Activision (ATVI) reported earnings on Thur 9 Feb 17 (a/h)

** charts before earnings **

** charts after earnings **

 

• Activision sales top Street; Co hikes dividend, sets $1 billion buyback

Videogame publisher Activision Blizzard Inc reported fourth-quarter revenue above analysts' estimates, raised its dividend and announced a two-year $1 billion stock repurchase plan.

The company's shares were up 9.5 percent at $43.50 in extended trading on Thursday.

Activision's total adjusted revenue rose to $2.45 billion in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 from $2.12 billion a year earlier.

Analysts on average had expected revenue of $2.35 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Revenue from the company's high-margin digital business doubled to $1.45 billion.

The company's net income rose to $254 million, or 33 cents per share, from $159 million, or 21 cents per share.