Take-Two 2004 Fiscal Year Results News

Following on from the news that Xbox owners have been praying for, that is, the release of San Andreas onto their beloved box, Take-Two have announced their figures for the 4th Quarter of Fiscal Year 2004, and End of Fiscal Year 2004. Beyond the sort of figures that make accountants drool over, Take2 have also sketchily unveiled some of the future titles that their golden goose, Rockstar, will be releasing during the course of 2005; a look at those later, but first, the figures.

The net sales for Q4, up to October 31st 2004, were $430.0 million, a quite substantial increase compared with Q4 2003, which stood at $277.6 million. Net income for the period was $62.6 million, up from $26.3 million in Q4 2003.

For the Fiscal Year 2004 ending October 31st 2004, Take-Twoâ??s net sales were up by $100 million to $1.13 billion from $1.03 billion in 2003. The company has also raised itâ??s expectations for the Fiscal Year 2005 from $1.2 billion to $1.25 billion, and projected Q1 sales to between $440 million and $460 million. Initially the company has provided expectations of between $170 million and $190 million for Q2 2005.

Now, back to the games.

Rockstarâ??s 2005 portfolio is getting to be quite interesting, with San Andreas now being released for both PC and Xbox in June, although Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition has seen a slight delay and is now expected sometime during Q2 2005.

PlayStation2 owners will be able to play The Warriors, based on the forthcoming movie, in Q3; the year will also see the release of what are described in the statement as, â??â?¦a new console title based on a proven brand from Rockstar's internal studios, along with titles based on two of Rockstar's premier brands for Sony's highly anticipated PlayStation®Portable platform (PSPâ?¢) and the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in Japan.â?

At the moment, speculation is that the new console title is likely to be Red Dead Revolver 2, and that the GTA franchise will be winging its way over to the PSP. The second PSP title may end up being either Midnight Club or Max Payne, although Rockstar are keeping quite at for the moment.

Rumours of GTA on the PSP will certainly be interesting to watch, given that the disc-streaming technology that powers the console versions is likely to be a considerable drain on the PSP power consumption. Weâ??ll be sure to keep our ears to the ground, and bring you further information as we receive it.

Take-Twoâ??s Global Star label is also set for a busy schedule in 2005, with the PS2 title Outlaw Golf 2, and Dora the Explorer for GBA already released during Q1 and Ford Racing 3 for the PS2, Xbox, and PC set for release soon. Q2 will see the release of Close Combat: First to Fight for Xbox and PC, Stronghold 2 for PC and Motocross Mania 3 for PS2 and Xbox. The label will also be releasing the tie-in for 2005â??s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory during the FY2005, along with the ESPN range of sports titles.

Announcing the results, Richard Roedel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented that, "Fiscal 2004 was a rebuilding year for us, as we made key management additions and improved certain areas of our distribution and publishing businesses. We achieved a number of important accomplishments in 2004 which make Take-Two a much stronger company going into 2005.�

Paul Eibeler, President of Take-Two reinforced the statement adding that, "We are entering fiscal 2005 in a strong, competitive position. With the tremendous success of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rockstar Games has magnified the power of the Grand Theft Auto brand, and they will continue to build on the franchise with the launch of Xbox and PC versions of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in June. Our product portfolio going into 2005, which includes titles based on a combination of proven franchises, new brands and licensed properties, is the strongest in the Company's history. Combined with the expansion of our management team and the strengthening of our internal operations, we believe we are building the foundation for long term, sustained growth in the interactive entertainment industry."

Weâ??ll have more news on Take-Two and Rockstar shortlyâ?¦