Electronic Arts Nears Final Chapter as Publicly Traded Company

The landscape of the gaming industry is set for a significant shift as Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world's leading video game publishers, approaches its final days on the public market. A colossal acquisition bid has fundamentally altered the trajectory for the company's shareholders, leaving potential investors to question the viability of a last-minute entry.

On September 29, 2025, a definitive takeover proposal was unveiled that values the gaming giant at approximately $55 billion. The bidding consortium comprises the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) in partnership with private equity giants Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. Their offer of $210 per share represents a substantial 25% premium over the stock's trading level before news of the acquisition talks became public.

As part of the transaction, PIF will contribute its existing 9.9% stake in EA. This deal, anticipated to finalize in the first quarter of 2027, will conclude EA's long run as a publicly listed entity. Following the necessary regulatory approvals and shareholder consent, the company's shares will be delisted from all trading exchanges.

Financial Performance in the Transition Phase

The most recent quarterly report, covering the period ending September 2025, presents a transitional financial snapshot for the publisher. EA posted net revenue of $1.839 billion for its second quarter, reflecting a year-over-year decline. The drop in profitability was even more pronounced, with net income plunging 53% to $137 million.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Electronic Arts?

In light of the pending acquisition, the company has discontinued its customary earnings presentations and is no longer issuing forward-looking guidance. Management's focus is now entirely on completing the transaction. Despite this, EA distributed a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share and executed a share repurchase program totaling $375 million.

Market Sentiment and Investor Positioning

Market analysts have largely recalibrated their outlooks to align with the takeover price. Numerous financial institutions have set their price targets at the offer price of $210, accompanying these with "Neutral" or "Hold" recommendations. The consensus is unambiguous: there is minimal potential for the stock to trade significantly above the acquisition value.

Institutional investor activity reveals divergent strategies. Ameriprise Financial and Goldman Sachs substantially increased their holdings, whereas GAM Holding slightly reduced its position. With the stock already trading near the proposed acquisition price, the window for speculative gains appears nearly shut. For long-term shareholders, this development signals the conclusion of a distinct investment era. The final act has commenced for Electronic Arts on the public stage, leaving investors to ponder whether the limited upside remaining before the deal's official close justifies maintaining their positions.