the larger third-party video game publishers and owns one of the largest most well-known video game franchises in Grand Theft Auto (GTA). The firm is well positioned not only to capitalize on the success of Grand Theft Auto, but also to continue diversifying its revenue beyond its signature franchise. It is expected Take-Two to continue to benefit from the high demand for consoles, the ongoing revitalization of PC gaming, and the growth of mobile gaming.
Take-Two generally focuses on the higher end, using both its capital to fund the higher-budget blockbusters and its marketing advantage over independents in terms of both budget and established networks to support its titles. The new fair value estimate of $200 per share implies a fiscal 2022 price/earnings of 42, enterprise value/adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 27, and free cash flow yield of approximately 3%.
Take-Two introduced a separate multiplayer mode, GTA Online, with the launch of GTA V in 2013. The mode has helped this installment sell over 145 million units by expanding its life cycle and monetization. As a result, GTA V will be launched onto its third generation of consoles in November 2021, likely pushing the potential launch of GTA VI even further out.
Financial Strength
Take-Two is in very good financial health. As of March 2020, Take-Two had over $1.3 billion of cash on hand and carried approximately no debt, a conservative capital structure for a company that generated over $540 million in free cash flow in fiscal 2020. The more consistent free cash flow generation is due in part to management’s efforts to diversify and expand its release slate as well as “GTA Online” expanding the lifecycle and monetization of “Grand Theft Auto V” with free DLC and micro transactions. It is expected that the firm will continue to reinvest its cash into developing new franchises and into R&D for video game engines and video game specific technologies. We also project that the firm will continue to make acquisitions, specifically within mobile and PC game development.
Bull Says
- Take-Two has established newer large franchises, such as “Borderlands,” while revitalizing older ones, such as “Xcom.”
- “Grand Theft Auto” is one of the largest and best known video game franchises, with more than 345 million units sold over its life.
- The introduction of “GTA Online” in “Grand Theft Auto V” enabled the firm to monetize the game beyond the initial sale.
Company Profile
Found in 1993, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (NASDAQ: TTWO) consists of two wholly owned labels, Rockstar Games and 2K. The firm is one of the world’s largest independent video game publishers on consoles, PCs, smart phones, and tablets. Take-Two’s franchise portfolio is headlined by “Grand Theft Auto” (GTA) (345 million units sold) and contains other well-known titles such as “NBA 2K,” “Civilization,” “Borderlands,” “Bios hock,” and “Xcom.”
(Source: Morningstar)
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