Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Grand Theft Auto, has seen a significant surge in its stock price following the recent earnings report released on February 6. Currently, shares are trading above $210, marking a remarkable increase of approximately $35 from last Thursday’s close, and setting a new record high for the company.
This increase surpasses Take-Two’s previous stock peak of around $210, which occurred in 2021 amid pandemic-driven market conditions that favored entertainment companies. For context, the company’s stock was valued at approximately $17 per share at the launch of Grand Theft Auto V in September 2013, rewarding long-term shareholders substantially.
A major factor behind the stock surge is Take-Two’s announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to launch in Fall 2025, although the possibility of a delay was acknowledged. More importantly, the company’s earnings showcased a significant beat against Wall Street expectations. Although Take-Two reported a loss of 71 cents per share, analysts predicted a larger loss of 90 cents. This deviation has been positively received by investors, contributing to the impressive stock performance.
Despite the ongoing anticipation for GTA VI, concerns regarding potential delays linger, recalling past Rockstar Games releases that extended beyond their planned dates. Comments from Take-Two’s CEO underscore the company’s commitment to quality, stating, “We know that Rockstar seeks perfection. I never claim success before it occurs.” He emphasized the competitive landscape and the organization’s dedication to maintaining high standards.
As the gaming community awaits GTA VI, expectations are high, with forecasts suggesting it could sell 40 million units and generate $3 billion in revenue in its first year. The game will be launched exclusively on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the possibility of other titles appearing on future platforms.
