GameStop Q4 profit up

Grapevine, Texas -- GameStop Corp reported a nearly 50% increase rise in fourth-quarter profit fueled by gains in its mobile and digital businesses. Profit rose to $261.1 million from $174.7 million.



Revenue for the quarter ended Feb. 2, 2013, totaled $3.56 billion compared to $3.58 billion last year. Same-store sales were down 4.6%.



Paul Raines, CEO, stated: “While 2012 was a challenging year for console gaming, we focused on factors within our control. We expanded our market leadership position, maintained our financial strength and controlled our spending. Perhaps most importantly, we invested in our mobile and digital businesses to position the company for future success. These channels delivered as planned and significantly contributed to our highest ever gross margin and profitability.”



Looking ahead, Raines said that GameStop’s market model indicates a return to growth with the launch of new game systems.



“The video game industry is anticipating a strong finish to 2013 with the release of Grand Theft Auto V and the launch of at least one next generation console by holiday. Ahead of these events, GameStop expects the first half of the year to be challenging as consumers postpone purchases leading up to the fourth quarter console launch,” Raines said.



For fiscal year 2012, total global sales were $8.89 billion, a 7.0% decrease compared to $9.55 billion in fiscal 2011. Same-store sales declined 8.0%.