Activision Blizzard Q2 Preview: Rebound Quarter in Store?
There have been several significant acquisitions throughout 2022, and one in particular from a tech titan.
In January, Microsoft MSFT acquired Activision Blizzard ATVI for $68.7 billion to bolster its stance within the gaming industry.
Activision Blizzard is a leader in video game development and an interactive entertainment content publisher, most well-known for Call of Duty.
It was a massive deal; it ranks as the largest acquisition in the gaming industry’s history.
Now, it’s time for ATVI to report quarterly results on Monday, August 1st, after market close.
So, how does the video game giant shape up heading into the quarterly print? Let’s take a deeper dive and find out.
Share Performance & Valuation
Year-to-date, Activision Blizzard shares have primarily traded sideways, aside from the significant boost that the acquisition news gave shares back in January. Still, shares are up 20% in 2022.
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However, ATVI shares have declined 4.3% overall over the last year. The one-year chart of share performance looks quite unique, to say the least.
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Activision shares appear to be highly elevated in terms of valuation. Its 31.9X forward P/E ratio is well above its five-year median of 27.1X and represents a sizable 76% premium relative to the general market.
In addition, the company sports a Style Score of a D for Value.
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Quarterly Estimates
Analysts’ earnings estimates have been mixed for the quarter to be reported, with one upwards revision and one downwards revision hitting the tape over the last 60 days.
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As it stands, the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate sits at $0.46, reflecting a concerning 50% decrease in quarterly earnings year-over-year.
In addition, the company’s top-line appears to be weakening as well – the $1.5 billion quarterly revenue estimate pencils in a 20% decrease from year-ago quarterly sales of $1.9 billion.
Quarterly Performance & Market Reactions
Activision Blizzard has posted two consecutive bottom-line misses, undoubtedly heading in the wrong direction. Just in its latest quarter, the company registered a 47% EPS miss.
Quarterly sales numbers have been reported under expectations as of late as well – ATVI has missed on the top-line in each of its previous two quarters, both by double-digit percentages. The chart below illustrates the company’s revenue on a quarterly basis.
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Furthermore, the market hasn’t liked what it’s seen from Activision Blizzard as of late, with shares moving downwards following four of the company’s five previous earnings reports.
Bottom Line
The acquisition news has massively boosted year-to-date share performance. Prior to that, ATVI shares were stuck in a nasty downtrend.
In addition, both the top and bottom-line are forecasted to decrease by double-digit percentages, and shares appear elevated in terms of valuation.
ATVI has struggled to report quarterly results above expectations as of late, and the market hasn’t been impressed with quarterly results.
Heading into the quarterly report, Activision Blizzard ATVI is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with an Earnings ESP Score of 32%.
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