'BATTLEFIELD' SHOULD HELP EA POTENTIALLY BEAT ON EARNINGS, ANALYST SAYS Font size: A | A | A undefined undefined | S&P Capital IQ SNPMarketScopeViewsNews2015-04-28 06:51:43.000EAELECTRONIC ARTS INC.Acquire Media'BATTLEFIELD' SHOULD HELP EA POTENTIALLY BEAT ON EARNINGS, ANALYST SAYS In a report published Tuesday, Wedbush analysts maintained an Outperform rating on Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: EA), with a price target of $55, ahead of the company's 4Q15 (ending March) results. The company is scheduled to report its quarterly results on May 5. The analysts expect "a large beat" due to digital momentum and stronger-than-expected packaged good sales. The estimates for the quarter are at revenue of $855 million and EPS of $0.25, ahead of the consensus of $849 million and $0.25, and guidance of $830 million and $0.22. Electronic Arts' guidance implies 9 percent y/y growth in digital revenue, which is significantly below the growth levels seen in the last three quarters. In the report Wedbush noted, "We think that March release Battlefield Hardline prevented a steep qo-q drop-off in full game digital download revenue. In addition, EA had a handful of mobile games that performed well on the AppAnnie grossing charts...Battlefield Hardline, FIFA 15, and Madden NFL 15 were EA's best-selling titles in the quarter." The analysts commented, "It is worth noting that EA has delivered EPS and revenue beats relative to consensus for seven and four consecutive quarters, respectively." The company's FY16 guidance maybe in-line with the current consensus figures, given "evolving release slates for EA and its competitors, as well as F/X translation uncertainty." "EA's strong next-gen presence positions it to thrive in coming years. FY:16 is expected to feature incremental releases Mass Effect 4, Mirror's Edge 2, a new Need for Speed game, and Star Wars: Battlefront, as well as meaningful re-orders for Battlefield Hardline, which launched in late Q4:15," the report added. View More Analyst Ratings for EAView the Latest Analyst Ratings Write to editorial@benzinga.com with any questions about this content. Subscribe to Benzinga PRO: pro.benzinga.com 2015 Benzinga Newswires. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Acquire Media|US;EA|22447|US|100281