If the proof is in the pudding, Electronic Arts
Arguably the biggest name in video game publishing, EA still hasn't figured out a way to turn a profit in a seasonally limpid first quarter. This week's report showed a $95 million net loss, or $0.30 per share, smaller than last year's $0.42 GAAP loss per share. Smaller, schmaller -- a loss is a loss, and this was the fourth year in a row of first-quarter losses bigger than $75 million.
Rival and erstwhile acquisition target Take-Two Interactive
In the middle of all this raucous success stands EA, looking stern with arms folded. Sure, you know that the usual lineup of refreshed sports games franchises like Madden '09 will bring in the cash in the fall, and the company gets a cut of Viacom's
It's just not good enough to rest on your laurels, EA. Making money as a game developer takes creativity and a few calculated risks, neither of which is a hallmark of EA these days. As a result, your share price is floating just above one-year, two-year, and five-year lows today. Call me when that pudding's done, guys. Do you even have a recipe yet?