ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

2 Reasons to Watch EA and 1 to Stay Cautious

EA Cover Image

Electronic Arts’s 35.4% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 22.4%, and its stock price has climbed to $203.89 per share. This performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Is now still a good time to buy EA? Or are investors being too optimistic? Find out in our full research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

Why Does EA Stock Spark Debate?

Best known for its Madden NFL and FIFA sports franchises, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is one of the world’s largest video game publishers.

Two Positive Attributes:

1. EBITDA Margin Reveals a Well-Run Organization

Investors frequently analyze operating income to understand a business’s core profitability. Similar to operating income, EBITDA is a common profitability metric for consumer internet companies because it removes various one-time or non-cash expenses, offering a more normalized view of profit potential.

Electronic Arts has been a well-oiled machine over the last two years. It demonstrated elite profitability for a consumer internet business, boasting an average EBITDA margin of 32.9%. This result isn’t surprising as its high gross margin gives it a favorable starting point.

Electronic Arts Trailing 12-Month EBITDA Margin

2. Excellent Free Cash Flow Margin Boosts Reinvestment Potential

If you’ve followed StockStory for a while, you know we emphasize free cash flow. Why, you ask? We believe that in the end, cash is king, and you can’t use accounting profits to pay the bills.

Electronic Arts has shown terrific cash profitability, driven by its lucrative business model and cost-effective customer acquisition strategy that enable it to stay ahead of the competition through investments in new products rather than sales and marketing. The company’s free cash flow margin was among the best in the consumer internet sector, averaging 24.7% over the last two years.

Electronic Arts Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin

One Reason to be Careful:

Long-Term Revenue Growth Flatter Than a Pancake

Examining a company’s long-term performance can provide clues about its quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. Unfortunately, Electronic Arts struggled to consistently increase demand as its $7.29 billion of sales for the trailing 12 months was close to its revenue three years ago. This wasn’t a great result, but there are still things to like about Electronic Arts.

Electronic Arts Quarterly Revenue

Final Judgment

Electronic Arts has huge potential even though it has some open questions, and with its shares outperforming the market lately, the stock trades at 15.7× forward EV/EBITDA (or $203.89 per share). Is now a good time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free for active Edge members.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

The market’s up big this year - but there’s a catch. Just 4 stocks account for half the S&P 500’s entire gain. That kind of concentration makes investors nervous, and for good reason. While everyone piles into the same crowded names, smart investors are hunting quality where no one’s looking - and paying a fraction of the price. Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  227.35
+0.59 (0.26%)
AAPL  273.67
+1.48 (0.54%)
AMD  213.43
+12.37 (6.15%)
BAC  55.27
+1.01 (1.86%)
GOOG  308.61
+4.86 (1.60%)
META  658.77
-5.68 (-0.85%)
MSFT  485.92
+1.94 (0.40%)
NVDA  180.99
+6.85 (3.93%)
ORCL  191.97
+11.94 (6.63%)
TSLA  481.20
-2.17 (-0.45%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.