WWE Superstars and Legends for WWE 2K Battlegrounds, the arcade-style brawler that takes over-the-top WWE action to new heights, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Switch and Stadia. WWE 2K Battlegrounds brings fast-paced action and an assortment of power-ups, special moves, unconventional melee items and interactive environments to take the brawl to the next level. Players can take on the challenges alone or compete with friends and family in person or online in cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.
  • Launched Season 7 of WWE SuperCard, the newest addition to the action-packed collectible card-battling game, as a free, downloadable update for iOS, Android, and Facebook Gaming.

Private Division:

  • Continues to release new, free content for Kerbal Space Program, including the Some Assembly Required update for Kerbal Space Program for PC on December 17, 2020, and a new content update for Kerbal Space Program: Enhanced Edition for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on January 14, 2021. These free updates continue to provide new features and content for all players of the critically acclaimed physics-based space simulation game.
  • Launched Kerbal Space Program, its beloved space simulation, on Tencent's WeGame portal in China on February 2, 2021.
  • Announced that on February 10, 2021, it will release, along with Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon, the first narrative-led expansion for the critically acclaimed, darkly humorous sci-fi RPG for the Nintendo Switch. The expansion was released previously for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and is available individually or at a discount as part of The Outer Worlds Expansion Pass, which will also include The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos, the second expansion set to launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC this fiscal year, and on Nintendo Switch in calendar 2021.

Outlook for Fiscal 2021

Take-Two is providing its initial outlook for its fiscal fourth quarter ending March 31, 2021 and again increasing its outlook for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021:

Fourth Quarter Ending March 31, 2021

  • GAAP net revenue is expected to range from $702 to $752 million
  • GAAP net income is expected to range from $102 to $113 million
  • GAAP diluted net income per share is expected to range from $0.88 to $0.98
  • Share count used to calculate both GAAP and management reporting diluted net income per share is expected to be 116.1 million (1)
  • Net Bookings (operational metric) are expected to range from $602 to $652 million

The Company is also providing selected data and its management reporting tax rate of 16%, which are used internally by its management and Board of Directors to adjust the Company’s GAAP financial outlook in order to facilitate comparison of its operating performance between periods and to better understand its core business and future outlook:

Three Months Ending March 31, 2021

Financial Data

 

$ in millions

GAAP outlook (2)

Change in

deferred net

revenue and

related cost of

goods sold

Stock-based

compensation (3)

Amortization

of Intangible

Assets

 

Net revenue

$702 to $752

($100)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

$267 to $293

($5)

($11)

($6)

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

$316 to $326

 

($26)

($3)

 

Interest and other, net

($2)

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

$121 to $134

($95)

$37

$9

 

Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2021

  • GAAP net revenue is expected to range from $3.235 to $3.285 billion
  • GAAP net income is expected to range from $472 to $484 million
  • GAAP diluted net income per share is expected to range from $4.08 to $4.18
  • Share count used to calculate both GAAP and management reporting diluted net income per share is expected to be 115.5 million (3)
  • Net cash provided by operating activities is expected to be over $810 million
  • Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow (Non-GAAP) is expected to be over $750 million (4)
  • Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $75 million
  • Net Bookings (operational metric) are expected to range from $3.37 to $3.42 billion

The Company is also providing selected data and its management reporting tax rate of 16%, which are used internally by its management and Board of Directors to adjust the Company’s GAAP financial outlook in order to facilitate comparison of its operating performance between periods and to better understand its core business and future outlook:

Twelve Months Ending March 31, 2021

Financial Data

 

$ in millions

GAAP outlook (2)

Change in

deferred net

revenue and

related cost

of goods

sold

Stock-based

compensation (3)

 

Gain on long

term

investments,

net

Amortization

of Intangible

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reorganization

& Acquisition

 

 

Net revenue

$3,235 to $3,285

 

$135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

$1,522 to $1,548

 

$9

 

($67)

 

 

 

($17)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

$1,220 to $1,230

 

 

 

($106)

 

 

 

($11)

 

($3)

Interest and other, net

($52)

 

$5

 

 

 

 

$38

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

$545 to $559

 

$121

 

$173

 

 

($38)

 

$28

 

 

$3

 

1)

Includes 115.1 million basic shares and 1.0 million shares representing the potential dilution from unvested employee stock grants.

2)

The individual components of the financial outlook may not foot to the totals, as the Company does not expect actual results for every component to be at the low end or high end of the outlook range simultaneously.

3)

Includes 114.5 million basic shares and 1.0 million shares representing the potential dilution from unvested employee stock grants.

4)

Includes a $60 million net decrease in restricted cash for fiscal 2021.

Key assumptions and dependencies underlying the Company’s outlook include: the timely delivery of the titles included in this financial outlook; a stable economic environment; continued consumer acceptance of Xbox One and PlayStation 4; the ability to develop and publish products that capture market share for these current generation systems while also leveraging opportunities on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, PC, mobile and other platforms; and stable foreign exchange rates. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” below.

Product Releases

The following titles have been released since October 1, 2020:

Label

Title

Platforms

Release Date

2K

PGA TOUR 2K21 - 3-Hole Match Types update (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

October 2, 2020

Private Division

Kerbal Space Program: Shared Horizon (free update)

PS4, Xbox One

October 14, 2020

2K

PGA TOUR 2K21 - Halloween update (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

October 20, 2020

2K

WWE 2K Battlegrounds Roster update #1 (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

November 6, 2020

2K

Borderlands 3

Xbox Series X (digital only)

November 10, 2020

2K

NBA 2K21

Xbox Series X

November 10, 2020

2K

Borderlands 3 - Season Pass 2

PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Stadia

November 10, 2020

2K

Borderlands 3 - Designer's Cut (part of Season Pass 2 DLC)

PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Stadia

November 10, 2020

2K

Borderlands 3

PS5 (digital only)

November 12, 2020

2K

NBA 2K21

PS5

November 12, 2020

2K

WWE SuperCard - Season 7

iOS, Android, Facebook Gaming

November 18, 2020

2K

Carnival Games

PC

November 19, 2020

2K

Sid Meier's Civilization VI – New Frontier Pass: Babylon Pack (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

November 19, 2020

2K

WWE 2K Battlegrounds Roster Update #2 (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

November 23, 2020

Rockstar Games

Red Dead Online Standalone

PS4, Xbox One, PC

December 1, 2020

2K

NBA 2K Mobile Season 3

iOS, Android

December 1, 2020

2K

PGA TOUR 2K21 - Clubhouse Pass Premium/Premium+ (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia

December 3, 2020

2K

PGA TOUR 2K21 - Clubhouse Pass Premium/Premium+ (DLC)

Switch

December 10, 2020

2K

NBA SuperCard

iOS, Android

December 10, 2020

Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto Online: The Cayo Perico Heist

PS4, Xbox One, PC

December 15, 2020

2K

WWE 2K Battlegrounds Roster Update #3 (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

December 23, 2020

2K

WWE 2K Battlegrounds Roster Update #4 (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

January 27, 2021

2K

Sid Meier's Civilization VI – New Frontier Pass: Vietnam & Kublai Khan Pack (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

January 28, 2021

Private Division

Kerbal Space Program

WeGame (China)

February 2, 2021

Take-Two's lineup of future titles announced to-date includes:

Label

Title

Platforms

Release Date

Private Division

The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon (DLC)

Switch

February 10, 2021

2K

WWE 2K Battlegrounds Roster Update #5 (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia

February 10, 2021

2K

Sid Meier's Civilization VI – New Frontier Pass (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

March 2021

2K

Borderlands 3 - Director's Cut (part of Season Pass 2 DLC)

PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Stadia

Spring 2021

Private Division

The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos (DLC)

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Fiscal 2021

Private Division

The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos (DLC)

Switch

Calendar 2021

Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto V

PS5, Xbox Series X

Fiscal 2022

Private Division

Kerbal Space Program 2

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Fiscal 2023

Conference Call

Take-Two will host a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to review these results and discuss other topics. The call can be accessed by dialing (877) 407-0984 or (201) 689-8577. A live listen-only webcast of the call will be available by visiting http://ir.take2games.com and a replay will be available following the call at the same location.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company uses a Non-GAAP measure of financial performance: Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow, which is defined as GAAP net cash from operating activities, adjusted for changes in restricted cash. The Company’s management believes it is important to consider Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow, in addition to net cash from operating activities, as it provides more transparency into current business trends without regard to the timing of payments from restricted cash, which is primarily related to a dedicated account limited to the payment of certain internal royalty obligations.

This Non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. This Non-GAAP financial measure may be different from similarly titled measures used by other companies. In the future, Take-Two may also consider whether other items should also be excluded in calculating this Non-GAAP financial measure used by the Company. Management believes that the presentation of this Non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with additional useful information to measure Take-Two's financial and operating performance. In particular, this measure facilitates comparison of our operating performance between periods and may help investors to understand better the operating results of Take-Two. Internally, management uses this Non-GAAP financial measure in assessing the Company's operating results and in planning and forecasting. A reconciliation of this Non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP measure is contained in the financial tables to this press release.

Final Results

The financial results discussed herein are presented on a preliminary basis; final data will be included in Take-Two’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2020.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and Social Point. Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," “should,” "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: the uncertainty of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto; the effect that measures taken to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have on our operations, including our ability to timely deliver our titles and other products, and on the operations of our counterparties, including retailers and distributors; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both consumer demand and the discretionary spending patterns of our customers as the situation with the pandemic continues to evolve; the impact of reductions in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of potential inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games; and risks associated with international operations.

Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled "Risk Factors," the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three months ended December 31, Nine months ended December 31,

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

2019

 
 
Net revenue

$

860,889

 

$

930,129

 

$

2,533,341

 

$

2,328,429

 
Cost of goods sold:
Internal royalties

 

137,657

 

 

166,432

 

 

479,524

 

 

339,312

Software development costs and royalties

 

83,514

 

 

130,985

 

 

374,332

 

 

451,422

Licenses

 

57,917

 

 

48,717

 

 

206,880

 

 

130,914

Product costs

 

67,156

 

 

90,959

 

 

194,702

 

 

225,162

Total cost of goods sold

 

346,244

 

 

437,093

 

 

1,255,438

 

 

1,146,810

 
Gross profit

 

514,645

 

 

493,036

 

 

1,277,903

 

 

1,181,619

 
Selling and marketing

 

139,906

 

 

137,068

 

 

338,376

 

 

378,455

General and administrative

 

98,624

 

 

84,531

 

 

292,230

 

 

236,023

Research and development

 

86,428

 

 

82,520

 

 

233,752

 

 

227,680

Depreciation and amortization

 

14,007

 

 

12,330

 

 

40,116

 

 

35,611

Business reorganization

 

(377

)

 

(246

)

 

(138

)

 

467

Total operating expenses

 

338,588

 

 

316,203

 

 

904,336

 

 

878,236

Income from operations

 

176,057

 

 

176,833

 

 

373,567

 

 

303,383

Interest and other, net

 

1,098

 

 

11,943

 

 

12,022

 

 

30,422

Gain on long-term investments, net

 

39,291

 

 

-

 

 

38,636

 

 

-

Income before income taxes

 

216,446

 

 

188,776

 

 

424,225

 

 

333,805

Provision for income taxes

 

34,198

 

 

25,134

 

 

54,151

 

 

52,068

Net income

$

182,248

 

$

163,642

 

$

370,074

 

$

281,737

 

173,533

Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share

$

1.58

 

$

1.44

 

$

3.23

 

$

2.49

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.57

 

$

1.43

 

$

3.20

 

$

2.47

 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

 

115,004

 

 

113,251

 

 

114,436

 

 

112,996

Diluted

 

116,117

 

 

114,254

 

 

115,573

 

 

114,009

 
Computation of Basic EPS:
Net income

$

182,248

 

$

163,642

 

$

370,074

 

$

281,737

 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

115,004

 

 

113,251

 

 

114,436

 

 

112,996

 
Basic earnings per share

$

1.58

 

$

1.44

 

$

3.23

 

$

2.49

 
Computation of Diluted EPS:
Net income for diluted EPS calculation

$

182,248

 

$

163,642

 

$

370,074

 

$

281,737

 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

 

115,004

 

 

113,251

 

 

114,436

 

 

112,996

Add: dilutive effect of common stock equivalents

 

1,113

 

 

1,003

 

 

1,137

 

 

1,013

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

116,117

 

 

114,254

 

 

115,573

 

 

114,009

 
Diluted earnings per share

$

1.57

 

$

1.43

 

$

3.20

 

$

2.47

 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 

December 31,

March 31,

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

 
ASSETS (Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,649,832

 

$

1,357,664

 

Short-term investments

 

772,683

 

 

644,003

 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

764,419

 

 

546,604

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $350 and $443 at December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020, respectively

 

581,136

 

 

592,555

 

Inventory

 

26,733

 

 

19,108

 

Software development costs and licenses

 

48,784

 

 

40,316

 

Deferred cost of goods sold

 

19,854

 

 

19,598

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

296,518

 

 

273,503

 

Total current assets

 

4,159,959

 

 

3,493,351

 

 
Fixed assets, net

 

135,257

 

 

131,888

 

Right-of-use assets

 

161,750

 

 

154,284

 

Software development costs and licenses, net of current portion

 

436,702

 

 

401,778

 

Goodwill

 

534,535

 

 

386,494

 

Other intangibles, net

 

117,618

 

 

51,260

 

Deferred tax assets

 

127,312

 

 

116,676

 

Long-term restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

98,538

 

 

89,124

 

Other assets

 

194,428

 

 

123,977

 

Total assets

$

5,966,099

 

$

4,948,832

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable

$

100,159

 

$

65,684

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

1,219,614

 

 

1,169,884

 

Deferred revenue

 

991,476

 

 

777,784

 

Lease liabilities

 

30,540

 

 

25,187

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,341,789

 

 

2,038,539

 

 
Non-current deferred revenue

 

31,813

 

 

28,339

 

Non-current lease liabilities

 

156,835

 

 

152,059

 

Non-current software development royalties

 

108,667

 

 

104,417

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

171,704

 

 

86,234

 

Total liabilities

 

2,810,808

 

 

2,409,588

 

 
 
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized

 

-

 

 

-

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 137,504 and 135,927 shares
issued and 115,083 and 113,506 outstanding at December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2020, respectively

 

1,375

 

 

1,359

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,327,913

 

 

2,134,748

 

Treasury stock, at cost; 22,421 common shares at December 31, 2020 and, March 31, 2020, respectively

 

(820,572

)

 

(820,572

)

Retained earnings

 

1,652,159

 

 

1,282,085

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(5,584

)

 

(58,376

)

Total stockholders' equity

 

3,155,291

 

 

2,539,244

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

5,966,099

 

$

4,948,832

 

 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
Nine months ended December 31,

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 
Operating activities:
Net income

$

370,074

 

$

281,737

 

 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization and impairment of software development costs and licenses

 

113,392

 

 

115,823

 

Depreciation

 

40,790

 

 

35,246

 

Amortization of intellectual property

 

22,006

 

 

15,981

 

Stock-based compensation

 

139,835

 

 

176,598

 

Gain on long-term investments

 

(40,588

)

 

-

 

Other, net

 

(89

)

 

1,809

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable

 

19,544

 

 

(249,709

)

Inventory

 

(6,452

)

 

3,688

 

Software development costs and licenses

 

(144,951

)

 

(18,552

)

Prepaid expenses and other current and other non-current assets

 

(49,321

)

 

(215,060

)

Deferred revenue

 

208,182

 

 

11,751

 

Deferred cost of goods sold

 

463

 

 

18,602

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

114,776

 

 

262,061

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

787,661

 

 

439,975

 

 
Investing activities:
Change in bank time deposits

 

73,000

 

 

114,720

 

Proceeds from available-for-sale securities

 

363,628

 

 

243,170

 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

 

(563,815

)

 

(311,995

)

Purchases of fixed assets

 

(40,207

)

 

(34,790

)

Proceeds from sale of long-term investments

 

22,472

 

 

-

 

Purchases of long-term investments

 

(16,452

)

 

(26,142

)

Business acquisitions

 

(79,525

)

 

(12,040

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(240,899

)

 

(27,077

)

 
Financing activities:

Tax payment related to net share settlements on restricted stock awards

 

(60,586

)

 

(71,260

)

Issuance of common stock

 

14,215

 

 

10,515

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(46,371

)

 

(60,745

)

 

Effects of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

19,006

 

 

(1,705

)

 

Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

519,397

 

 

350,448

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

1,993,392

 

 

1,391,986

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

2,512,789

 

$

1,742,434

 

 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Net Revenue and Net Bookings by Geographic Region, Distribution Channel, and Platform Mix
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
 
Net revenue by geographic region
United States

$

528,324

61%

$

536,841

58%

International

 

332,565

39%

 

393,288

42%

Total net revenue

$

860,889

100%

$

930,129

100%

 
Net bookings by geographic region
United States

$

491,530

60%

$

499,983

56%

International

 

322,752

40%

 

388,196

44%

Total net bookings

$

814,282

100%

$

888,179

100%

 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
 
Net revenue by distribution channel
Digital online

$

728,510

85%

$

700,321

75%

Physical retail and other

 

132,379

15%

 

229,808

25%

Total net revenue

$

860,889

100%

$

930,129

100%

 
Net bookings by distribution channel
Digital online

$

664,412

82%

$

690,558

78%

Physical retail and other

 

149,870

18%

 

197,621

22%

Total net bookings

$

814,282

100%

$

888,179

100%

 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Net revenue by platform mix
Console

$

656,079

76%

$

679,799

73%

PC and other

 

204,810

24%

 

250,330

27%

Total net revenue

$

860,889

100%

$

930,129

100%

 
Net bookings by platform mix
Console

$

602,860

74%

$

638,516

72%

PC and other

 

211,422

26%

 

249,663

28%

Total net bookings

$

814,282

100%

$

888,179

100%

 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
Net Revenue and Net Bookings by Geographic Region, Distribution Channel, and Platform Mix
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
 
Net revenue by geographic region
United States

$

1,502,397

59%

$

1,361,981

58%

International

 

1,030,944

41%

 

966,448

42%

Total net revenue

$

2,533,341

100%

$

2,328,429

100%

 
Net bookings by geographic region
United States

$

1,691,457

61%

$

1,326,721

59%

International

 

1,076,609

39%

 

934,214

41%

Total net bookings

$

2,768,066

100%

$

2,260,935

100%

 
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
 
Net revenue by distribution channel
Digital online

$

2,166,035

86%

$

1,743,876

75%

Physical retail and other

 

367,306

14%

 

584,553

25%

Total net revenue

$

2,533,341

100%

$

2,328,429

100%

 
Net bookings by distribution channel
Digital online

$

2,371,306

86%

$

1,768,383

78%

Physical retail and other

 

396,760

14%

 

492,552

22%

Total net bookings

$

2,768,066

100%

$

2,260,935

100%

 
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2020
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2019
Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Net revenue by Platform Mix
Console

$

1,909,033

75%

$

1,766,431

76%

PC and other

 

624,308

25%

 

561,998

24%

Total net revenue

$

2,533,341

100%

$

2,328,429

100%

 
Net bookings by platform mix
Console

$

2,087,109

75%

$

1,688,231

75%

PC and other

 

680,957

25%

 

572,704

25%

Total net bookings

$

2,768,066

100%

$

2,260,935

100%

 
 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
ADDITIONAL DATA
(in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

Net revenue

 

Cost of goods sold-

Internal royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Software

development costs

and royalties

 

Cost of goods sold- Licenses

 

Cost of goods sold-

Product costs

 

Selling and

marketing

 
As reported

$

860,889

 

$

137,657

 

$

83,514

 

$

57,917

 

$

67,156

 

$

139,906

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(46,607

)

 

1,240

 

 

4,617

 

 

3,991

 

Stock-based compensation

 

(13,100

)

 

(4,131

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(6,428

)

 

(1,550

)

 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

General and

administrative

 

Research and

development

 

Depreciation and

amortization

 

Business

reorganization

 

Interest and

other, net

 

Gain on long-

term

investments, net

 
As reported

$

98,624

 

$

86,428

 

$

14,007

 

$

(377

)

$

1,098

 

$

39,291

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(2,874

)

Stock-based compensation

 

(15,538

)

 

(8,347

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(1,708

)

 

(236

)

Impact of business reorganization

 

377

 

Gain on long-term investments, net

 

(39,291

)

Acquisition related expenses

 

(3,427

)

 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Net revenue

 

Cost of goods sold-

Internal royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Software

development costs

and royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Licenses

 

Cost of goods sold-

Product costs

 

Selling and

marketing

 
As reported

$

930,129

 

$

166,432

 

$

130,985

 

$

48,717

 

$

90,959

 

$

137,068

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(41,950

)

 

(6,990

)

 

41

 

 

(3,031

)

Stock-based compensation

 

(33,048

)

 

(4,113

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(3,295

)

 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

General and

administrative

 

Research and

development

 

Depreciation and

amortization

 

Business

reorganization

 

Interest and

other, net

 
As reported

$

84,531

 

$

82,520

 

$

12,330

 

$

(246

)

$

11,943

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(1,192

)

Stock-based compensation

 

(14,911

)

 

(11,327

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(1,536

)

 

(121

)

Impact of business reorganization

 

246

 

 
 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
ADDITIONAL DATA
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2020

Net revenue

 

Cost of goods sold-

Internal royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Software

development costs

and royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Licenses

 

Cost of goods sold-

Product costs

 

Selling and

marketing

 
As reported

$

2,533,341

 

$

479,524

 

$

374,332

 

$

206,880

 

$

194,702

 

$

338,376

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

234,723

 

 

21,499

 

 

173

 

 

403

 

Stock-based compensation

 

(61,529

)

 

(13,298

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(14,122

)

 

(2,067

)

 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2020

General and

administrative

 

Research and

development

 

Depreciation and

amortization

 

Business

reorganization

 

Interest and

other, net

 

Gain on long-

term investments,

net

 
As reported

$

292,230

 

$

233,752

 

$

40,116

 

$

(138

)

$

12,022

 

$

38,636

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(5,300

)

Stock-based compensation

 

(42,568

)

 

(22,440

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(4,945

)

 

(519

)

Impact of business reorganization

 

138

 

Gain on long-term investments, net

 

(38,636

)

Acquisition related expenses

 

(5,939

)

 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2019

Net revenue

 

Cost of goods sold-

Internal royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Software

development costs

and royalties

 

Cost of goods sold-

Product costs

 

Cost of goods sold-

Licenses

 

Selling and

marketing

 
As reported

$

2,328,429

 

$

339,312

 

$

451,422

 

$

225,162

 

$

130,914

 

$

378,455

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(67,494

)

 

(46,310

)

 

(20,584

)

 

385

 

Stock-based compensation

 

(91,678

)

 

(14,333

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(10,310

)

 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2019

General and

administrative

 

Research and

development

 

Depreciation and

amortization

 

Business

reorganization

 

Interest and

other, net

 
As reported

$

236,023

 

$

227,680

 

$

35,611

 

$

467

 

$

30,422

 

Net effect from deferred net revenue and related cost of goods sold

 

(381

)

Stock-based compensation

 

(42,054

)

 

(28,533

)

Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles

 

(4,642

)

 

(365

)

Impact of business reorganization

 

(467

)

Acquisition related expenses

 

(367

)

 
 
TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURE
(in thousands)
 
Nine months ended December 31,

2020

2019

Net cash from operating activities

$

787,661

$

439,975

Net change in Restricted cash related to Operations (1)

 

66,671

 

107,888

Adjusted Unrestricted Operating Cash Flow

$

854,332

$

547,863

 
 
FY 2021 FY 2020
Restricted cash beginning of period (4/1)

$

635,728

$

565,461

Less Restricted cash end of period (12/31)

 

862,957

 

457,573

Plus Restricted cash related to acquisitions

 

293,900

 

-

(1) Net change in Restricted cash related to Operations

$

66,671

$

107,888

 

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

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