May NPD Software Overview (ATVI) (EA)

On Thursday, The NPD Group released video game sales for May. A stronger release slate drives software: for the category overall (46% of industry sales) sales improved by +18% (vs. Stifel est. +26%), including a 60%+ increase for console software on current gen systems (PS4 + Xbone). This was fueled by several new releases including Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (#1 game for the month), Doom, and Overwatch, among others.

1) Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) - posted nearly 60% growth (despite ongoing weakness for Skylanders) with software up 150%+).

2) Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) - down ~-20%, based on the absence of any new releases and lower sales for FIFA.

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