Activision revenues hit $5 billion

Activision has posted a loss of USD 72 million for the fourth quarter of the financial year ended December 31, 2008, amid record breaking yearly net revenues topping USD 5 billion.

During the last quarter, Activision's net revenues reached USD 1.6 billion, while non-GAAP net revenues were USD 2.3 billion - beyond the company's own earlier estimations. For the three month period, the company posted a net loss of USD 72 million, leading to a loss per share of USD 0.05.

For the calendar year, Activision's net revenues were USD 3 billion, with the publisher's non-GAAP comparable-basis net revenues hitting a company record of USD 5 billion.

Activision reported an operating loss for the calendar year of USD 0.2 billion, compared to a non-GAAP comparable-basis operating income of USD 1.2 billion.

"Activision Blizzard has delivered record December quarter and calendar year 2008 non-GAAP comparable-basis results," said Robert Kotick, CEO. "On a non-GAAP comparable basis, Activision Blizzard has finished the calendar year as the largest and most profitable third-party publisher with more than USD 5 billion of net revenues."

In North America, Activision became the number one third-party console and handheld software publisher in terms of revenue for the calendar year.

"We achieved these results one full year ahead of our original plan. Our balance sheet remains strong with no debt and more than USD 3 billion in cash."

According to NPD, Activision had four top 10 highest revenue generating PC titles in North America and Europe for the year, matched by strong console performance which saw earnings from Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock surpass USD 1 billion in December.

"During the year, we successfully achieved our merger restructuring goals, including the elimination of unprofitable product lines, right sizing our organisation and integrating disparate accounting and IT systems, all with minimal disruption to our business."

Kotick concluded: "The success of our merger integration coupled with the strength of our product line-up should enable us to once again deliver record, industry-leading non-GAAP margins in 2009. All of our accomplishments reflect the effort, imagination and intellectual and creative talents of the people who work here. We are well poised to continue generating future shareholder value, as we have for the past 17 years."