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Activision Blizzard Announces Better-Than-Expected First Quarter CY 2009 Financial Results
 

- First Quarter Net Revenues and EPS Significantly Ahead of Prior Outlook -

- Company Increases CY 2009 Net Revenues and EPS Outlook -

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced better-than-expected financial results for the first quarter 2009.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Activision Blizzard's GAAP net revenues were $981 million, and its non-GAAP net revenues were $724 million. The company's prior GAAP net revenue outlook for the quarter was $860 million. On a non-GAAP basis, the company's net revenue outlook was $550 million.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Activision Blizzard's reported GAAP earnings per diluted share was $0.14, and the company's non-GAAP earnings per diluted share was $0.08. The company's prior GAAP earnings per diluted share outlook was $0.08. On a non-GAAP basis, the company's earnings per diluted share outlook was $0.03.

The company reports results on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. Please refer to the tables at the back of this press release for a reconciliation of the company's GAAP and non-GAAP results.

Robert Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, stated, "Our better-than-expected first quarter results were driven by strong global consumer response to the Call of Duty(R) and Guitar Hero(R) franchises and Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft(R), despite challenging economic times. For the quarter, we were the #1 third-party console and handheld publisher in North America and the #1 third-party publisher for the Nintendo Wii platform worldwide, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk."

Kotick continued, "During the remainder of the year, we plan to release our strongest video game slate, based on some of the industry's most profitable franchises. We are raising our calendar year 2009 financial outlook. Additionally, we expect to deliver record calendar year non-GAAP operating margins of 25%. Our high-quality franchise portfolio, industry leading operational capabilities and solid balance sheet should enable us to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the expanding interactive entertainment market and enable us to deliver continued superior returns to our shareholders."

Business Highlights

For the quarter ended March 31, 2009 according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk, Call of Duty and Guitar Hero remained two of the top-five best-selling franchises in the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, Activision Blizzard had two of the top-five best-selling titles across all platforms in the U.S. and Europe.

Other business highlights are as follows:

  • Guitar Hero World Tour was the #1 best-selling third-party title in the U.S. across all platforms in dollars, according to The NPD Group.

  • In the U.S. and Europe, Guitar Hero World Tour was the #1 best-selling third-party title in dollars for the Nintendo Wii and the only third-party game to rank as a top-five best seller for the platform, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

  • Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King remained the #1 PC game in dollars in the U.S. for the quarter, according to The NPD Group.

  • Activision Blizzard had three of the top-10 best-selling PC titles in dollars in the U.S., according to The NPD Group.

  • For the quarter, European sales for the Guitar Hero franchise grew 84% year over year, according to Charttrack and Gfk.
  • As of April 10, 2009, Activision Publishing's Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart was the #1 paid "app" for the iPhone of all time, according to Apple(R).

  • On February 24, 2009, Activision Publishing announced an agreement with Corus Entertainment Inc.'s Nelvana Enterprises to develop and distribute video games based on the breakout hit toy and wildly popular action animated television series Bakugan.

  • As of March 31, 2009, Activision Blizzard had purchased $439 million, or approximately 45 million shares, of common stock at an average price of $9.76, under its $1 billion stock repurchase program.

  • On April 6, 2009, Activision Publishing acquired 7 Studios whose experience will enable Activision Publishing to broaden its development capabilities in the music-based genre.

  • On April 16, 2009, Blizzard Entertainment announced that its World of Warcraft will be licensed to an affiliated company of NetEase.com, Inc. in mainland China for a term of 3 years following the expiration of the game's current license agreement.

During the quarter, Activision Publishing strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Dan Rosensweig as President and Chief Executive Officer of RedOctane, the business unit which develops the blockbuster Guitar Hero(R) franchise and soon to be released DJ Hero(TM). Mr. Rosensweig brings significant experience to Activision Publishing having served as Chief Operating Officer of Yahoo! from 2002 through 2006, where he oversaw the company's worldwide operations including its product development, marketing, and advertising sales and the development and introduction of innovative new Internet advertising formats.

Additionally, Activision Blizzard named Thomas Tippl as Chief Corporate Officer in addition to his position as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Tippl succeeds Bruce Hack, who has stepped down from the position following the successful business combination of Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games, Inc.

Company Outlook

For the second quarter of calendar year 2009, Activision Publishing expects to release three games inspired by theatrical motion pictures, X-Men Origins, Transformers(TM): Revenge of the Fallen and Ice Age(TM): Dawn of the Dinosaurs, as well as a new third-person action game Prototype(TM), Guitar Hero: Smash Hits(TM), a compilation of the most popular songs from previous Guitar Hero games that will now be playable as a full band experience and Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits(TM) for the Nintendo DS.

Due to current macroeconomic conditions, Activision Blizzard's outlook is subject to significant risks and uncertainties including declines in demand for its products, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers. The company's outlook is also based on assumptions about sell through rates for its products, the new slate of products and progress in integrating operations following the company's recent business combination between Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games, Inc. As a result of these and other factors, including any complications related to the transition of Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft in China from the current licensee to NetEase, actual results may deviate materially from the outlook presented below.

For calendar 2009, Activision Blizzard is raising its outlook for GAAP net revenues to $4.3 billion, and GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.24, as compared to the company's prior calendar year 2009 GAAP outlook of $4.2 billion in net revenues and $0.22 earnings per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, the company now expects net revenues of $4.8 billion for the calendar year, as compared to its prior non-GAAP net revenue outlook of $4.7 billion. The revenue outlook includes a reduction in revenue from the company's lower margin distribution and co-publishing businesses and a negative year-over-year impact from a stronger dollar. On a constant exchange rate basis, however, the company expects another year of non-GAAP net revenue growth. The company's non-GAAP earnings per diluted share are expected to be $0.63 for the calendar year, as compared with its prior non-GAAP calendar year outlook of $0.61 earnings per diluted share.

For the second quarter 2009, Activision Blizzard expects GAAP net revenues of $1.0 billion, and GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.10. On a non-GAAP basis, the company expects net revenues of $775 million and $0.06 earnings per diluted share for the second quarter.

Conference Call

Today at 4:30 p.m. EDT, Activision Blizzard's management will host a conference call and Webcast to discuss the company's results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and management's outlook for the remainder of the calendar year. The company welcomes all members of the financial and media communities and other interested parties to visit the "Investor Relations" area of to listen to the conference call via live Webcast or to listen to the call live by dialing into 719-325-4798 in the U.S.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Activision Blizzard provides net revenues, net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share and operating margin data and guidance both including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP): the impact of the change in deferred net revenues and related cost of sales; expenses related to share-based payments; Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations (which is the operating results of products and operations from the historical Vivendi Games, Inc. businesses that the company has exited or is winding down); one-time costs related to the business combination between Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games, Inc. (including transaction costs, integration costs, and restructuring activities); the amortization of intangibles and the associated changes in cost of sales resulting from purchase price accounting adjustments from the business combination; and the associated tax benefits.

As online functionality becomes a more important component of gameplay, certain of the company's online-enabled games for certain platforms contain a more-than-inconsequential separate service deliverable in addition to the product, and the company's performance obligations for these games extend beyond the sale of the games. Vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value does not exist for the online services, as the company does not separately charge for this component of online-enabled games. As a result, the company recognizes all of the revenues from the sale of these games ratably over the estimated service period. In addition, the company defers the cost of sales of these titles to match revenues.

Revenue related to the sale of Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft boxed software, including the sale of expansion packs and other ancillary revenues, is deferred and recognized ratably over the estimated subscription life beginning upon activation of the software and delivery of the services.

As a consequence, the company's non-GAAP results exclude the impact of the change in deferred revenues and related cost of sales associated with certain of the company's online-enabled games for certain of the Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo and PC platforms and for World of Warcraft boxed software, including the sale of expansion packs and other ancillary revenues, to provide comparable year-over-year performance.

Management believes that the use of non-GAAP measures that eliminate the impact of the change in deferred revenues and related cost of sales in its operating results is important when evaluating Activision Blizzard's operating performance, and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods.

Management also believes that non-GAAP measures that exclude Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations, one-time costs related to the business combination between Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games, Inc. (including transaction costs, integration costs, and restructuring activities), the amortization of intangibles and the associated changes in cost of sales resulting from purchase price accounting adjustments from the business combination, provides a better comparison to prior periods in which Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games, Inc. were operating as stand-alone companies, and that the resulting effects arising from the business combination do not affect the on-going economics of the combined entity. Management also believes that excluding expenses related to share-based payments provides more comparable operating performance results. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with additional useful information to measure Activision Blizzard's financial and operating performance because they facilitate comparison of operating performance between periods and helps investors to better understand the results of Activision Blizzard. Internally, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the company's operating results, as well as in planning and forecasting.

Activision Blizzard recognizes that there are limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures as they do not reflect net revenues, net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share and operating margin as determined in accordance with GAAP, and may reduce comparability with other companies that calculate similar non-GAAP measures differently. Management compensates for the limitations resulting from the exclusion of these items by considering the impact of these items separately and by considering Activision Blizzard's GAAP as well as non-GAAP results and outlook and, in this release, by presenting the most comparable GAAP measures directly ahead of non-GAAP measures, and by providing a reconciliation which indicates and describes the adjustments made.

Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

Activision Blizzard's non-GAAP financial measures are not based on a comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, and the terms non-GAAP net revenues, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per share, non-GAAP operating margin do not have a standardized meaning. Therefore, other companies may use the same or similarly named measures, but exclude different items, which may not provide investors a comparable view of Activision Blizzard's performance in relation to other companies.

Comparable-Basis Presentation by Segment -- Non-GAAP Comparable Measures

On July 9, 2008, the business combination between Activision, Inc. and Vivendi Games, Inc. was consummated. As a result of the consummation of the business combination, Activision, Inc. was renamed Activision Blizzard, Inc.

For accounting purposes, because the business combination resulted in Vivendi obtaining control of Activision, Inc. through the acquisition of a majority of common stock of Activision, Inc., the business combination is treated as a "reverse acquisition," with Vivendi Games, Inc. deemed to be the accounting acquirer. As a result, the historical financial statements of Activision Blizzard prior to July 9, 2008 are those of Vivendi Games, Inc. and the results of Activision, Inc. prior to July 9, 2008 are not included as part of Activision Blizzard's historical financial statements.

As one means of analyzing Activision Blizzard's performance, the company presents data that combines: (1) the company's results after July 9, 2008, (2) Vivendi Games, Inc.'s results prior to July 9, 2008 and (3) Activision, Inc.'s results prior to July 9, 2008. Management uses information prepared on this comparable basis internally to compare results and believes that this presentation provides investors with additional useful information to understand the company's performance on a year-over-year comparable basis. However, the data is not presented in accordance with GAAP and is not presented in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X relating to pro forma financial statements.

The non-GAAP information presented should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

The following data is presented in the attachments to this press release:

  • Non-GAAP Comparable Basis Segment Net Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

  • Non-GAAP Comparable Basis Segment Operating Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

In conjunction with the business combination, Activision Blizzard changed the manner in which senior management assesses the operating performance of, and allocates resources to, its operating segments. As a result, the company now operates in four segments:

      i.  Activision Publishing ("Activision") -- publishes interactive
          entertainment software and peripherals, which includes the
          Activision business conducted by Activision, Inc. prior to the
          business combination and certain studios, assets, and titles
          previously included in Vivendi Games' "Sierra Entertainment"
          operating segment prior to the business combination;

     ii.  Blizzard -- Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries
          publishing traditional games and online subscription-based games
          in the MMORPG category;

    iii.  Distribution -- distribution of interactive entertainment
          software and hardware products; and

     iv.  Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations ("Non-Core") -
          Vivendi Games' divisions or business units that the company has
          exited or is winding down as part of its restructuring and
          integration efforts as a result of the business combination.

Activision, Blizzard and Distribution are referred to collectively as Activision Blizzard Inc.'s core operations ("Core").

With respect to periods prior to July 9, 2008, results for historical Activision, Inc. are reported in the Activision and Distribution segments. In addition, as a result of the change in operating and reporting segments, all prior period segment information has been restated to conform to this new financial statement presentation.

About Activision Blizzard

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a worldwide online, PC, console and handheld game publisher with leading market positions across every major category of the rapidly growing interactive entertainment software industry.

Activision Blizzard maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, South Korea , China, and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision Blizzard and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activisionblizzard.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Blizzard's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements under the heading "Company Outlook," are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Blizzard generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Blizzard's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Blizzard's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, any difficulties experienced during the transition of World of Warcraft in China from the current licensee to NetEase, Activision Blizzard's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Blizzard's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Blizzard, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors, licensees, licensors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard's success in completing the integration of the operations of Activision and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined Company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and Activision Blizzard assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

                                 (Tables to Follow)



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions, except per share data)

                                                      -----------------------
                                                      Quarter ended March 31,
                                                      -----------------------
                                                         2009         2008(1)
                                                         ----         ------

    Net revenues:
      Product sales                                      $690           $61
      Subscription, licensing and other revenues          291           264
      ------------------------------------------          ---           ---
           Total net revenues                             981           325
      -----------------------                             ---           ---

    Costs and expenses:
      Cost of sales - product costs                       296            35
      Cost of sales - software royalties and
       amortization                                        72            21
      Cost of sales - intellectual property
       licenses                                            64             2
      Cost of sales - massively multi-player
       online role playing
       game ("MMORPG")                                     52            49
      Product development                                 117           104
      Sales and marketing                                  83            27
      General and administrative                          103            24
      Restructuring costs                                  15             -
      -------------------                                 ---           ---
           Total costs and expenses                       802           262
      -----------------------------                       ---           ---
    Operating income                                      179            63
    Investment income, net                                 10             2
    ----------------------                                ---           ---
    Income before income tax provision                    189            65
    Income tax provision                                    -            22
    --------------------                                  ---           ---
    Net income                                           $189           $43
    ==========                                           ====           ===

    -------------------------------                     -----         -----
    Basic earnings per common share                     $0.14         $0.07
    Weighted average common shares outstanding          1,308           591
    ------------------------------------------          -----           ---

    ---------------------------------                   -----         -----
    Diluted earnings per common share                   $0.14         $0.07
    Weighted average common shares outstanding
     assuming dilution                                  1,359           591
    ------------------------------------------          -----           ---


    (1) On July 9, 2008, a business combination (the "Business Combination")
        by and among Activision, Inc., Sego Merger Corporation, a wholly-owned
        subsidiary of Activision, Inc., Vivendi S.A. ("Vivendi"), VGAC LLC, a
        wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi ("VGAC"), and Vivendi Games, Inc.,
        a wholly-owned subsidiary of VGAC ("Vivendi Games" or "VG"), was
        consummated.  As a result of the consummation of the Business
        Combination, Activision, Inc. was renamed Activision Blizzard, Inc.

        For accounting purposes, because the Business Combination resulted in
        Vivendi obtaining control of Activision, Inc. through the acquisition
        of a majority of common stock of Activision, Inc., the Business
        Combination is treated as a "reverse acquisition," with Vivendi Games
        deemed to be the acquirer.  As a result, (i) the historical financial
        statements of the company prior to July 9, 2008 are those of Vivendi
        Games, Inc. and (ii) the results of Activision, Inc. prior to July 9,
        2008 are not included as part of the company's historical financial
        statements.

        Further, earnings per share for periods prior to the Business
        Combination are retrospectively adjusted to reflect the number of
        equivalent shares received by Vivendi, former parent of Vivendi Games,
        Inc.



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Unaudited)
    (Amounts in millions)
    ---------------------
                                                      March 31,   December 31,
                                                         2009         2008
    ------                                               ----         ----
    ASSETS
    ------
      Current assets:
        Cash and cash equivalents                      $2,988        $2,958
        Short-term investments                             42            44
        Accounts receivable, net                          185         1,210
        Inventories                                       230           262
        Software development                              245           235
        Intellectual property licenses                     35            35
        Deferred income taxes, net                        571           536
        Intangible assets, net                              4            14
        Other current assets                              210           201
        --------------------                              ---           ---
             Total current assets                       4,510         5,495
        -------------------------                       -----         -----
      Long-term investments                                79            78
      Software development                                  6             1
      Intellectual property licenses                        5             5
      Property and equipment, net                         138           149
      Other assets                                         23            30
      Intangible assets, net                            1,244         1,283
      Trade names                                         433           433
      Goodwill                                          7,213         7,227
      --------                                          -----         -----
             Total  assets                            $13,651       $14,701
      ====================                            =======       =======

    ----------------------------
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
     EQUITY
    -----------------------------
      Current liabilities:
        Accounts payable                                 $163          $555
        Deferred revenues                                 647           923
        Accrued expenses and other liabilities            504           842
        --------------------------------------            ---           ---
             Total current liabilities                  1,314         2,320
        -------------------------------                 -----         -----
        Deferred income taxes, net                        708           615
        Other liabilities                                 181           239
        -----------------                                 ---           ---
             Total liabilities                          2,203         3,174
         ----------------------                         -----         -----

      Shareholders' equity:
        Common stock                                        -             -
        Additional paid-in capital                     12,218        12,170
        Treasury stock                                   (439)         (126)
        Accumulated deficit                              (285)         (474)
        Accumulated other comprehensive loss              (46)          (43)
        ------------------------------------              ---           ---
             Total shareholders' equity                11,448        11,527
        --------------------------------               ------        ------
                Total liabilities and
                 shareholders' equity                 $13,651       $14,701
        ===============================               =======       =======



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME
    (Amounts in millions, except per share data)

                                                Cost of
                                      Cost      Sales -        Cost
                                       of       Software    of Sales -   Cost
                                     Sales -   Royalties   Intellectual  of
    Quarter ended             Net    Product      and        property   Sales-
    March 31, 2009          Revenues  costs   Amortization   licenses   MMORPG
    --------------          --------  -----   ------------   --------   ------
    GAAP Measurement           $981    $296       $72          $64       $52
      Less:  Changes in
       deferred net revenues
       and related cost
       of sales            (a) (256)    (57)      (23)          (9)        -
      Less:  Equity-based
       compensation (including
       purchase price accounting
       related adjustments)(b)    -       -        (4)           -         -
      Less:  Results of
       Activision
       Blizzard's non-core exit
       operations          (c)   (1)      -         -            -         -
      Less:  One time
       costs related to
       the Business
       Combination, integration
       and restructuring   (d)    -       -         -            -         -
      Less:  Amortization
       of intangible
       assets and purchase
       price accounting
       related adjustments (e)    -      (1)      (17)         (27)        -

                               ----    ----       ---          ---       ---
    Non-GAAP Measurement       $724    $238       $28          $28       $52
    --------------------       ====    ====       ===          ===       ===


                                      Sales   General and  Restruct-  Total
    Quarter ended         Product      and      Adminis-    uring   Costs and
    March 31, 2009      Development  Marketing  trative     Costs    Expenses
    -------------       -----------  ---------  -------     -----    --------

    GAAP Measurement         $117   $    83    $  103   $    15     $  802
      Less:  Changes in
       deferred net
       revenues and related
       cost of sales       (a)  -         -         -         -        (89)
      Less:  Equity-based
       compensation (including
       purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments)        (b) (9)       (3)      (12)        -        (28)
      Less:  Results of
       Activision Blizzard's
       non-core exit
       operations          (c)  3        (2)       (6)        -         (5)
      Less:  One time costs
       related to the Business
       Combination, integration
       and restructuring   (d)  -         -       (14)      (15)       (29)
      Less:  Amortization of
       intangible assets and
       purchase price accounting
       related adjustments (e)  -         -        (1)        -        (46)


                             ----       ---       ---        --       ----
    Non-GAAP Measurement     $111       $78       $70        $-       $605
                             ====       ===       ===        ==       ====



                                                           Basic    Diluted
                                      Operating   Net     Earnings  Earnings
    Quarter ended                     Income    Income    (Loss)     (Loss)
    March 31, 2009                    (Loss)    (Loss)  per Share  per Share
    -------------                     ------    ------  ---------  ---------
    GAAP Measurement                    $179      $189     $0.14     $0.14
      Less:  Changes in deferred net
       revenues and related cost of
       sales                    (a)     (167)     (134)    (0.09)    (0.09)
      Less:  Equity-based
       compensation (including
       purchase price accounting
       related adjustments)     (b)       28        17      0.01      0.01
      Less:  Results of Activision
       Blizzard's non-core exit
       operations               (c)        4         3         -         -
      Less:  One time costs
       related to the Business
       Combination, integration
       and restructuring        (d)       29        17      0.01      0.01
      Less:  Amortization of
       intangible assets and purchase
       price accounting related
       adjustments              (e)       46        19      0.01      0.01


                                        ----      ----     -----     -----
    Non-GAAP Measurement                $119      $111     $0.08     $0.08
                                        ====      ====     =====     =====


       (a) Reflects the net change in deferred net revenues and related cost
           of sales.

       (b) Includes expense related to share-based compensation under
           Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004),
           "Share-Based Payment."

       (c) Reflects the results of products and operations from the historical
           Vivendi Games businesses that the Company has exited or is winding
           down.

       (d) Reflects one-time costs related to the Business Combination with
           Vivendi Games (including transaction costs, integration costs and
           restructuring activities). Restructuring activities includes
           severance costs, facility exit costs and balance sheet write down
           and exit costs from the cancellation of projects.

       (e) Reflects amortization of intangible assets, and the increase in the
           fair value of inventories and associated cost of sales, all of
           which relate to purchase price accounting related adjustments.


    See explanation above regarding the Company's practice on reporting non-GAAP financial measures.  The per share adjustments are presented as calculated, and the GAAP and non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share information is also presented as calculated. The sum of these measures, as
    presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP NET INCOME
    (Amounts in millions, except per share data)

                                                Cost of
                                      Cost      Sales -        Cost
                                       of       Software    of Sales -   Cost
                                     Sales -   Royalties   Intellectual  of
    Quarter ended             Net    Product      and        property   Sales-
    March 31, 2008          Revenues  costs   Amortization   licenses   MMORPG
    --------------          --------  -----   ------------   --------   ------
    GAAP Measurement         $325       $35       $21          $2        $49
      Less:  Changes in
       deferred net
       revenues and related
       cost of sales    (a)    (2)        -         -           -          -
      Less:  Equity-based
       compensation (including
       purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments)     (b)     -         -         -           -         (1)
      Less:  Results of
       Activision Blizzard's
       non-core exit
       operations       (c)    (5)        -        (7)          -          -
      Less:  One time costs
       related to the
       Business Combination,
       integration and
       restructuring    (d)     -         -         -           -          -
      Less:  Amortization of
       intangible assets and
       purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments      (e)     -         -        (1)          -          -

                             ----       ---       ---          --        ---
      Non-GAAP Measurement   $318       $35       $13          $2        $48
                             ====       ===       ===          ==        ===


                                      Sales   General and  Restruct-  Total
    Quarter ended         Product      and      Adminis-    uring   Costs and
    March 31, 2008      Development  Marketing  trative     Costs   Expenses
    --------------      -----------  ---------  -------     -----   --------

    GAAP Measurement         $104       $27       $24        $-      $262
      Less:  Changes in
       deferred net
       revenues and related
       cost of sales   (a)      -         -         -         -         -
      Less:  Equity-based
       compensation (including
       purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments)    (b)    (17)       (1)       11         -        (8)
      Less:  Results of
       Activision Blizzard's
       non-core exit
       operations      (c)    (35)      (12)      (16)        -       (70)
      Less:  One time costs
       related to the
       Business Combination,
       integration and
       restructuring   (d)      -         -         -         -         -
       Less:  Amortization of
       intangible assets and
       purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments     (e)      -         -         -         -        (1)

                              ---       ---       ---       ---      ----
      Non-GAAP Measurement    $52       $14       $19        $-      $183
                              ===       ===       ===       ===      ====



                                                           Basic    Diluted
                                     Operating   Net     Earnings   Earnings
    Quarter ended                     Income    Income    (Loss)    (Loss)
    March 31, 2008                    (Loss)    (Loss)  per Share  per Share
    ---------------                   ------    ------  ---------  ---------
    GAAP Measurement                    $63       $43     $0.07     $0.07
      Less:  Changes in
       deferred net revenues
       and related cost of sales (a)     (2)       (1)        -         -
      Less:  Equity-based compensation
       (including purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments)              (b)      8         5      0.01      0.01
      Less:  Results of Activision
       Blizzard's non-core exit
       operations                (c)     65        40      0.07      0.07
      Less:  One time costs related
       to the Business Combination,
       integration and
       restructuring             (d)      -         -         -         -
      Less:  Amortization of intangible
       assets and purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments               (e)      1         1         -         -

                                       ----       ---     -----     -----
    Non-GAAP Measurement               $135       $88     $0.15     $0.15
                                       ====       ===     =====     =====


    (a) Reflects the net change in deferred net revenues and related cost of
        sales.

    (b) Includes expense related to share-based compensation under Statement
        of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based
        Payment."

    (c) Reflects the results of products and operations from the historical
        Vivendi Games businesses that the Company has exited or is winding
        down.

    (d) Reflects one-time costs related to the Business Combination with
        Vivendi Games (including transaction costs, integration costs and
        restructuring activities). Restructuring activities includes severance
        costs, facility exit costs and balance sheet write down and exit
        costs from the cancellation of projects.

    (e) Reflects amortization of intangible assets, and the increase in the
        fair value of inventories and associated cost of sales, all of which
        relate to purchase price accounting related adjustments.

    See explanation above regarding the Company's practice on reporting non-
    GAAP financial measures. The per share adjustments are presented as
    calculated, and the GAAP and non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share
    information is also presented as calculated. The sum of these measures, as
    presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009
    (Amounts in millions)

                                         Quarter Ended
                                        ---------------
                                         March 31, 2009
                                       Amount      % of Total
                                      --------     ----------
    GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
    Activision and Blizzard:
      MMORPG                            $314          32%
      PC and other                        46           5
        Sony PlayStation 3               131          13
        Sony PlayStation 2                40           4
        Microsoft Xbox 360               198          20
        Nintendo Wii                     134          14
                                         ---
      Total Console                      503          51
        Sony PlayStation Portable          6           1
        Nintendo Dual Screen              26           3
                                         ---
      Total hand-held                     32           3
      ---------------                    ---         ---
      Total Activision and Blizzard      895          91
      -----------------------------      ---         ---

      Total Distribution                  85           9
      ------------------                 ---         ---
      Total net revenues core
       operations                        980         100

      Activision Blizzard's non-
       core exit operations                1           -
      --------------------------         ---         ---
      Total consolidated GAAP net
       revenues                         $981         100%
      ---------------------------       ----         ---

    Changes in Deferred Net Revenues (1)
    Activision and Blizzard:
      MMORPG                            $(33)
      PC and other                       (17)
        Sony PlayStation 3               (71)
        Microsoft Xbox 360               (92)
        Nintendo Wii                     (43)
                                         ---
      Total Consoles                    (206)
      --------------                    ----
      Total changes in deferred
       net revenues                    $(256)
      -------------------------        -----

    Activision Blizzard's non-core     -----
     exit operations (1)                 $(1)
                                         ---

    Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
    Activision and Blizzard:
      MMORPG                            $281          39%
      PC and other                        29           4
        Sony PlayStation 3                60           8
        Sony PlayStation 2                40           6
        Microsoft Xbox 360               106          15
        Nintendo Wii                      91          13
                                         ---
      Total Console                      297          41
        Sony PlayStation Portable          6           1
        Nintendo Dual Screen              26           4
                                         ---
      Total Hand-held                     32           4
      ---------------                    ---         ---
      Total Activision and Blizzard      639          88
      -----------------------------      ---         ---

      Total Distribution                  85          12
      ------------------                 ---         ---
      Total non-GAAP net revenues       $724         100%
      ---------------------------       ----         ---

      (1) We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and
          excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of change in deferred net revenues
          and Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations.



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2009
    (Amounts in millions)

                                               Quarter Ended
                                              ---------------
                                              March 31, 2009
                                            Amount    % of Total
    -------------------------------------- --------   ----------
    GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic Region
      North America                          $524          53%
      Europe                                  392          40
      Asia Pacific                             64           7
      ------------                            ---         ---
      Total net revenues core operations      980         100

      Activision Blizzard's non-core exit
       operations                               1           -
      ------------------------------------    ---         ---
      Total consolidated GAAP net revenues   $981         100%
      ====================================   ====         ====

    Changes in deferred Net Revenues (1)
      North America                         $(150)
      Europe                                  (99)
      Asia Pacific                             (7)
      ------------                            ---
      Total changes in net revenues         $(256)
                                            -----


    Activision Blizzard's non-core          -----
     exit operations (1)                      $(1)
                                              ---


    Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic
     Region
      North America                          $374          52%
      Europe                                  293          40
      Asia Pacific                             57           8
      ------------                            ---         ---
      Total Non-GAAP net revenues            $724         100%
      ===============================        ====         ===

      (1) We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and
          excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of change in deferred net revenues
          and Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations.



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    Segment Information - Comparable Basis Net Revenues (amounts in millions)

                                                                   Segments /
                   Activision  Blizzard Distribution Core   Non   Consolidated
                       (i)       (ii)     (iii)      (iv)  -Core(v)   Total
                   ----------  -------- ------------ ----  ------   ----------
    Three months ended
     March 31, 2009

     Segment net
      revenues        $348      $291       $85       $724     $1      $725

     Reconciliation
      to GAAP
      consolidated
      net revenues
        - Net effect
         From deferral
         of net
         revenues                                                      256

     Consolidated net                                                 ----
      revenues (GAAP)                                                 $981


      Non-GAAP
       comparable
       basis segment  ====      ====       ===       ====
       net revenues   $348      $291       $85       $724
                      ====      ====       ===       ====



                                                                   Segments /
                   Activision  Blizzard Distribution Core   Non   Consolidated
                       (i)       (ii)     (iii)      (iv)  -Core(v)   Total
                   ----------  -------- ------------ ----  ------   ----------
    Three months ended
     March 31, 2008

    Segment net
     revenues
     (VG only)         $38      $280        $-      $318        $5      $323

    Reconciliation
     to GAAP
     consolidated
     net revenues
       - Net effect
        From deferral
        of net revenues                                                    2

    Consolidated net                                                    ----
     revenues (GAAP)                                                    $325

    Comparable
     Presentation
     Adjustment:
    Including Activision,
     Inc. prior periods
     for the three months
     ended March 31, 2008
         Segment net
          revenues     513         -        89       602


    Non-GAAP
     comparable
     basis segment    ====      ====       ===      ====
     net revenues     $551      $280       $89      $920
    ==============    ====      ====       ===      ====
    - Change in
     comparable basis
     -- three months
     ended March 31,
     2009 vs. 2008                                   -21%
                                                     ====




    (i)   Activision Publishing ("Activision") --  publishes interactive
          entertainment software and peripherals, which includes the
          Activision business conducted by Activision, Inc. prior to the
          Business combination and certain studios, assets, and titles
          previously included in Vivendi Games' "Sierra Entertainment"
          operating segment prior to the business combination.

    (ii)  Blizzard --  Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries
          publishing  traditional games and online subscription-based games in
          the MMORPG category.

    (iii) Distribution --  distribution of interactive entertainment software
          and hardware products.

    (iv)  Activision, Blizzard and Distribution are referred to collectively
          as Activision Blizzard Inc.'s core operations ("Core").

    (v)   Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations ("Non-Core") -
          presents Vivendi Games' divisions or business units that the company
          has exited or is winding down as part of its restructuring and
          integration efforts as a result of the business combination.



    ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations
    Segment Information - Comparable Basis Operating Income (Loss) (amounts in
    millions)

                                                                    Segments /
                   Activision  Blizzard Distribution Core   Non   Consolidated
                       (i)       (ii)     (iii)      (iv)  -Core(v)   Total
                   ----------  -------- ------------ ----  ------   ----------
    Three months
     ended March 31, 2009

    Segment operating
     income (loss)     $(27)      $143      $3       $119    $(4)      $115

    Reconciliation
     to GAAP
     consolidated
     operating income
     (loss)
      - Net effect
       from deferral
       of net revenues
       and related cost
       of sales                                                         167
      - Stock-based
       compensation expense                                             (28)
      - Restructuring expense                                           (15)
      - Amortization of
       intangible assets
       and purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments                                                      (46)
      - Integration and
       transaction costs                                                (14)

    Consolidated operating                                             ----
     income (loss) (GAAP)                                              $179



    Non-GAAP comparable
     basis segment
     operating income  ====       ====     ===       ====
     (loss)            $(27)      $143      $3       $119
                       ====       ====     ===       ====



                                                                  Segments /
                   Activision  Blizzard Distribution Core   Non   Consolidated
                       (i)       (ii)     (iii)      (iv)  -Core(v)   Total
                   ----------  -------- ------------ ----  ------   ----------
    Three months
     ended March 31, 2008

    Segment
     operating
     income (loss)
      (VG only)        $(19)       $154     $-       $135    $(65)      $70

    Reconciliation
     to GAAP
     consolidated
     operating income
     (loss)
      - Net effect
       from deferral
       of net revenues
       and related cost
       of sales                                                           2
      - Stock-based
       compensation expense                                              (8)
      - Amortization of
       intangible assets
       and purchase price
       accounting related
       adjustments                                                       (1)

    Consolidated operating                                              ---
     income (loss) (GAAP)                                               $63

    Comparable Presentation
     Adjustment:
    Including Activision, Inc.
     prior periods for the
     three months ended
     March 31, 2008
    Segment operating
     income (loss)       69           -      3         72       -        72
    Reconciliation
     to consolidated
     operating income
     (loss)
        - Stock-based
         compensation                                                   (18)
                                                                        ---
        Consolidated
         operating income
         (loss)                                                         $54

    Non-GAAP comparable
     basis segment
     operating income   ===        ====    ===       ====
     (loss)             $50        $154     $3       $207
    =================   ===        ====    ===       ====

    - Change in
     comparable basis
     -- three months
     ended March 31,
     2009 vs. 2008                                    -43%
                                                     =====

    (i)   Activision Publishing ("Activision") --  publishes interactive
          entertainment software and peripherals, which includes the
          Activision business conducted by Activision, Inc. prior to the
          business combination and certain studios, assets, and titles
          previously included in Vivendi Games' "Sierra Entertainment"
          operating segment prior to the business combination.

    (ii)  Blizzard -- Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries
          publishing traditional games and online subscription-based games in
          the MMORPG category.

    (iii) Distribution -- distribution of interactive entertainment software
          and hardware products.

    (iv)  Activision, Blizzard and Distribution are referred to collectively
          as Activision Blizzard Inc.'s core operations ("Core").

    (v)   Activision Blizzard's non-core exit operations ("Non-Core") -
          presents Vivendi Games' divisions or business units that the company
          has exited or is winding down as part of its restructuring and
          integration efforts as a result of the business combination.



    Activision Blizzard Outlook
    For the Quarter Ending June 30, 2009 and Year Ending
    December 31, 2009
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
    (Amounts in millions, except per share data)
                                               Outlook for      Outlook for
                                              Quarter Ending    Year Ending
                                              June 30, 2009  December 31, 2009
                                              -------------  -----------------

      Net Revenues (GAAP)                       $1,000             $4,300

      Excluding the impacts of:
      -------------------------
      Change in deferred net revenues             (225)               500 (a)
                                                  ----                ---

      Non-GAAP Net Revenues                       $775             $4,800


      Earnings Per Diluted Share (GAAP)          $0.10              $0.24

      Excluding the impacts of:
      -------------------------
      Change in deferred net revenues and
       related cost of sales                     (0.09)              0.16 (b)
      Equity based compensation (including
       purchase price accounting related
       adjustments)                               0.02               0.08 (c)
      Results of products and operations
       that the company has exited or is
       winding down                               0.00               0.01 (d)
      One time costs related to the Business
       Combination, integration and
       restructuring                              0.01               0.02 (e)
      Amortization of intangible assets and
       purchase price accounting related
       adjustments                                0.02               0.12 (f)

                                                 -----              -----
      Non-GAAP Earnings Per
       Diluted Share                             $0.06              $0.63


    (a) Reflects the net change in deferred net revenues.

    (b) Reflects the net change in deferred net revenues and related cost of
        sales.

    (c) Reflects equity based compensation costs, including the increase in
        fair value associated with the historical Activision stock awards as
        part of the purchase price accounting adjustments. Also includes the
        costs of the Blizzard Entertainment equity plan and Vivendi awards to
        historical Vivendi Games employees.

    (d) Reflects the results of products and operations from the historical
        Vivendi Games businesses that the company has exited or is winding
        down and exit costs from the cancellation of projects.

    (e) Reflects one-time costs related to the business combination with
        Vivendi Games (including transaction costs, integration costs and
        restructuring activities).  Restructuring activities includes
        severance costs and facility exit costs.

    (f) Reflects amortization of intangible assets, the increase in the fair
        value of inventories and associated cost of sales, all of which relate
        to purchase price accounting related adjustments.

    The per share adjustments are presented as calculated, and the GAAP and non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share information is also presented as calculated. The sum of these measures, as presented, may differ due to the
    impact of rounding.


SOURCE Activision Blizzard, Inc.