Take-Two Interactive Q1 Bookings Exceed Midpoint Guidance, Oppenheimer Predicts.

Take-Two Interactive is expected to report Q1 net bookings slightly above its guided midpoint, according to Oppenheimer. The company's Q1 earnings will be its first update on the performance of Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Take-Two has seen increased engagement and sales during the pandemic, which has boosted its stock price.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (TTWO) is set to report its first-quarter (Q1) 2026 earnings on August 7. According to Oppenheimer analysts, the company's Q1 net bookings are expected to slightly exceed the guided midpoint. This marks the first quarterly update on the performance of Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take-Two has seen increased engagement and sales during the pandemic, which has significantly boosted its stock price. The company's gaming portfolio and recurrent consumer spending model are expected to have benefited from sustained franchise engagement in the Q1 2026 period. Continued momentum across core console franchises and live service titles, such as NBA 2K and GTA Online, is likely to have supported net bookings. Zynga's newer mobile offerings are also expected to have contributed to diversification across platforms.

The company anticipates GAAP net revenues between $1.35 billion and $1.40 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with a GAAP net loss per share between 78 cents and 65 cents. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TTWO’s fiscal first-quarter revenues is pegged at $1.28 billion, indicating growth of 5.42% on a year-over-year basis. The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at 26 cents per share, which has been unchanged over the past 30 days, indicating an improvement from the year-ago quarter's earnings of 5 cents.

Key factors to consider for TTWO include the continued momentum of core console franchises, the performance of Zynga's mobile offerings, and the impact of platform maturity on GTA Online bookings. Seasonal softness during the spring quarter and elevated mobile acquisition costs are anticipated to have limited margin improvement. Gross margin expansion is expected to be constrained, while operating expenses are projected to rise 3% year over year.

Take-Two's stock has been added to several indices, including the Russell Midcap Growth Index and the Russell 3000 Growth Index, reflecting its strong performance and growth prospects. The company's stock has also been the subject of various price target adjustments by analysts, with Citigroup, MoffettNathanson, and Wolfe Research among those who have recently revised their targets.

As Take-Two Interactive prepares to report its Q1 2026 earnings, investors and financial professionals will be closely watching for updates on the performance of its key franchises and the company's overall financial health. The upcoming earnings call is expected to provide valuable insights into the company's strategic direction and growth prospects.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/take-two-interactive-to-report-q1-bookings-slightly-exceeding-the-guided-midpoint-oppenheimer-says-ce7c5ed8dc81f022
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/take-two-set-report-q1-earnings-whats-store-stock