Ubisoft Annual Report 2015

Key insights

7 takeaways

01
Ubisoft posted record sales of €1,464 million in fiscal 2015, up 45% year over year.See it on page 165
02
The company swung from a net loss to a net income of €150.7 million, driven by strong open-world franchises and digital expansion.See it on page 19
03
Digital revenue grew to 26% of total sales, reflecting a deliberate strategic shift toward digital and online-focused gaming.See it on page 5
04
Ubisoft positioned itself as a leading independent publisher in North America and EMEA by prioritizing in-house development and brand diversification.See it on page 12
05
The company funded growth with a syndicated loan and a €200 million Schuldschein loan, while actively managing foreign exchange and market risks through treasury operations.See it on page 44
06
Executive compensation was tied to quantitative targets such as EBIT and sales growth, and the board emphasized independence and diversity standards.See it on page 51
07
Ubisoft's stated forward focus is multiplayer-focused brands and continued digital transformation, supported by a strong liquidity position.See it on page 12

Summary

The 2015 Ubisoft Annual Report details a pivotal fiscal year characterized by a significant financial turnaround and a strategic shift toward digital and online-focused gaming. The company achieved record sales of €1,464 million, representing a 45% increase over the previous year, and successfully transitioned from a net loss to a net income of €150.7 million. This growth was primarily driven by the strong performance of open-world franchises and a deliberate expansion of the digital segment, which grew to account for 26% of total sales.

Operationally, the company solidified its position as a leading independent publisher in the North American and EMEA markets by prioritizing in-house development and brand diversification. To support this trajectory, Ubisoft maintained a robust financial structure, utilizing syndicated loans, a €200 million Schuldschein loan, and active treasury management to mitigate risks related to foreign exchange and market volatility. The report emphasizes a commitment to long-term value creation through rigorous internal controls, a centralized organizational structure, and a focus on attracting specialized talent across its global studio network.

Corporate governance remained a central pillar, with the Board of Directors adhering to strict independence and diversity standards. The company implemented performance-based compensation structures for executive leadership, ensuring that incentives remain aligned with quantitative targets such as EBIT and sales growth. Furthermore, the report highlights a proactive approach to corporate social responsibility, with initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, employee development, and ethical business practices. By maintaining a strong liquidity position and clear strategic delegations for capital management, the company positioned itself to navigate industry challenges while pursuing future growth through multiplayer-focused brands and continued digital transformation.