Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is a developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video game software and content
Question:
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is a developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video game software and content to be played on a variety of platforms. There is an increasing demand for the ability to play these games in an online environment, and EA has developed this capability in many of its products. In addition, EA maintains servers (or arranges for servers) for the online activities of its customers. When customers purchase online subscriptions, revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period.
EA treats a significant portion of its software sales as “multiple-element arrangements” and—through fiscal 2007—deferred a portion of customer purchases based on the estimated value of the online services offered. Beginning in fiscal 2008, it was not possible to estimate the separate value of the software and the online services, so EA began to defer all such revenue over a six-month period. Starting July 1, 2013, based on an analysis by the company, revenue continues to be recognized over six months for games distributed online, but for physical games purchased at retailers revenue will be recognized over a nine-month period. EA’s 2014 10-K states that U.S. GAAP requires the company to account for the consumer’s right to receive unspecified updates or their matchmaking service for no additional fee as a “bundled” sale, or multiple-element arrangement. Information from Electronic Arts’ financial statements is given below. Prior to fiscal year 2006, no revenue was deferred. All amounts are in $millions.
Fiscal year end Mar. 31 | Net | Deferred net |
2005 | $3,129 | $0 |
2006 | 2,951 | 9 |
2007 | 3,091 | 32 |
2008 | 3,665 | 387 |
2009 | 4,212 | 261 |
2010 | 3,654 | 766 |
2011 | 3,589 | 1,005 |
2012 | 4,143 | 1,048 |
2013 | 3,797 | 1,044 |
2014 | 3,575 | 1,490 |
a. Calculate the growth rates in net revenue over the years in the table.
Round answers to one decimal place. (Ex. 0.2345 = 23.5%).
Use negative signs with answers, when appropriate.
Fiscal Year | Growth Rate |
2006 | -5.7 |
2007 | 4.7 |
2008 | 18.6 |
2009 | 14.9 |
2010 | -13.2 |
2011 | -1.8 |
2012 | 15.4 |
2013 | -8.4 |
2014 | -5.8 |
b. What are the purchases by customers in each of these years? What are the growth rates?
Round answers to one decimal place. (Ex. 0.2345 = 23.5%).
Use negative signs with answers, when appropriate.
Fiscal Year | Purchase | Growth Rate |
2005 | $3129 | - |
2006 | $2960 | -5.4 % |
2007 | | |
2008 | | |
2009 | | |
2010 | | |
2011 | | |
2012 | | |
2013 | | |
2014 | | |
Spreadsheet Modeling & Decision Analysis A Practical Introduction to Management Science
ISBN: 978-0324656633
5th edition
Authors: Cliff T. Ragsdale