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Activision Blizzard

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Industry Electronic Gaming & Multimedia
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2014 Annual Report · Activision Blizzard
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2014 Annual Report

®®2014

n  An Outstanding Year with Record Results
n   Successfully Launched Two New Franchises

Doubling Our Portfolio from 5 to 10+ Over 2 Years

®

®

®

®

Revenues1     $4.8 billion  

double digit growth 
year over year

s

Digital Revenue1   46%   

of total revenue, representing 
an all-time high

  Earnings Per Share1   $1.42  

50%+ growth year over year, 
representing an all-time high

  Operating Margin1   32%   

up year over year 

Unannounced 
Initiatives

s

 Operating Cash Flow   $1.3 billion   

over $6.2 billion 
over the last 5 years

s

s

s

s

s

2013   Ended with 5 Core Franchises

s

s

2014   Launched 2 New Games

s

s

s

s

2015   Expect to End 2015 with 10+ Franchises

s

We are Positioned for
Long-Term Growth and 
Margin Expansion 

1Non-GAAP; for a full reconciliation, please see tables at the end of the annual report.

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
®

First 
Person 
Action

®

Number 1 console game 
globally in 20141, 2
and next-gen leader

®

Shared-
World 
Shooter

®

Largest new video game 
franchise launch in industry’s history 1 
with over 17 million registered players2

2

1 NPD and GfK Chart-Track, including toys and accessories.
2 Activision Blizzard internal estimates.

1 NPD and GfK Chart-Track, including toys and accessories.
2 As of March 4, 2015

3

®

Number 1 kids console game globally 
in 20141, 2  with over 240 million toys sold 
and $3 billion in retail sales to date

®

Toys-
To-
Life

®

®

Entered open beta in January 
2015 in one of the world’s largest 
online gaming markets, China

Free-To-Play
Online First
Person Action

4

1 NPD and GfK Chart-Track, including toys and accessories.
2 Activision Blizzard internal estimates.

5

Over 10 million subscribers at 
the end of 2014; world’s leading
subscription-based online game

Massively 
Multi-Player Online
Role-Playing Game

Number 1 
PC role-playing game
in 2014 1

Role-
Playing 
Game

6

1 NPD and GfK Chart-Track

7

Game of the year with more than 25 million 
registered players; on iOS and Android 
tablets, with smartphones to come

Free-To-Play
Digital 
Card Game

Over 9 million players 
signed up for 
closed beta globally

Free-To-Play
Team
Brawler

8

9

New intellectual property 
set in an all-new 
Blizzard game universe

6 v. 6
Team-Based
Shooter

To enter closed
beta in 2015

10

11

Echidnaruptor

To Our Shareholders

In February, I received this letter from Rocco, a seven-year old from England who is 
a big Skylanders fan: 

Hi Bobby,
Father Christmas bought me a wii last 
Christmas, and Skylanders trap team. 
I love it! 
I have some AWSOME Sklyanders to 
show you that I made up. 
I have drawn 30 of them in a book and 
given them names. Here are some of them. 
I hope you like them and maybe one day 
put them in a few Skylanders game!  
From Rocco

Rocco captioned each of his drawings. The caption for the yellow and red Echidnaruptor 

drawing reads: “An Echidna that has volcanos on his head and shoots lava out of his 

nose. He is fire element.” Brilliant!

Stomp Chomp

I love receiving letters like Rocco’s. They are a reminder of how passionate our 
fans are and the extraordinarily deep ways in which they’re engaging with our 
content. (And Rocco is now on our 2026 college recruiting list.)

Rocco is one of over 150 million deeply engaged audience members who make 
up our uniquely impassioned global fan base. Last year our audiences spent 
almost 12 billion hours playing our games. That doesn’t include the time spec-
tators spent watching content based on our games through Twitch and YouTube, 
which accounted for more than a billion viewing hours. And it doesn’t include the 
enormous amount of time spent by Skylanders fans like Rocco as they let their 
imaginations dream up entirely new characters. 

Traptanian Devil

It’s this deep and consistent level of engagement by massive and growing global communi-
ties of gamers that drives our success and continues to provide us with new opportunities 
to wow and delight our audiences. It’s why we believe our franchises are more valuable 
than even the most recognizable film and television franchises. And it’s why we are confi-
dent that, as owners of a growing library of popular interactive franchises dating back to 
the founding of the company 35 years ago, we will continue to generate strong operating 
performance and superior shareholder returns as we have for more than two decades.

Understanding Our Results 

Since 1991, when Brian Kelly and I purchased our stake in the company and were given 
the privilege of managing it, our book value per share has grown from less than $0.01, on 
a split-adjusted basis, to $9.76 per share today, a rate of 37% compounded annually. We 
outperformed the S&P 500 by a wide margin and have provided shareholders with more 
than $10 billion of share repurchases and dividends.

If you had invested $100 in our company 20 years ago, it would have returned over 
$4,400 today — almost nine times more than the $520 the S&P 500 would have returned 
in that same period of time and almost five times more than Berkshire Hathaway, which 
we generally regard as the gold standard to measure just about everything against.

Legacy of the Void, 
standalone final chapter of StarCraft II; 
currently in closed beta

Real
Time
Strategy

12

13

Activision 
Publishing: 
3 of the5

best-selling new 
releases of 2014

2014 Non-GAAP Revenues1
($ million of dollars)

$4,813

Double
Digit 
Growth

$4,342

2013               2014

2014 Non-GAAP 
Digital Revenues1
($ million of dollars)

$2,198

$1,565

s
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2013              2014

40%
Growth

In 2014, we delivered record earnings per share of $1.42 (non-GAAP)1, up more than 
50% from 2013. We also generated double-digit revenue growth (non-GAAP)1, record 
higher-margin digital revenues that represented an all-time high of 46% of total revenues 
(non-GAAP)1, and operating cash flow of $1.3 billion. 

We Hit a Few Bumps in the Road

While our incredibly talented team delivered another record year of earnings per share 
in 2014, these figures don’t provide a perfect picture of our performance, as they don’t 
emphasize what we could have done better, which is a lot. 

1

Our record earnings per share was largely driven by our purchase of 429 million shares 
in our company in 2013, at a price of $13.60 per share (which seemed risky at the time 
2014 Non-GAAP EPS
($ dollars)
but so far has turned out pretty well for shareholders). We also had better-than-expected 
earnings per share because our tax rate was lower last year, driven by our better perfor-
mance internationally. We had planned to generate greater operating profits in our 
$1.42
Activision Publishing business unit, but we missed a few important objectives in the 
Up 50%+ 
execution of our plans. 
Year 
To Year

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was the most successful game of the year, but it did 
not perform as well as we had hoped. There are a few factors that led to this, including 
$0.94
$4,342
the fact that there are millions of people still playing Call of Duty: Black Ops II, which we 
released in 2012. That’s a good sign for the health of the franchise overall, but we need to 
do a better job of providing and capturing value from the franchise. 

2014 Non-GAAP Revenues1
($ million of dollars)

$4,813

Skylanders was the most successful kids’ game of the year, but we feel we could have 
done better. A lot of our customers have moved from playing games on the Nintendo 
Wii to Apple and Android tablets and mobile devices, but we did not create enough 
Skylanders content for our fans to enjoy. We are hard at work addressing this, too.

2013              2014

2013               2014

Operating Cash Flow
We also missed out last year on the overall growth in mobile games which is clearly 
($ million of dollars)
a great opportunity for the future. We already have a great start with Hearthstone on 
tablets, and we expect to have Hearthstone on mobile devices sometime soon.

2015 Dividend
(Shares)

$1,292

2014 Non-GAAP 
Digital Revenues1
($ million of dollars)

While we have areas for improvement, we did quite a few things right this past year:
$1,264
l  World of Warcraft reached over 10 million subscribers and for 10 years has remained  

Up 15%

$0.23

the leading subscription-based MMORPG in the world

$0.20

l  Diablo III was the number one PC role-playing game of the year and has sold more    
$1,565

than 20 million units 

l  Hearthstone was named Game of the Year, and has attracted more than 25 million  
  players
l  Call of Duty cumulative franchise revenue is now over $11 billion (that’s more than  
  Hollywood’s top six movies combined grossed in worldwide box office receipts), and   
  Call of Duty was once again the number one game of the year 
l  Destiny was the biggest new launch in video game history with 17 million players today,  
  and active players are averaging more than three hours a day of gameplay
l  Skylanders was the number one kids’ game of the year for the fourth year in a row and  
  outsold every single action figure toy line

2014               2015

2013               2014

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2013              2014

Blizzard 
Entertainment:
2014

Record-setting 
Revenue and near-
record setting Profits

2014 Non-GAAP EPS
($ dollars)

1

Double
Digit 
Growth

$1.42

Up 50%+ 
Year 
To Year

$0.94

2013              2014

Operating Cash Flow
($ million of dollars)

$1,292

$2,198

40%
Growth

$1,264

Building a Franchise in Four (Not-So-Easy) Steps

We use the term “franchise” a lot in our letters and in discussions of our business. We 
thought it would be useful to share our definition of franchise as it is used loosely, and we 
think inaccurately by many. To us, a franchise is a brand that:
1) Has a history of audience success and profitability;
2) Is globally appealing;
3) Attracts a large and engaged community capable of generating operating profit over a 
long period of time, and,
4) Most importantly, has a clear pathway for innovation, inspiration and creativity. 

1 For a full GAAP to non-GAAP 
  reconciliation, please see tables at the  
  end of the annual report.

14

2013               2014

2 During calendar year 2014, combined  
  GAAP revenues from Call of Duty, 
  Skylanders and World of Warcraft, 
  Diablo, and Starcraft were over 
  $3.3 billion.
3 During calendar year 2014, combined GAAP  
  revenues and operating income from Destiny  
  and Hearthstone were more than $450 million  
  and $30 million, respectively. The difference in  
  GAAP and non-GAAP revenues and operating  
  income represent the net change in deferrals  
  of revenue and cost of sales of approximately  
  $400 million and $190 million, respectively.
4 During calendar year 2014, we had four  
  franchises each with over $250 million in    
  revenue (GAAP), three of which were over 
  $500 million each and one of which was over  
  $1 billion in revenue. The difference in GAAP  
  and non-GAAP revenues represents the net  
  change in deferrals of revenues.
5 Copyright 2015 by Kantar Media I Intelligence.  
  All rights reserved.

We have many proven franchises in our portfolio, including Call of Duty, Skylanders and 
World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Starcraft. In 2014 these five proven franchises generated 
over $3.3 billion in revenue (non-GAAP)2. 

We established two exciting new franchises in 2014: Activision Publishing’s Destiny and 
Blizzard Entertainment’s Hearthstone, which rank among the biggest launches in game 
industry history. Combined, they attracted over 40 million registered players globally and 
generated more than $850 million in revenues and $225 million in operating income 
(non-GAAP)3 in 2014 — a testament to our talented team’s ability to capture the imagina-
tions of tens of millions of people around the world. Though they have shorter operating 
histories, they have the crucial ingredients for proven franchise status: initial profitability, 
global appeal, large and engaged communities, and clear pathways for innovation.

Our players’ passion for these new franchises has endured. Each day, active Destiny 
players spend more than three hours playing the game. That’s more time spent playing 
Destiny each day than average users engage with Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Netflix 
combined. We must be vigilant in building on our early success to ensure durable, lasting 
franchises for the future.

In 2014, we had six proven or new franchises each with over $250 million in revenue (non-
GAAP), four of which were over $500 million each and two of which were over $1 billion in 
revenue each4. As we look ahead, expanding and diversifying our portfolio to 10 will be no 
small accomplishment — but it’s what we believe will drive growth for years to come.

We Keep Winning the Talent Show

Deciding on which franchises to launch requires a disciplined greenlight process and wildly 
talented and inspired people and ideas. The most important consideration remains fun. 
We set an incredibly high bar for customer experience and creative potential in a way that 
would merit an entire letter unto itself. 
2015 Dividend
(Shares)
Without our extraordinarily talented people around the world our success would not be 
possible. Over the last 20 years, we have become the destination for game development 
talent. 

$0.23

Up 15%

We are able to attract and retain the best talent in our industry. This year, for the first time, 
we were named by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For®. We have 
$0.20
always believed Activision Blizzard is a great place to work, but this honor is especially 
satisfying because it is principally based on our employees’ opinions of the company. 
We have a culture of cooperation, inspiration, creativity and rational business principles, 
and being recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For® is further validation 
that our formula is working.

Imagine if You Owned the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL 

2014               2015

Last year our 6,800 employees created entertainment that was viewed and played by over 
150 million people for more than 13 billion hours. Probably the best “engagement” analogy 
is sports, where fans are widely known to be some of the most passionate of audiences 
and engaged participants, mostly off the field.

In 2014, fans of the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), 
Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Hockey League 
(NHL) watched about 10 billion hours of nationally televised games. Those games generate 
approximately $10 billion of rights fees for the leagues annually and advertising revenue of 
approximately $7 billion5 for the television networks that carry them. 

# Hours 2014 Season

  AB Franchises~13B  

NFL~7B  

NBA/MLB/NHL/MLS~3B

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Review

Stock Repurchase 
Authorization (two-year)

$750
million

2008-2014
Approximately

$10billion 

in Repurchases
and Dividends

2015 Debt Pay Down

$250million

2014 Non-GAAP Revenues1

($ million of dollars)

2014 Non-GAAP EPS

1

($ dollars)

$4,813

Double

Digit 

Growth

$1.42

Up 50%+ 
Year 
To Year

$4,342

$0.94

2013               2014

2013              2014

Operating Cash Flow

($ million of dollars)

$1,292

2015 Dividend
(Shares)

40%

Growth

$1,264

$0.23

Up 15%

$0.20

2014 Non-GAAP 

Digital Revenues1

($ million of dollars)

$2,198

$1,565

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Time spent immersed in playing and watching Activision Blizzard content was nearly twice 
the time spent watching NFL games, which in turn was about twice the time spent watch-
ing the four other major leagues on national television. In fact, fans spent 30% more time 
with our brands in the 2014 season than they spent watching all major sports leagues on 
national TV — combined. 

Professional sports leagues are able to generate billions of dollars in revenue each year 
through various sources including ticket sales, licensing, merchandising, sponsorships and 
broadcast rights.

Professional sports leagues have done an excellent job creating great franchise based 
entertainment experiences across multiple channels for passionate fans. But these remain 
largely passive viewing experiences although the fans of major sports are certainly among 
the most engaged audiences.

When we think about our franchises we view our responsibilities to our fans and the associ-
ated business opportunities through the lens of leagues — like the NFL, the Premier League, 
the NBA, MLB, MLS or NHL “franchises.” Call of Duty today generates revenues from the 
sale of interactive content but not meaningful revenues from tournament play, broadcasting, 
licensing or merchandising, all of which are great future financial opportunities. The same 
opportunities abound for our other franchises and we hope to capitalize on these opportu-
nities in the years to come. We think competitive gaming and the spectator opportunities 
connected to organized gaming competitions could provide sizeable opportunities for 
shareholders in the future. 

We Haven’t Learned to Rise Above Our Principles

As they have for many years, our core principles remain the same. We will continue to:

l  Deliver innovative and compelling entertainment experiences with continuous investment  
in the franchises we create and investment in the communities comprised of our players

l  Focus on the largest and most promising opportunities
l  Recruit, reward and retain great talent and build teams that share common values
l  Remain disciplined in the application of our commitment to deliver stakeholder value

Even with over two decades of practice, it’s difficult to consistently execute with an 
unwavering commitment to excellence and our principles. We remain dedicated and 
determined to do so because they’ve prevented us from making mistakes and provided 
us with numerous opportunities for growth and margin expansion. 

The 24-year operating history of this management team in driving superior results and 
stakeholder returns has been driven by unwavering focus and discipline (and avoiding a lot 
of dumb things we considered and avoided). We continue to foster a culture of creative 
excellence and financial discipline, and we will continue to strive for improvement in all 
areas of our business.

2013              2014

2013               2014

2014               2015

We thank you for being a stakeholder. We remain grateful for your support and have never 
been more excited or confident about our future.

Sincerely, 

Bobby Kotick
President and Chief Executive Officer
Activision Blizzard

Brian Kelly
Chairman of the Board
Activision Blizzard

16

®® 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION 

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The  terms  “Activision  Blizzard,”  the  “Company,”  “we,”  “us,”  and  “our”  are  used  to  refer  collectively  to  Activision 
Blizzard, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 

The following table summarizes certain selected consolidated financial data, which should be read in conjunction with our 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  Notes  thereto  and  with  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial 
Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  included  elsewhere  in  this  Annual  Report.  The  selected  consolidated  financial  data 
presented  below  at  and  for  each  of  the  years  in  the  five-year  period  ended  December 31,  2014  is  derived  from  our 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  All  amounts  set  forth  in  the  following  tables  are  in  millions,  except  per  share  data.

2014

For the Years Ended December 31,
2012

2011

2013

2010

Statement of Operations Data: 
Net Revenues ...........................................................................  
Net income ...............................................................................  
Basic net income per share .......................................................  
Diluted net income per share ....................................................  
Cash dividends declared per share(2) ........................................  
Balance Sheet Data: 
Total assets ...............................................................................  
Total debt, net(3) .......................................................................  

$  4,408
835
1.14
1.13
0.20

$  4,583
1,010
0.96
0.95
0.19

$  4,856  $  4,755
1,085
0.93
0.92
0.165

1,149 
1.01 
1.01 
0.18 

$  4,447
418(1)
0.34
0.33
0.15

$  14,746
4,324

$  14,012
4,693

$  14,200  $  13,277
—

— 

$  13,447
—

(1) 

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded $326 million of impairment charges within our Activision segment. These 
charges  consisted  of  impairments  of  $67 million,  $9 million  and  $250 million  to  license  agreements,  game  engines 
and internally developed franchises intangible assets, respectively. 

(2)  On February 6, 2014, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 14, 2014, to 
shareholders  of  record  at  the  close  of  business  on  March 19,  2014.  On  February 7,  2013,  our  Board  of  Directors 
declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.19  per  share,  payable  on  May 15,  2013,  to  shareholders  of  record  at  the  close  of 
business on March 20, 2013. On February 9, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per share, 
payable on May 16, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2012. On February 9, 2011, 
our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.165  per  share,  payable  on  May 11,  2011,  to  shareholders  of 
record  at  the  close  of  business  on  March 16,  2011.  On  February 10,  2010,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash 
dividend  of  $0.15  per  share,  payable  on  April 2,  2010,  to  shareholders  of  record  at  the  close  of  business  on 
February 22,  2010.  Prior  to  the  cash  dividend  declared  in  February  2010,  the  Company  had  never  paid  a  cash 
dividend. 

(3) 

In  connection  with  the  Purchase  Transaction,  on  September 19,  2013,  we  issued  $1.5 billion  of  5.625%  unsecured 
senior  notes  due  September  2021  (the  “2021  Notes”),  and  $750 million  of  6.125%  unsecured  senior  notes  due 
September 2023 (the “2023 Notes”, and together with the 2021 Notes, the “Notes”). On October 11, 2013, we entered 
into a $2.5 billion secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan”), maturing in October 2020. The carrying values of the 
Notes and Term Loan are presented net of unamortized debt discount fees. 

Business Overview 

Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment.  

The Business Combination and Share Repurchase 

Activision, Inc. was originally incorporated in California in 1979 and was reincorporated in Delaware in December 1992. 

On  July 9,  2008,  a  business  combination  (the  “Business  Combination”)  by  and  among  Activision, Inc.,  Sego  Merger 
Corporation,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Activision, Inc.,  Vivendi S.A.  (“Vivendi”),  VGAC LLC,  a  wholly-owned 
subsidiary  of  Vivendi  ,  and  Vivendi  Games, Inc.  (“Vivendi  Games”),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  VGAC LLC,  was 
consummated.  As  a  result  of  the  consummation  of  the  Business  Combination,  Activision, Inc.  was  renamed  Activision 
Blizzard, Inc. and Vivendi became a majority shareholder of Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard is a public company 
traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “ATVI.” 

On October 11, 2013, we repurchased approximately 429 million shares of our common stock, pursuant to a stock purchase 
agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) we entered into on July 25, 2013, with Vivendi and ASAC II LP (“ASAC”), 
an  exempted  limited  partnership  established  under  the  laws  of  the  Cayman  Islands,  acting  by  its  general  partner,  ASAC 
II LLC.  Pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  we  acquired  all  of  the  capital  stock  of  Amber  Holding 
Subsidiary Co., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi (“New VH”), which was the direct owner 
of approximately 429 million shares of our common stock, for a cash payment of $5.83 billion, or $13.60 per share, before 
taking into account the benefit to the Company of certain tax attributes of New VH assumed in the transaction (collectively, 
the  “Purchase  Transaction”).  Refer  to  Note 12  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further  information 
regarding  the  financing  of  the  Purchase  Transaction,  and  below  in  Other  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources  for  additional 
information. 

Immediately following the completion of the Purchase Transaction, Vivendi sold ASAC 172 million shares of Activision 
Blizzard’s common stock, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, for a cash payment of $2.34 billion, or $13.60 per 
share. 

On May 28, 2014, Vivendi sold approximately 41 million shares, or approximately 50% of its then-current holdings, of our 
common stock in a registered public offering. Vivendi received proceeds of approximately $850 million from that sale; we 
did not receive any proceeds. Vivendi currently owns approximately 41 million shares of our common stock. 

As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 722 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding. At that date, 
(i) Vivendi held  41 million  shares,  or  approximately  6%  of  the outstanding  shares of  our  common  stock,  (ii) ASAC  held 
172 million shares, or approximately 24% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and (iii) our other stockholders 
held approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. 

Operating Segments 

Based upon our organizational structure, we conduct our business through three operating segments as follows: 

(i) Activision Publishing, Inc. 

Activision Publishing, Inc. (“Activision”) is a leading international developer and publisher of interactive software products 
and content. Activision delivers content to a broad range of gamers, ranging from children to adults, and from core gamers 
to  mass-market  consumers  to  “value”  buyers  seeking  budget-priced  software,  in  a  variety  of  geographies.  Activision 
develops games based on internally-developed properties, including games in the Call of Duty® and Skylanders® franchises, 
and to a lesser extent, based on licensed intellectual properties. Additionally, we have established a long- term alliance with
Bungie to publish its game universe, Destiny®, which was released on September 9, 2014. Activision sells games through 
both  retail  and  digital  online  channels.  Activision  currently  offers  games  that  operate  on  the  Microsoft  Corporation 
(“Microsoft”) Xbox One (“Xbox One”) and Xbox 360 (“Xbox 360”), Nintendo Co. Ltd. (“Nintendo”) Wii U (“Wii U”) and 
Wii  (“Wii”),  and  Sony  Computer  Entertainment, Inc.  (“Sony”)  PlayStation  4  (“PS4”)  and  PlayStation  3  (“PS3”)  console 
systems  (Xbox  One,  Wii  U,  and  PS4  are  collectively  referred  to  as  “next-  generation”;  Xbox 360,  Wii,  and  PS3  are 

1

2

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
 
 
 
 
collectively  referred  to  as  “prior-  generation”);  the  personal computer  (“PC”);  the  Nintendo  3DS,  Nintendo  Dual  Screen, 
and Sony PlayStation Vita handheld game systems; and mobile and tablet devices. 

(ii) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. 

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (“Blizzard”) is a leader in the subscription- based massively multi-player online role-playing 
®
game  (“MMORPG”)  category  in  terms  of  both  subscriber  base  and  revenues  generated  through  its  World  of  Warcraft
franchise, which it develops, hosts and supports. Blizzard also develops, markets, and sells role-playing action and strategy 
games  for  the  PC,  console,  mobile  and  tablet  platforms,  including  games  in  the  multiple-award  winning  Diablo®,
StarCraft®,  and  Hearthstone®:  Heroes  of  Warcraft™  franchises.  In  addition,  Blizzard  maintains  a  proprietary  online 
®
.  Blizzard  distributes  its  products  and  generates  revenues  worldwide  through  various 
game-related  service,  Battle.net
means, including: subscriptions; sales of prepaid subscription cards; value-added services, such as in-game purchases and 
services;  retail  sales  of  physical  “boxed”  products;  online  download  sales  of  PC  products;  purchases  and  downloads  via 
third-party  console,  mobile  and  tablet  platforms;  and  licensing  of  software  to  third-party  or  related-party  companies  that 
distribute  World  of  Warcraft, Diablo  III  and  StarCraft  II  products.  In  addition,  Blizzard  is  the  creator  of  Heroes  of  the 
Storm™, a new free-to-play online hero brawler that is currently in closed beta testing. 

(iii) Activision Blizzard Distribution 

Our  distribution  segment  (“Distribution”)  consists  of  operations  in  Europe  that  provide  warehousing,  logistical  and  sales 
distribution  services  to  third-  party  publishers  of  interactive  entertainment  software,  our  own  publishing  operations,  and 
manufacturers of interactive entertainment hardware. 

Business Results and Highlights 

In  2014,  Activision  Blizzard’s  consolidated  net  revenues  were  $4.4 billion  and  consolidated  operating  income  was 
$1.2 billion, as compared to consolidated net revenues of $4.6 billion and consolidated operating income of $1.4 billion in 
2013. Despite lower net revenues and operating income in 2014, as compared to 2013, we generated comparable cash flows 
from operating activities of approximately $1.3 billion in both 2014 and 2013. 

As a result of the Purchase Transaction on October 11, 2013, we incurred interest and amortization expenses related to the 
Term  Loan  and  Notes  of  $208 million  in  2014  (in  each  case,  as  defined  below),  which  reflects  a  full  year  of  interest 
expense, as compared to a partial year of interest and amortization expenses of $58 million in 2013. The increase in interest 
and  amortization  expenses  contributed  to  a  lower  consolidated  net  income  of  $835 million  in  2014,  as  compared  to 
$1 billion in 2013. Despite lower net income, our diluted earnings per common share increased from $0.95 in 2013 to $1.13 
in 2014. The increase was partially due to the reduction in our common shares outstanding by approximately 429 million 
shares,  as  a  result  of  the  Purchase  Transaction.  Our  weighted-average  share  count  reflected  this  reduction  in  shares 
outstanding for all of 2014, as compared to 2013, when the weighted-average share count reflected the reduction for only a 
portion of the year. 

According  to  The  NPD  Group  with  respect  to  North  America,  GfK  Chart-Track  with  respect  to  Europe,  and  Activision 
Blizzard internal estimates, including toys and accessories, during 2014: 

• 

In  North  America  and  Europe  combined,  Activision  was  the  #1  publisher  and  had  three  of  the  top  five 
best-selling  new  releases  for  the  calendar  year—#1  Call  of  Duty:  Advanced  Warfare,  #3 Destiny,  and  #5 
Skylanders Trap Team.

•  Activision’s Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was the #1 top-selling console game globally for the calendar 
year. Additionally, in 2014, Call of Duty was the #1 franchise in North America for the sixth year in a row. 

•  Activision’s Destiny was the #1 top-selling new video game IP and the #3 top-selling new release in North 

America and Europe combined for 2014. 

•  Activision’s Skylanders Trap Team was the #1 top-selling kids console game globally for the calendar year. 
For the third consecutive year, Skylanders was the #1 kids video game franchise of the year in the U.S. and 
globally. 

Product Release Highlights 

Games and digital downloadable content released during the year ended December 31, 2014 included: 

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Call of Duty: Ghosts Onslaught (digital downloadable content) 

Call of Duty: Ghosts Devastation (digital downloadable content) 

Call of Duty: Ghosts Invasion (digital downloadable content) 

Call of Duty: Ghosts Nemesis (digital downloadable content) 

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Curse of Naxxramas™: A Hearthstone Adventure

Destiny

Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls™

Diablo III : Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition™

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft—Goblins vs Gnomes™

Skylanders Trap Team

The Amazing Spider-Man™ 2

Transformers™: Rise of the Dark Spark

• World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor™

On  January 11,  2015,  Activision  launched  a  public  open  beta  for  Call  of  Duty  Online,  a  free-to-play  game  available  in 
China. 

On January 13, 2015, Blizzard began the closed beta test for Heroes of the Storm, its upcoming free-to-play online team 
brawler featuring iconic heroes from Blizzard games. 

On January 27, 2015, Activision released Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Havoc, the first downloadable content pack for 
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare on certain platforms. 

International Operations 

International  sales  are  a  fundamental  part  of  our  business.  Net  revenues  from  international  sales  accounted  for 
approximately 50%, 47%, and 50% of our total consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012, respectively. In addition to our United States (“U.S.”) operations, we maintain significant operations in Canada, the 
United  Kingdom  (“U.K.”),  France,  Germany,  Ireland,  Italy,  Sweden,  Spain,  the  Netherlands,  Australia,  South  Korea  and 
China.  An  important  element  of  our  international  strategy  is  to  develop  content  that  is  specifically  directed  toward  local 
cultures and customs. Our international business is subject to risks typical of an international business, including, but not 
limited to, foreign currency exchange rate volatility and changes in local economies. Accordingly, our future results could 
be materially and adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in local economies. 

Management’s Overview of Business Trends 

Digital Online Channel Revenues 

We provide our products through both retail and digital distribution channels. Many of our video games that are available 
through retailers as physical “boxed” software products are also available digitally (from our websites and from websites 
and  digital  distribution  channels  owned  by  third  parties).  In  addition,  we  offer  players  digital  downloadable  content  as 
add-ons  to  our  products  (e.g.,  new  multi-player  content  packs),  generally  for  a  one-time  fee.  We  also  offer 
subscription-based services and other value- added services for World of Warcraft and microtransactions for Hearthstone:
Heroes of Warcraft, all of which are digitally delivered and hosted by Battle.net. We have further plans to introduce games 
based  on  some  of  our  most  successful  franchises  which  operate  online  on  a  free-to-play  model  with  microtransactions, 
including Blizzard’s Heroes of the Storm and Activision’s Call of Duty Online.

3

4

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTWe  currently  define  sales  via  digital  online  channels  as  revenues  from  subscriptions,  licensing  royalties,  value-added 
services,  downloadable  content,  and  digitally  distributed  products.  This  definition  may  differ  from  that  used  by  our 
competitors or other companies. 

According to Activision Blizzard internal estimates, digital gaming revenues for the interactive entertainment industry for 
the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by approximately 28% as compared to the same period in 2013. The primary 
drivers  of  the  increase  in  digital  gaming  revenues  for  the  interactive  entertainment  industry  were  increases  in  consumer 
purchases of full games via digital channels and an increase in mobile gaming revenues. Digital revenues are an important 
part of our business, and we continue to focus on and develop products, such as downloadable content, that can be delivered 
via digital online channels. The amount of our digital revenues in any period may fluctuate depending, in part, on the timing 
and  nature  of our  specific product releases.  Our sales  of digital  downloadable  content  are driven  in part by  sales of,  and 
engagement by players in, our retail products. As such, lower revenues in our retail distribution channels in the current year 
may impact our digital online channels revenues in the subsequent year. 

For the year December 31, 2014, net revenues through digital online channels increased by $338 million, as compared to 
the  same  period  in  2013,  and  represented  43%  of  our  total  consolidated  net  revenues,  as  compared  to  34%  for  the  same 
period  in  2013.  On  a  non-GAAP  basis  (which  excludes  the  impact  of  deferred  revenues),  net  revenues  through  digital 
online channels for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $633 million, as compared to the same period in 2013, 
and represented 46% of our total non-GAAP net revenues, as compared to 36% for the same period in 2013. 

Please  refer  to  the  reconciliation  between  GAAP  and  non-GAAP  financial  measures  later  in  this  document  for  further 
discussions of retail and digital online channels. 

Conditions in the Retail Distribution Channels 

Conditions in the retail distribution channels of the interactive entertainment industry continued to be challenging during 
the  year  of  2014.  In  North  America  and  Europe,  retail  sales  of  video  games  declined  by  17%,  as  compared  to  the  same 
period in 2013, according to The NPD Group and GfK Chart-Track. The continued shift of video game purchases to digital 
distribution channels has impacted the ongoing decline in retail console software sales. 

Further, while the new console cycle has started strongly and demand for next-generation games was higher than expected, 
the demand for prior- generation games declined at a faster pace than the growth of sales for next-generation titles, resulting
in the overall decline in sales in the retail distribution channels. According to The NPD Group and GfK Chart-Track, retail 
sales  from  prior-generation platform  games  declined  by 54%  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  as  compared  to  the 
same period in 2013. However, the increase in digitally distributed games, including full-game downloads, add-on content, 
and free-to-play games, has partially offset the negative trends in the retail distribution channels. 

Console Platform Transition 

In  November  2013,  Sony  released  the  PS4  and  Microsoft  released  the  Xbox  One,  their  respective  next-generation  game 
consoles and entertainment systems. According to The NPD Group and GfK Chart-Track in North America and Europe, as 
of December 31, 2014, the combined installed base of PS4 and Xbox One hardware was approximately 24 million units, as 
compared to the combined installed base of PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware of approximately 122 million units. 

When new console platforms are announced or introduced into the market, consumers may reduce their purchases of game 
console  software  products  for  prior-generation  console  platforms  in  anticipation  of  new  platforms  becoming  available. 
During these periods, sales of the game console software products we publish may slow or even decline until new platforms 
are introduced and achieve wide consumer acceptance. In prior cycles, as the next-generation installed base grew, software 
sales declines abated and software sales grew. 

During  platform  transitions,  we  simultaneously  incur  costs  to  develop  and  market  new  titles  for  prior-generation  video 
game platforms, which may not sell at premium prices, and to develop and market products for next-generation platforms, 
which  may  have  a  smaller  installed  base  until  the  next-generation  platforms  achieve  wide  consumer  acceptance.  We 
continually  monitor  console  hardware  sales  and  manage  our  product  delivery  on  each  of  the  prior-  and  next-generation 
platforms in a manner we believe to be most effective to maximize our revenue opportunities and achieve the desired return 
on  our  investments  in  product  development.  In  the  long  term,  we  expect  the  next-  generation  consoles  to  drive  industry 
growth and expand our opportunities. 

Concentration of Top Titles 

The concentration of retail revenues among key titles has continued as a trend in the overall interactive software industry. 
According to The NPD Group, the top 10 titles accounted for 32% of the sales in the U.S. interactive entertainment industry 
in  2014.  Similarly,  a  significant  portion  of  our  revenues  has  historically  been  derived  from  video  games  based  on  a  few 
popular  franchises  and  these  video  games  are  responsible  for  a  disproportionately  high  percentage  of  our  profits.  For 
example,  our  three  largest  franchises  in  2014—Call  of  Duty,  World  of  Warcraft,  and  Skylanders—accounted  for 
approximately 67% of our net revenues, and a significantly higher percentage of our operating income, for the year. 

We  are  continually  exploring  additional  investments  in  existing  and  future  franchises.  We  launched  Destiny  and 
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft in 2014 and expect to expand our leading franchise portfolio in the future. In early 2015, 
we released Call of Duty Online into open beta in China, and we released Heroes of the Storm into closed beta. While we 
plan  to  continue  to  diversify  our  portfolio  of  key  franchises,  we  expect  that  a  limited  number  of  popular  franchises  will 
continue to produce a disproportionately high percentage of our, and the industry’s, revenues and profits in the near future. 

Seasonality 

The interactive entertainment industry is highly seasonal. We have historically experienced our highest sales volume in the 
year-end holiday buying season, which occurs in the fourth quarter. We defer the recognition of a significant amount of net 
revenues, related to our software titles containing online functionality that constitutes a more-than-inconsequential separate 
service deliverable, over an extended period of time (i.e., typically five months to less than a year). As a result, the quarter 
in which we generate the highest sales volume may be different than the quarter in which we recognize the highest amount 
of  net  revenues.  Our  results  can  also  vary  based  on  a  number  of  factors  including,  but  not  limited  to,  title  release  date, 
consumer demand, market conditions and shipment schedules. 

Outlook 

Although we believe our strong product lineup in 2015 positions us for long- term growth, we expect our results in 2015 to 
be lower than in 2014, primarily due to the significant weakening of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar and a higher 
expected  tax  rate,  as  well  as,  to  a  lesser  extent,  product  slate differences  such  as  a  lighter  Blizzard  slate,  investments  in 
infrastructure and scaling of new properties with the free-to-play business model. 

In  January  2015,  two  of  our  new  free-to-play  games  were  released  into  beta  testing.  On  January 11,  2015,  Activision 
launched a public open beta for Call of Duty Online available in China. On January 13, 2015, Blizzard began closed beta 
testing for Heroes of the Storm, its upcoming free-to-play online team brawler featuring iconic heroes from Blizzard games. 
As with other free-to-play games, we expect these titles to build their audiences and increase engagement and monetization 
gradually over time. 

In addition, Activision plans to follow-up on the 2014 release of Destiny with an expansion pack in the second quarter of 
2015 and additional content in the second half of 2015. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2015, Activision plans to release a new 
Call  of  Duty  game  from  Treyarch,  the  developer  of  the  highly  successful  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  series,  and  a  new 
Skylanders game. Blizzard plans to release additional content for Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, as well as release the 
game  on  a  wider  range  of  mobile  devices  later  in  2015.  Lastly,  Blizzard  expects  to  begin  beta  testing  in  2015  for  both 
Overwatch™, a new multi-player game set in an all-new Blizzard game universe, and StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void™, a 
standalone game experience that concludes the StarCraft II trilogy. 

As  a  result  of  the  significant  weakening  of  foreign  currencies  versus  the  U.S.  dollar,  the  company’s  2015  international 
revenues and earnings are expected to be translated at much lower rates than in 2014. This impacts the Company’s 2015 
outlook as compared to 2014 actual results given approximately 50% of the company’s revenues, and a higher percentage 
of profits, are generated outside the U.S. 

5

6

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTConsolidated Statements of Operations Data 

Operating Segment Results 

The  following  table  sets  forth  consolidated  statements  of  operations  data  for  the  periods  indicated  in  dollars  and  as  a 
percentage of total net revenues (amounts in millions): 

Net revenues: 
Product sales ..................................................................  
Subscription, licensing, and other revenues...................  
Total net revenues ..........................................................  
Costs and expenses: 
Cost of sales—product costs ..........................................  
Cost of sales—online .....................................................  
Cost of sales—software royalties and amortization .......  
Cost of sales—intellectual property licenses .................  
Product development .....................................................  
Sales and marketing .......................................................  
General and administrative ............................................  
Total costs and expenses................................................  
Operating income ..........................................................  
Interest and other investment income (expense), net .....  
Income before income tax expense ................................  
Income tax expense .......................................................  
Net income ....................................................................  

For the Years Ended December 31,
2013

2014

2012

$  2,786
1,622
4,408

63 % 
37
100

70% 
$  3,201 
1,382 
30
4,583  100

$  3,620
1,236
4,856

75%
25
100

999
232
260
34
571
712
417
3,225
1,183
(202)
981
146
835

$ 

23  
5  
6  
1  
13  
16  
9
73
27  
(5)
22  
3

1,053 
204 
187 
87 
584 
606 
490 
3,211 
1,372 
(53) 
1,319 
309 
19 % $  1,010 

23 
4 
4 
2 
13 
13 
11
70
30 
(1)
29 
7

1,116
263
194
89
604
578
561
3,405
1,451

23 
5 
4 
2 
12 
12 
12
70
30 
7 —
30 
6
24%

1,458
309
22% $  1,149

Our  operating segments  are  consistent  with our  internal  organizational  structure,  the  manner  in which  our operations  are 
reviewed  and  managed  by  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  who  is  our  Chief  Operating  Decision  Maker  (“CODM”),  the 
manner  in  which  we  assess  operating  performance  and  allocate  resources,  and  the  availability  of  separate  financial 
information. We do not aggregate operating segments. 

The CODM reviews segment performance exclusive of the impact of the change in deferred revenues and related cost of 
sales  with  respect  to  certain  of  our  online-enabled  games,  stock-based  compensation  expense,  amortization  of  intangible 
assets  as  a  result  of  purchase  price  accounting,  and  fees  and  other  expenses  (including  legal  fees,  costs,  expenses  and 
accruals)  related  to  the  Purchase  Transaction  and  related  debt  financings.  The  CODM  does  not  review  any  information 
regarding  total  assets  on  an  operating  segment  basis,  and  accordingly,  no  disclosure  is  made  with  respect  thereto. 
Information  on  the  operating  segments  and  reconciliations  of  total  net  revenues  and  total  segment  operating  income  to 
consolidated net revenues from external customers and consolidated income before income tax expense for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are presented in the table below (amounts in millions): 

For the Years Ended December 31,
Increase/
(decrease) 
2014 v 2013

2012

2013

Increase/
(decrease) 
2013 v 2012

2014

Segment net revenues: 

Activision...................................................................  
Blizzard ......................................................................  
Distribution ................................................................  
Operating segment net revenues total ....................  

$  2,686
1,720
407
4,813

$  2,895
1,124
323
4,342

$  3,072  $ 
1,609 
306 
4,987 

Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues: 

Net effect from deferral of net revenues ....................  
Consolidated net revenues ......................................  

(405)
$  4,408

241
$  4,583

(131) 
$  4,856  $ 

Segment income from operations: 

Activision...................................................................  
Blizzard ......................................................................  
Distribution ................................................................  
Operating segment income from operations total ..  

Reconciliation to consolidated operating income and 
consolidated income before income tax expense: 
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and related 

cost of sales ............................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense ...........................  
Amortization of intangible assets ...............................  
Fees and other expenses related to the Purchase 

Transaction and related debt financings .................  
Consolidated operating income ......................................  
Interest and other investment income (expense), net .  
Consolidated income before income tax expense ..........  

$ 

762
756
9
1,527

$ 

971
376
8
1,355

$ 

970  $ 
717 
11 
1,698 

(215)
(104)
(12)

(13)
1,183
(202)
981

229
(110)
(23)

(79)
1,372
(53)
$  1,319

$ 

(91) 
(126) 
(30) 

—
1,451 
7

$  1,458  $ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(209)
596
84
471

(646)
(175)

(209)
380
1
172

(444)
6
11

66
(189)
(149)
(338) $ 

(177)
(485)
17
(645)

372
(273)

1
(341)
(3)
(343)

320
16
7

(79)
(79)
(60)
(139)

For a better understanding of the differences in presentation between our segment results and the consolidated results, the 
following explains the nature of each reconciling item. 

Net Effect from Deferral of Net Revenues and Related Cost of Sales 

We have determined that some of our titles’ online functionality represents an essential component of gameplay and as a 
result, represents a more-than- inconsequential separate deliverable. As such, we are required to recognize revenues from 
these titles over the estimated service periods, which range from five months to less than one year. The related costs of sales
are deferred and recognized when the related revenues are recognized. In the operating segment results table, we present the 
amount of net revenues and related costs of sales separately for each period as a result of this accounting treatment. 

7

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
 
 
 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense 

We expense our stock-based awards using the grant date fair value over the vesting periods of the stock awards. In the case 
of liability awards, the liability is subject to revaluation based on the stock price at the end of the relevant period. Included
within this stock-based compensation are the net effects of capitalization, deferral, and amortization. 

Amortization of Intangible Assets 

The majority of our intangible assets are the result of the Business Combination and other acquisitions. We amortize the 
intangible assets over their estimated useful lives based on the pattern of consumption of the underlying economic benefits. 
The amount presented in the table represents the effect of the amortization of intangible assets as well as other purchase 
price accounting adjustments, where applicable, in our consolidated statements of operations. 

Fees and Other Expenses Related to the Purchase Transaction and Related Debt Financings 

We  incurred  fees  and  other  expenses,  such  as  legal,  banking  and  professional  services  fees,  related  to  the  Purchase 
Transaction and related debt financings. Such expenses are not reviewed by the CODM as part of segment performance. 

Segment Net Revenues 

Activision 

Activision’s net revenues decreased for 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to lower revenues from the Call of Duty 
and Skylanders franchises, partially offset by higher revenues from the release of Destiny and its first expansion pack The
Dark Below in 2014. 

Activision’s net revenues decreased for 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to lower launch revenues from Call of 
Duty: Ghosts in the fourth quarter of 2013 as compared to launch revenues from Call of Duty: Black Ops II in the fourth 
quarter of 2012, lower revenues from our value business due to its more focused slate of titles, and lower revenues from the 
Skylanders franchise. These decreases were partially offset by higher revenues from digital downloadable content from Call 
of  Duty:  Black  Ops II  as  compared  to  the  performance  of  downloadable  content  packs  from  Call  of  Duty:  Modern 
Warfare 3.

Blizzard

Blizzard’s  net  revenues  increased  for  2014,  as  compared  to  2013,  primarily  due  to  revenues  from  Diablo  III:  Reaper  of 
Souls, which was released in March 2014 on the PC, and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition, which was 
released in August 2014 on certain consoles, revenue from value-added services as a result of the launch of the World of 
Warcraft paid character boost, revenues from World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, which was released in November 
2014,  and  revenues  from  Hearthstone:  Heroes  of  Warcraft,  which  was  commercially  released  in  2014,  as  compared  to 
revenues  in  2013  from  StarCraft  II:  Heart  of  the  Swarm®,  which  was  released  in  March  2013,  and  from  Diablo  III  on 
consoles, which was released in September 2013. 

At December 31, 2014, the global subscriber* base for World of Warcraft was over 10 million, compared to approximately 
7.4 million  subscribers  at  September 30,  2014,  and  approximately  7.8 million  subscribers  at  December 31,  2013.  The 
increase as compared to September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was proportional to the mix of subscribers in the East 
and  the  West  and  is  driven  by  the  launch  of  the  new  expansion, World  of  Warcraft:  Warlords  of  Draenor  in  November 
2014. In general, the average revenue per subscriber is lower in the East than in the West (where the “East” includes China, 
Taiwan,  and  South  Korea,  and  the  “West”  includes  North  America,  Europe,  Australia,  and  Latin  America).  As  we  have 
seen  following  past  expansion  releases,  we  expect  downward  pressure  on  the  number  of  subscribers  in  2015.  Going 
forward, Blizzard expects to continue delivering new game content in all regions that is intended to further appeal to the 
gaming community. 

Blizzard’s net revenues decreased for 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to the release of Diablo III in May 2012, 
without  a  comparable  release  in  2013,  lower  revenues  from  the  World  of  Warcraft  franchise,  and  the  release  World  of 

* World of Warcraft subscribers include individuals who have paid a subscription fee or have an active prepaid card to play 
World of Warcraft, as well as those who have purchased the game and are within their free month of access. Internet 
Game Room players who have accessed the game over the last thirty days are also counted as subscribers. The above 
definition excludes all players under free promotional subscriptions, expired or cancelled subscriptions, and expired 
prepaid cards. Subscribers in licensees’ territories are defined along the same rules. 

Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria®
 in September 2012, without a comparable release in 2013. The decreases were partially offset 
by the release of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm in March 2013, the release of Diablo III for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 
September 2013, and revenues from Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft during its closed beta in late 2013. 

Distribution 

Distribution’s  net  revenues  increased  in  2014,  as  compared  to  2013,  primarily  due  to  revenues  from  the  distribution  of 
next-generation hardware, which was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2013. 

Distribution’s  net  revenues  increased  in  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  primarily  due  to  revenues  from  the  distribution  of 
newly introduced next-generation hardware in late 2013. 

Segment Income from Operations 

Activision 

Activision’s  operating  income  decreased  in  2014,  as  compared  to  2013,  primarily  due  to  lower  revenues,  as  described 
above, relatively higher cost of sales—software royalties and amortization, and higher sales and marketing activities from 
the release of Destiny; partially offset by lower cost of sales—product costs as a result of lower revenues, and lower general 
and administrative costs, primarily resulting from lower legal-related expenses (including legal-related accruals, settlements 
and fees). 

Activision’s  operating  income  in  2013  was  comparable  to  2012,  despite  lower  revenues.  This  was  primarily  due  to  the 
strength of the higher margin digital business associated with  Call of Duty: Black Ops II digital downloadable content, a 
smaller but more profitable slate of releases from our value business, and lower general and administrative costs, primarily 
resulting  from  lower  legal-related  expenses  (including  legal-related  accruals,  settlements  and  fees),  partially  offset  by 
higher sales and marketing activities to support the Call of Duty and Skylanders franchises. 

Blizzard

Blizzard’s operating income increased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to higher revenues, as described above, 
partially offset by higher cost of sales—product costs, higher product development costs and sales and marketing activities 
to support a higher number of titles released in 2014. 

Blizzard’s  operating  income  decreased  in  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  primarily  due  to  lower  revenues  and  less 
capitalization  of  product  development  costs,  partially  offset  by  lower  sales  and  marketing  costs  as  a  result  of  a  lower 
number of titles released in 2013 and lower general and administrative costs from lower accrued bonuses based on its 2013 
financial performance. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

The analysis of revenues by distribution channel is presented both on a GAAP (including the impact from the change in 
deferred  revenues)  and  non-GAAP  (excluding  the  impact  from  the  change  in  deferred  revenues)  basis.  We  use  this 
non-GAAP  measure  internally  when  evaluating  our  operating  performance,  when  planning,  forecasting  and  analyzing 
future periods, and when assessing the performance of our management team. We believe this is appropriate because this 
non-GAAP  measure  enables  an  analysis  of  performance  based  on  the  timing  of  actual  transactions  with  our  customers, 
which is consistent with the way the Company is measured by investment analysts and industry data sources, and facilitates 
comparison of operating performance between periods. In addition, excluding the impact from the change in deferred net 
revenue provides a much more timely indication of trends in our sales and other operating results. While we believe that 
this  non-GAAP  measure  is  useful  in  evaluating  our  business,  this  information  should  be  considered  as  supplemental  in 
nature  and  is  not  meant  to  be  considered  in  isolation  from,  as  a  substitute  for,  or  as  more  important  than,  the  related 
financial  information  prepared  in  accordance  with GAAP.  In  addition,  this  non-GAAP  financial  measure  may  not be  the 
same as any non-GAAP measure presented by another company. This non-GAAP financial measure has limitations in that 
it does not reflect all of the items associated with our GAAP revenues. We compensate for the limitations resulting from the 
exclusion  of  the  change  in  deferred  revenues  by  considering  the  impact  of  that  item  separately  and  by  considering  our 
GAAP, as well as non-GAAP, revenues. 

9

10

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST                                                            
Results of Operations—Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

The  following  table  provides  reconciliation  between  GAAP  and  non-GAAP  net  revenues  by  distribution  channel  for  the 
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (amounts in millions): 

2014

2013

For the Years Ended December 31, 
Increase/
Increase/
(decrease) 
(decrease)
2013 v 2012
2014 v 2013

2012

% Change
2014 v 2013

% Change 
2013 v 2012 

GAAP net revenues by distribution 

channel 

Retail channels .............................  
Digital online channels(1) ..............  
Total Activision and Blizzard .......  
Distribution ...................................  
Total consolidated GAAP net 

revenues ....................................  

Change in deferred net revenues(2)

Retail channels .............................  
Digital online channels(1) ..............  
Total changes in deferred net 

revenues ....................................  

Non-GAAP net revenues by 

distribution channel 
Retail channels .............................  
Digital online channels(1) ..............  
Total Activision and Blizzard .......  
Distribution ...................................  
Total non-GAAP net revenues(3) ..  

$  2,104
1,897
4,001
407

$  2,701
1,559
4,260
323

$  3,013
1,537
4,550
306

$ 

(597)
338
(259)
84

$    (312) 
22 
(290) 
17 

(22)% 
22 
(6) 
26 

(10)% 
1 
(6) 
6 

4,408

4,583

4,856

(175)

(273) 

(4) 

(6) 

104
301

405

(247)
6

(241)

69
62

131

351
295

646

(316) 
(56) 

(372) 

2,208
2,198
4,406
407
$  4,813

2,454
1,565
4,019
323
$  4,342

3,082
1,599
4,681
306
$  4,987

(246)
633
387
84
471

(628) 
(34) 
(662) 
17 
 (645) 

$ 

$ 

(10) 
40 
10 
26 
11% 

(20) 
(2) 
(14) 
6 
(13)% 

(1)  We  define  revenues  from  digital  online  channels  as  revenues  from  subscriptions  and  memberships,  licensing 

royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, and digitally distributed products. 

(2)  We have determined that some of our titles’ online functionality represents an essential component of gameplay 
and  as  a  result,  represents  a  more-than  inconsequential  separate  deliverable.  As  such,  we  recognize  revenues 
attributed to these titles over the estimated service periods, which range from five months to less than one year. In 
the table above, we present the amount of net revenues for each period as a result of this accounting treatment. 

(3)  Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 

The  decrease  in  GAAP  net  revenues  from  retail  channels  for  2014,  as  compared  to  2013,  was  primarily  due  to  lower 
revenues from the Call of Duty and Skylanders franchises. The decreases were partially offset by revenues from Destiny,
which was released in September 2014, and revenues from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, which was released in March 2014 
on the PC, and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition, which was released in August 2014 on certain consoles. 

The  decrease  in  GAAP  net  revenues  from  retail  channels  for  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  was  primarily  due  to  lower 
revenues from Diablo III for the PC, which was released in May 2012, lower revenues from our value business due to its 
more focused slate of titles, lower revenues from the launch of Call of Duty: Ghosts as compared to the launch of Call of 
Duty:  Black  Ops  II,  which  was  released  in  November  2012,  and  lower  revenues  from  our  Skylanders  franchise.  The 
decreases were partially offset by revenues from the release of Diablo III for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in September 2013, 
revenues  from  StarCraft  II:  Heart  of  the  Swarm,  which  was  released  in  March  2013,  and  the  recognition  of  previously 
deferred revenues from World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, which was released in September 2012. 

The  increase  in  GAAP  net  revenues  from  digital  online  channels  for  2014,  as  compared  to  2013,  was  primarily  due  to 
higher  revenues  from  Hearthstone:  Heroes  of  Warcraft,  value-added  services  revenues  from  the  launch  of  the  World  of 
Warcraft paid character boost, revenues from World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, revenues from Diablo III: Reaper 
of Souls, which was released in March 2014 on the PC, and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition, which was 
released in August 2014 on certain consoles, and the release of Destiny and its first expansion pack The Dark Below, and 
higher  digital  download  revenues  from  Call  of  Duty:  Advanced  Warfare.  The  increases  were  partially  offset  by  lower 

revenues recognized from StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was released in March 2013, lower revenues recognized 
from  World  of  Warcraft:  Mists  of  Pandaria,  which  was  released  in  September  2012,  and  lower  downloadable  content 
revenues from the Call of Duty franchise. 

The  increase  in  GAAP  net  revenues  from  digital  online  channels  for  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  was  primarily  due  to 
revenues  from  the  2013  releases  of  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  II  digital  downloadable  content,  as  compared  to  the  2012 
releases of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 downloadable content packs, stronger revenues from Call of Duty: Black Ops 
II, as compared to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, recognition of previously deferred revenues from World of Warcraft: 
Mists of Pandaria, and revenues from StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was released in March 2013. The increases 
were partially offset by lower revenues from Diablo III for the PC, which was released in May 2012, lower subscription and 
value-added services revenues from the World of Warcraft franchise due to a lower number of subscribers as compared to 
same period in 2012, and lower revenues from our Call of Duty catalog titles. 

The decrease in non-GAAP net revenues from retail channels for 2014, as compared to 2013, was primarily due to lower 
revenues from the Call of Duty and Skylanders franchises. The decreases were partially offset by revenues from Destiny,
which was released in September 2014, and revenues from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, which was released in March 2014 
on the PC and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition, which was released in August 2014 on certain consoles 
as compared to revenues from the September 2013 release of Diablo III on the PS3 and Xbox 360. 

The decrease in non-GAAP net revenues from retail channels for 2013, as compared to 2012, was primarily due to lower 
revenues from Diablo III for the PC, which was released in May 2012, lower revenues from Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013 as 
compared  to  revenues  in  2012  for  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  II,  fewer  releases  from  our  value  business  due  to  its  more 
focused slate of titles, lower revenues from our Skylanders franchise and Call of Duty catalog titles, and lower sales from 
World  of  Warcraft:  Mists  of  Pandaria,  which  was  released  in  September  2012.  The  decreases  were  partially  offset  by 
revenues  from  Diablo  III  for  the  PS3  and  Xbox360,  which  was  released  in  September  2013,  as  well  as  the  sales  from 
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was released in March 2013. 

The increase in non-GAAP net revenues from digital online channels for 2014, as compared to 2013, was primarily due to 
revenues from Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, value-added services revenues from the launch of the World of Warcraft: 
Warlords of Draenor paid character boost, revenues from World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, revenues from Diablo 
III: Reaper of Souls, which was released in March 2014 on the PC, and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition,
which was released in August 2014 on certain consoles, revenues from the release of Destiny and its first expansion pack 
The Dark Below, and higher digital downloads of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. The increases were partially offset by 
lower downloadable content revenues from the Call of Duty franchise. 

The decrease in non-GAAP net revenues from digital online channels for 2013, as compared to 2012, was primarily due to 
lower revenues from Diablo III for the PC, which was released in May 2012, lower subscription and value-added services 
revenues  from  the  World  of  Warcraft  franchise  due  to  a  lower  number  of  subscribers  as  compared  to  2012,  and  lower 
revenues from World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, which was released in September 2012. The decreases were partially 
offset by stronger revenues from the 2013 releases of Call of Duty: Black Ops II digital downloadable content, as compared 
to 2012 releases of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 downloadable content packs, stronger catalog sales of Call of Duty: 
Black  Ops  II  in  2013,  as  compared  to  catalog  sales  of  Call  of  Duty:  Modern  Warfare  3  in  2012,  and  revenues  from 
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was released in 2013.

Consolidated Results 

Net Revenues by Geographic Region 

The  following  table  details  our  consolidated  net  revenues  by  geographic  region  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014, 
2013, and 2012 (amounts in millions): 

2014

2013

For the Years Ended December 31, 
Increase/
Increase/
(decrease) 
(decrease)
2013 v 2012
2014 v 2013

2012

% Change
2014 v 2013

% Change
2013 v 2012 

Geographic region net revenues: 

North America ..............................  
Europe ...........................................  
Asia Pacific ...................................  
Consolidated net revenues ................  

$  2,190
1,824
394
$  4,408

$  2,414
1,826
343
$  4,583

$  2,436
1,968
452
$  4,856

$ 

$ 

 (224)
(2)
51
 (175)

$ 

$ 

 (22) 
(142) 
(109) 
 (273) 

(9)% 
—
15
(4)%

(1)% 
(7)
(24)
(6)%

11

12

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
 
 
 
The  increase/(decrease)  in  deferred  revenues  recognized  by  geographic  region  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014, 
2013, and 2012 was as follows (amounts in millions): 

Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenues recognized by 

geographic region: 
North America ..........................................................  
Europe .......................................................................  
Asia Pacific ...............................................................  
Total impact on consolidated net revenues ...................  

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Increase/
(Decrease) 
2014 v 2013

Increase/
(Decrease) 
2013 v 2012

$ 

$ 

(206)
(153)
(46)
(405)

$ 

$ 

108
107
26
241

$ 

$ 

(78)  $ 
(28) 
(25) 
 (131)  $ 

 (314)
(260)
(72)
 (646)

$ 

$ 

186
135
51
372

Consolidated  net  revenues  in  all  regions  decreased  in  2014  as  compared  to  2013,  except  for  the  Asia  Pacific  region.  As 
previously discussed, the decrease in the Company’s consolidated net revenues in 2014, as compared to the same period in 
2013,  was  mainly  due  to  lower  revenues  from  Call  of  Duty  and  Skylanders  franchises,  lower  revenues  recognized  from 
StarCraft  II:  Heart  of  the  Swarm,  which  was  released  in  March  2013,  and  lower  revenues  recognized  from  World  of 
Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, which was released in September 2012. The decreases were partially offset by the launch of 
Destiny and its first expansion pack The Dark Below, revenues from Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, value-added services 
revenues  from  the  launch of the  World of Warcraft  paid character  boost,  revenues from World  of  Warcraft:  Warlords of 
Draenor, and revenues from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, which was released in March 2014 on the PC, and Diablo III: 
Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition, which was released in August 2014 on certain consoles. All of the above factors 
impact our year-over-year comparisons for North America and Europe. Further, in the Europe region, the decreases were 
partially  offset  by  the  increase  in  Distribution  segment  revenues.  In  the  Asia  Pacific  region,  the  higher  mix  of  Blizzard 
segment operations, as compared to Publishing segment operations, resulted in a year-over-year increase of revenues. 

In all regions, the decrease in deferred revenues recognized in 2014, as compared to the same period in 2013, was primarily 
attributed  to  the  higher  deferral  of  revenues  from  World  of  Warcraft:  Warlords  of  Draenor,  which  was  released  in 
November  2014,  as  compared  to  the  recognition  of  revenues  from  World  of  Warcraft:  Mists  of  Pandaria,  which  was 
released in September 2012, deferral of revenues from Destiny and its first expansion pack The Dark Below, both of which 
were  released  in  2014,  and  the  deferral  of  revenues  from  Hearthstone:  Heroes  of  Warcraft,  which  was  also  released  in 
2014. 

Consolidated net revenues in all regions decreased in 2013 as compared to 2012. As previously discussed, the decrease in 
the  Company’s  consolidated  net  revenues  in  2013,  as  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2012,  was  mainly  due  to  lower 
revenues  from  Diablo  III  for  the  PC,  which  was  released  in  May  2012,  lower  revenues  from  our  Skylanders  franchise, 
lower revenues from the launch of Call of Duty: Ghosts as compared to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and fewer 
releases from our value business due to its more focused slate of titles. In the Asia Pacific region, net revenues were further
impacted by lower World of Warcraft revenues resulting from a lower number of subscribers. In all regions, the decreases 
were partially offset by a stronger performance from Call of Duty: Black Ops II digital downloadable content, as compared 
to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 downloadable content packs, recognition of previously deferred revenues from Call of 
Duty:  Black  Ops  II,  and  revenues  from  StarCraft  II: Heart  of  the  Swarm,  which was  released  in  2013.  The decreases  in 
North  America  and  Europe  were  also  partially  offset  by  the  recognition  of  previously  deferred  revenues  from  World  of 
Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria.

In all regions, the increase in deferred revenues recognized in 2013, as compared to the same period in 2012, was primarily 
attributed to the lower deferral of revenues from Call of Duty: Ghosts, which was released in November 2013, as compared 
to  the  deferral  of  revenues  for  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  II,  which  was  released  in  November  2012,  and  recognition  of 
previously  deferred  revenues  from  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  II,  which  was  released  in  November  2012,  and  World  of 
Warcraft:  Mists  of  Pandaria,  which  was  released  in  September  2012.  This  increase  was  partially  offset  by  the  higher 
deferral of revenues from stronger catalog sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops II in 2013, as compared to catalog sales of Call 
of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in 2012, and the deferral of revenues from Diablo III on the PS3 and Xbox 360, which was 
released in September 2013, and Call of Duty: Black Ops II digital downloadable content released in 2013. 

Foreign Exchange Impact 

Changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates  had  a  negative  impact  of  $2 million,  a  positive  impact  of  $33 million,  and  a  negative 
impact  of  $114 million  on  Activision  Blizzard’s  consolidated  net  revenues  in  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  respectively,  as 
compared to the same periods in the previous year. The changes are primarily due to changes in the value of the U.S. dollar 
relative to the euro and British pound. 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, given that a significant portion of the Company’s GAAP net consolidated revenues 
is generated in the first half of the fiscal year due to the impact of deferrals, where the euro and British pound strengthened
against the U.S dollar as compared to the same period in 2013, the negative impact from the significant weakening of the 
euro and British pound relative to U.S. dollar in the later stages of 2014 was largely offset in the Company’s consolidated 
net revenues for the full year 2014. 

Net Revenues by Platform 

The following tables detail our net revenues by platform and as a percentage of total consolidated net revenues for the years 
ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (amounts in millions): 

Platform net revenues: 

Online(1) ...........................  
PC ....................................  
Next-generation (PS4, 

Xbox One, Wii U) .......  

Prior-generation (PS3, 

Xbox 360, Wii) ............  
Total Console ...................  
Mobile and other(2) ...........  
Total Activision Blizzard .  
Distribution ......................  

Total consolidated net 

revenues ...........................  

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
total(3)
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
total(3)
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
total(3)
consolidated 
net revs. 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 

$ 

867 
551 

720 

1,430 
2,150 
433
4,001 
407

20% $ 
13 

16 

32
49
10
91
9

912
340

92

2,287
2,379
629
4,260
323

20% $ 
7 

2 

50
52
14
93
7

986
675

16

2,170
2,186
703
4,550
306

20%  $ 
14 

(45) $ 
211

(74)
(335)

— 

45
45
14
93
6

628

(857)
(229)
(196)
(259)
84

76

117
193
(74)
(290)
17

$ 

4,408 

100% $ 

4,583

100% $ 

4,856

100% $ 

(175) $ 

(273)

The increase / (decrease) in deferred revenues recognized by platform for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 
was as follows (amounts in millions): 

Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenues recognized by 

platform: 
Online(1) .....................................................................  
PC ..............................................................................  
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U) ................  
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii) .....................  
Total console .............................................................  
Mobile and other(2) ....................................................  
Total impact on consolidated net revenues ...................  

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Increase/
(Decrease) 
2014 v 2013

Increase/
(Decrease) 
2013 v 2012

$ 

$ 

(168)
(41)
(477)
295
(182)
(14)
(405)

$ 

$ 

107
22
(213)
324
111
1
241

$ 

$ 

(85)  $ 
(37) 
(16) 
1
(15) 
6
 (131)  $ 

 (275)
(63)
(264)
(29)
(293)
(15)
 (646)

$ 

$ 

192
59
(197)
323
126
(5)
372

(1)  Revenues  from  online  consists  of  revenues  from  all World  of  Warcraft  products,  including  subscriptions,  boxed 

products, expansion packs, licensing royalties, and value-added services. 

(2)  Revenues  from  mobile  and  other  includes  revenues  from  handheld,  tablet,  and  mobile  devices,  as  well  as 
non-platform specific game- related revenues such as standalone sales of toys and accessories products from our 
Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories. 

(3)  The  percentages  of  total  are  presented  as  calculated.  Therefore  the  sum  of  these  percentages,  as  presented,  may 

differ due to the impact of rounding. 

Net revenues from online decreased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to the deferral of revenues from World of 
Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, which was released in November 2014, as compared to the recognition of revenues from 
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, which was released in September 2012, and lower subscription revenues from World
of Warcraft. The decrease was partially offset by the strong performance of value-added services revenues driven by the 
launch of the World of Warcraft paid character boost. 

13

14

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
Net revenues from online decreased in 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily as a result of lower revenues from Call of Duty 
Elite memberships, lower World of Warcraft subscription revenues, lower Blizzard catalog sales from World of Warcraft: 
Cataclysm®
  and  lower  value-added  services  revenue.  The  decrease  was  partially  offset  by  the  recognition  of  previously 
deferred revenues from World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria.

revenues  deferred  from  Call  of  Duty:  Ghosts,  which  was  released  in  November  2013,  and  the  deferral  of  revenues  from 
Destiny, which was released in September 2014. As discussed above, the PS4 and Xbox One were introduced in the fourth 
quarter of 2013 and we have since released several titles, which were available on next-generation consoles for the full year 
in 2014, as compared to a partial year in 2013. 

Net  revenues  from  PC  increased  in  2014,  as  compared  to  2013, due  to  revenues  from  Hearthstone:  Heroes  of  Warcraft,
which had no comparable title in 2013 and higher revenues from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, which was released in March 
2014, as compared to revenues from the release of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was released in March 2013. 

Net revenues from PC decreased in 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily as a result of lower revenues from Diablo III for 
the PC, which was released in May 2012, partially offset by revenues from  StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was 
released in March 2013, and the recognition of previously deferred revenues from Call of Duty: Black Ops II.

Net  revenues  from  next-generation  consoles  increased  in  2014,  as  compared  to  2013.  The  increase  was  primarily 
attributable to an increase in the number of titles released for the next-generation console platforms, as well as increasing 
consumer  adoption  of  the  PS4  and  Xbox  One.  Since  the  introduction  of  the  PS4  and  Xbox  One  in  the  fourth  quarter  of 
2013,  we  have  released  the  following  titles,  among  others,  on  next-generation  consoles:  Call  of  Duty:  Ghosts  and 
Skylanders SWAP Force™ in the fourth quarter of 2013; The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Transformers: Rise of the Dark 
Spark in the second quarter of 2014; Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition and Destiny in the third quarter of 
2014, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Skylanders Trap Team in the fourth quarter of 2014. 

Net revenues from prior-generation consoles decreased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to lower revenues from 
the Call of Duty and Skylanders franchises. The decreases were partially offset by revenues from Destiny, the recognition 
of previously deferred revenues from Diablo III for the PS3 and the Xbox 360, which was released in September 2013, and 
revenues from the release of Diablo III: Reaper of Souls—Ultimate Evil Edition.

Net  revenues from  next-  and  prior-  generation  consoles  increased  in 2013,  as  compared  to 2012,  primarily  due  to strong 
revenues  from Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops II digital  downloadable  content,  as  compared to  downloadable  content  packs  for 
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and stronger catalog sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, as compared to catalog sales of 
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The increase was partially offset by lower revenues from our value business, due to its 
more focused slate of titles, and lower revenues from sales of Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013, as compared to revenues from 
sales of Call of Duty: Black Ops II in 2012. 

Net revenues from mobile and other decreased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to lower revenues from sales of 
standalone toys and accessories from the Skylanders franchise, and handheld titles. The decrease was partially offset by an 
increase  in  mobile  and  tablet  platform  revenues  from  the  release  of  Hearthstone:  Heroes  of  Warcraft  on  the  iPad  and 
Android tablets in 2014. 

Net  revenues  from  mobile  and  other  decreased  in  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  primarily  due  to  lower  revenues  from 
handheld titles and from sales of standalone toys and accessories from the Skylanders franchise. 

Deferred revenues recognized for online decreased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to the deferral of revenues 
from World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor, the deferral of value-added services revenues primarily from the launch of 
the  World  of  Warcraft  paid character  boost,  and  lower  revenues recognized  from World  of  Warcraft:  Mists  of  Pandaria,
which was released in September 2012. 

Deferred revenues recognized for online increased in 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to recognition of previously 
deferred revenues from World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, which was released in September 2012, and lower revenues 
deferred from the World of Warcraft franchise. 

The decrease in deferred revenues recognized for PC in 2014, as compared to 2013, was due to the deferral of revenues 
from  Hearthstone:  Heroes of  Warcraft  and  the  higher  deferral  of  revenues  from  Diablo  III:  Reaper of  Souls, which  was 
released in March 2014, as compared to revenues deferred from StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, which was released in 
March 2013. 

The increase in deferred revenues recognized for PC in 2013, as compared to 2012, was primarily related to the recognition 
of previously deferred revenues from Diablo III for the PC, partially offset by revenues deferred from Call of Duty: Ghosts,
which was released in 2013, and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, which was released as a closed beta version in 2013. 

The decrease in deferred revenues recognized for next-generation consoles in 2014, as compared to 2013, was due to the 
higher deferral of revenues from Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, which was released in November 2014, as compared to 

The decrease in deferred revenues recognized for prior-generation consoles in 2014, as compared to 2013, was due to the 
deferral  of  revenues  from  the  launch  of  Destiny,  partially  offset  by  lower  deferral  of  revenues  from  the  Call  of  Duty 
franchise  and  lower  deferral  of  revenues  from  Diablo  III:  Reaper  of  Souls—Ultimate  Evil  Edition,  as  compared  to  the 
deferral of revenues from Diablo III on PS3 and Xbox 360, which was released in 2013. 

The  increase  in  deferred  revenues  recognized  for  prior-generation  consoles  in  2013, as  compared  to 2012, was primarily 
due  to  higher  recognition  of  previously  deferred  revenues  from  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  II,  as  compared  to  revenues 
deferred  for  Call  of  Duty:  Ghosts,  and  from  higher  revenues  recognized  from  Call  of  Duty:  Black  Ops  II  digital 
downloadable content, as compared to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 downloadable content packs. 

Costs and Expenses 

Cost of Sales 

The following table detail the components of cost of sales in dollars and as a percentage of total consolidated net revenues 
for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (amounts in millions): 

Product costs ...................  
Online ..............................  
Software royalties and 

amortization ................  

Intellectual property 

licenses ........................  
Total cost of sales ............  

Product costs ...................  

$ 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
consolidated 
net revs. 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 

$ 

999 

23% $ 

1,053

23% $ 

1,116

23%  $ 

(54)

$ 

(63)

232 

5

260 
34 
1,525 

6
1
35% $ 

204

187
87
1,531

4

4
2
33% $ 

263

194
89
1,662

5

28

(59)

4
2
34% $ 

73
(53)
(6)

(7)
(2)
$  (131)

Total  cost  of  sales  of  $1,525 million  decreased  in  2014,  as  compared  to  total  cost  of  sales  of  $1,531 million  in  2013, 
primarily due to lower revenues in 2014 and the relative increase in digital revenues, which generally have relatively lower 
product costs, as compared to retail revenues. Cost of sales—product costs decreased primarily due to lower retail product 
sales,  partially  offset  by  increased  product  costs,  as  a  result  of  increased  revenues  described  above,  from  our  relatively 
lower-margin  Distribution  segment.  Cost  of  sales—online  increased  primarily  due  to  higher  online  revenues  and  related 
support costs. Cost of sales—software royalties and amortization increased primarily due to higher software amortization 
for introduction of new franchises and new product releases during the year. Cost of sales—intellectual property licenses 
decreased  primarily  due  to  the  write-down  of  intellectual  property  licenses  in  2013,  with  no  comparable  write-downs  in 
2014, lower amortization of our intangible assets, and a reduction in the number of titles released by our value business in 
2014, which are normally based on licensed properties. 

Total  cost  of  sales  of  $1,531 million  decreased  in  2013,  as  compared  to  total  cost  of  sales  of  $1,662 million  in  2012, 
primarily due to lower revenues in 2013. Cost of sales—product costs decreased primarily due to lower retail product sales, 
partially offset by increased product costs from our Distribution segment. Cost of sales—online decreased primarily due to 
lower online revenues and cost reduction efforts in 2012 that benefited 2013. 

Product Development (amounts in millions) 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
consolidated 
net revs. 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 

Product development .......  

$ 

571 

13% $ 

584

13% $ 

604

12%  $ 

(13)

$ 

(20)

For  2014,  product  development  costs  decreased,  as  compared  to  2013,  primarily  due  to  lower  stock-based  compensation 
expenses associated with employees involved in product development as a result of fewer shares granted and fewer shares 
and options vested during the year. 

15

16

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTFor 2013, product development costs decreased, as compared to 2012, principally due to lower studio-related bonuses based 
on our 2013 financial performance, and lower external development costs, as our value business released fewer titles due to 
its more focused slate, partially offset by lower capitalization in 2013 of our overall product development costs related to 
future titles and the timing at which these titles reached technical feasibility. 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (amounts in millions) 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
Pretax
income 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
Pretax
income 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
Pretax
income 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Sales and Marketing (amounts in millions) 

Income tax expense .........  

$ 

146 

14.9% $ 

309

23.4% $ 

309

21.2%  $  (163)

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 
$ —

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
consolidated 
net revs. 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 

Sales and marketing ........  

$ 

712 

16% $ 

606

13% $ 

578

12%  $ 

106

$ 

28

Sales and marketing expenses increased in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to increased spending on sales and 
marketing activities to support the launch of Destiny, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, and World of Warcraft: Warlords of 
Draenor during the year. The increase was partially offset by  lower media spending by the Call of Duty and Skylanders 
franchises. 

Sales and marketing expenses increased in 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to increased spending on sales and 
marketing activities to support the Call of Duty and Skylanders franchises, offset by lower media spending by our value 
business due to its more focused slate of titles and by our Blizzard segment, due to higher spending in 2012 to support the 
launches of Diablo III and World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. The increase in sales and marketing expenses in 2013 was 
also due to our marketing investments related to Destiny.

General and Administrative (amounts in millions) 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
consolidated 
net revs. 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 

General and administrative
 ....................................  

$ 

417 

9% $ 

490

11% $ 

561

12%  $ 

(73)

$ 

(71)

General  and  administrative  expenses  decreased  in  2014,  as  compared  to  2013,  primarily  due  to  the  lower  bankers’  and 
professional fees related to the Purchase Transaction and related debt financings in 2014, as compared to 2013. 

General  and  administrative  expenses  decreased  in  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  primarily  due  to  lower  legal  expenses 
(including  legal-related  accruals,  settlements  and  fees),  lower  stock-based  compensation  expenses  and  lower  bonus 
accruals, partially offset by the incurrence of bankers’ and professional fees related to the Purchase Transaction and related 
debt financings. 

Interest and Other Investment Income (Expense), Net (amounts in millions) 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2014 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2013 

% of 
consolidated
net revs. 

Year 
Ended 
December 31, 
2012 

% of 
consolidated 
net revs. 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2014 v 
2013 

Increase/ 
(Decrease)
2013 v 
2012 

Interest and other 

investment income 
(expense), net ..............  

$ 

(202) 

(5)% $ 

(53)

(1)% $ 

7

—%  $  (149)

$ 

(60)

Interest  and  other  investment  income  (expense),  net,  was  ($202)  million  in  2014,  as  compared  to  ($53)  million  in  2013, 
reflecting  a  full  year  of  interest  expense  incurred  from  the  Notes  and  the  Term  Loan,  which  were  issued  and  drawn, 
respectively, in October 2013. Interest expense for 2013 reflects interest from the period in which the Notes and the Term 
Loan were issued and drawn, respectively, to the end of the year. 

Interest and other investment income (expense), net, was ($53) million in 2013, as compared to $7 million in 2012, due to 
interest expense incurred from the Notes and the Term Loan, which were entered into in October 2013. As noted above, 
interest expense for 2013 reflects the interest from the period in which the Notes and the Term Loan were issued and drawn, 
respectively, to the end of the year. 

For 2014, the Company’s income before income tax expense was $981 million. Our income tax expense of $146 million 
resulted in an effective tax rate of 14.9%. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 
35%  is  due  to  earnings  taxed  at  relatively  lower  rates  in  foreign  jurisdictions,  recognition  of  the  California  research  and 
development  (“R&D”)  credits,  and  recognition  of  the  retroactive  reinstatement  of  the  2014  federal  R&D  tax  credit 
described below, offset by changes in the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions. 

On  December 19,  2014,  the  Tax  Increase  Prevention  Act  of  2014  (H.R.  5771)  was  signed  into  law  which  retroactively 
extended  the  federal  R&D  tax  credit  from  January 1,  2014  through  December 31,  2014.  As  a  result,  the  Company 
recognized the retroactive benefit of the 2014 federal R&D tax credit of approximately $9 million as a discrete item in the 
fourth quarter of 2014, the period in which the legislation was enacted. 

For 2013, the Company’s income before income tax expense was $1,319 million. Our income tax expense of $309 million 
resulted in an effective tax rate of 23.4%. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 
35% was due to earnings taxed at relatively lower rates in foreign jurisdictions, recognition of federal and California R&D 
credits, recognition of the retroactive reinstatement of the 2012 federal R&D tax credit, and the federal domestic production 
deduction. 

On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law by the President of the United States. 
Under  the  provisions  of  the  American  Taxpayer  Relief  Act  of  2012,  the  R&D  tax  credit  that  had  expired  December 31, 
2011,  was  reinstated  retroactively  to  January 1,  2012,  and  expired  on  December 31,  2013.  The  Company  recorded  the 
impact of the extension of the R&D tax credit related to the tax year ended December 31, 2012, as a discrete item the first 
quarter  of  2013.  The  impact  of  the  extension  of  the  R&D  tax  credit  resulted  in  a  net  tax  benefit  of  approximately 
$12 million related to the tax year ended December 31, 2012. 

For 2012, the Company’s income before income tax expense was $1,458 million. Our income tax expense of $309 million 
resulted in an effective tax rate of 21.2%. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 
35% was due to earnings taxed at relatively lower rates in foreign jurisdictions, recognition of California R&D credits, the 
federal domestic production deduction, and a tax benefit resulting from a federal income tax audit settlement allocated to us 
by a subsidiary of Vivendi, as further discussed below. 

In  2014  and  2013,  our  U.S.  income  before  income  tax  expense  was  $325 million  and  $626 million,  respectively,  and 
comprised  33%  and  47%,  respectively,  of  our  consolidated  income  before  income  tax  expense.  In  2014  and  2013,  the 
foreign income before income tax expense was $656 million and $693 million, respectively, and comprised 67% and 53%, 
respectively, of our consolidated income before income tax expense. 

In 2014 and 2013, earnings taxed at lower rates in foreign jurisdictions, as compared to domestic earnings taxed at the U.S. 
federal statutory tax rate, lowered our effective tax rate by 25% and 13%, respectively. The primary increase in the foreign 
rate differential is due to the proportional increase over the prior year’s earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at relatively 
lower rates. In addition, the 2014 foreign tax provision resulted in a benefit due to changes in foreign temporary differences,
as compared to the prior year, where such changes resulted in an increase in the foreign tax provision. 

In connection with the Purchase Transaction, we assumed certain tax attributes of New VH, which generally consist of New 
VH’s  net  operating  loss  (“NOL”)  carryforwards  of  approximately  $760 million,  which  represent  a  potential  future  tax 
benefit  of  approximately  $266 million.  The  utilization  of  such  NOL  carryforwards  will  be  subject  to  certain  annual 
limitations  and  will  begin  to  expire  in  2021.  The  Company  also  obtained  indemnification  from  Vivendi  against  losses 
attributable to the disallowance of claimed utilization of such NOL carryforwards of up to $200 million in unrealized tax 
benefits  in  the  aggregate,  limited  to  taxable  years  ending  on  or  prior  to  December 31,  2016.  No  benefit  for  these  tax 
attributes  or  indemnification  was  recorded  upon  the  close  of  the  Purchase  Transaction,  as  the  benefit  from  these  tax 
attributes did not meet the “more-likely-than-not” standard. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we 
utilized $148 million and $45 million, respectively, of the NOL, which resulted in benefits of $52 million and $16 million, 
respectively, and a corresponding reserve was established as the position did not meet the “more-likely-than- not” standard. 
As  of  December 31,  2014,  an  indemnification  asset  of  $68 million  has  been  recorded  in  “Other  Assets”,  and, 
correspondingly, the same amount has been recorded as a reduction to the consideration paid for the shares repurchased in 
“Treasury Stock” (see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details about the share repurchase). 

17

18

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTAs previously disclosed, on July 9, 2008, the Business Combination occurred among Vivendi, the Company and certain of 
their  respective  subsidiaries  pursuant  to  which  Vivendi  Games,  then  a  member  of  the  consolidated  U.S.  tax  group  of 
Vivendi’s subsidiary, Vivendi Holdings I Corp. (“VHI”), became a subsidiary of the Company. As a result of the Business 
Combination,  the  favorable  tax  attributes  of  Vivendi  Games  carried  forward  to  the  Company.  In  late  August  2012,  VHI 
settled a federal income tax audit with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the tax years ended December 31, 2002, 
2003, and 2004. In connection with the settlement agreement, VHI’s consolidated federal net operating loss carryovers were 
adjusted  and  allocated  to  various  companies  that  were  part  of  its  consolidated  group  during  the  relevant  periods.  This 
allocation  resulted  in  a  $132 million  federal  net  operating  loss  allocation  to  Vivendi  Games.  In  September  2012,  the 
Company filed an amended tax return for its December 31, 2008 tax year to utilize these additional federal net operating 
losses  allocated  as  a  result  of  the  aforementioned  settlement,  resulting  in  the  recording  of  a  one-time  tax  benefit  of 
$46 million. Prior to the settlement, and given the uncertainty of the VHI audit, the Company had insufficient information 
to allow it to record or disclose any information related to the audit until the quarter ended September 30, 2012, as disclosed
in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for that period. 

Vivendi  Games  results  for  the  period  January 1,  2008  through  July 9,  2008  are  included  in  the  consolidated  federal  and 
certain  foreign  state  and  local  income  tax  returns  filed  by  Vivendi  or  its  affiliates  while  Vivendi  Games  results  for  the 
period July 10, 2008 through December 31, 2008 are included in the consolidated federal and certain foreign, state and local 
income tax returns filed by Activision Blizzard. Vivendi Games tax years 2005 through 2010 remain open to examination 
by the major taxing authorities. The IRS is currently examining Vivendi Games tax returns for the 2005 through 2008 tax 
years.

Activision Blizzard’s tax years 2008 through 2013 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which 
we  are  subject.  The  IRS  is  currently  examining  the  Company’s  federal  tax  returns  for  the  2008  through  2011  tax  years. 
Additionally, the IRS is currently reviewing the Company’s application for an advanced pricing agreement (“APA”) with 
respect to the transfer pricing methodology that would be used by the Company for tax years 2010 through 2024. If ongoing 
discussions  with  the  IRS  result  in  an  APA,  this  could  result  in  a  different  allocation  of  profits  and  losses  under  the 
Company’s  transfer  pricing  agreements.  Such  allocation  could  have  a  positive  or  negative  impact  on  the  Company’s 
provision  for  uncertain  tax  positions  for  the  period  in  which  such  an  agreement  is  reached  and  the  relevant  periods 
thereafter. The Company also has several state and non-U.S. audits pending. 

Although  the  final  resolution  of  the  Company’s  global  tax  disputes  is  uncertain,  based  on  current  information,  in  the 
opinion  of  our  management,  the  ultimate  resolution  of  these  matters  will  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the 
Company’s  consolidated  financial  position,  liquidity  or  results  of  operations.  However,  an  unfavorable  resolution  of  the 
Company’s global tax disputes could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations in the period 
in which the matters are ultimately resolved. 

The overall effective income tax rate in future periods will depend on a variety of factors, such as changes in the mix of 
income by tax jurisdiction, applicable accounting rules, applicable tax laws and regulations, and rulings and interpretations 
thereof,  developments  in  tax  audits  and  other  matters,  and  variations  in  the  estimated  and  actual  level  of  annual  pre-tax 
income  or  loss.  Further,  the  effective  tax  rate  could  fluctuate  significantly  on  a  quarterly  basis  and  could  be  adversely 
affected by the extent that income (loss) before income tax expenses (benefit) is lower than anticipated in foreign regions 
where taxes are levied at relatively lower statutory rates and/or higher than anticipated in the United States where taxes are 
levied at relatively higher statutory rates. 

A more detailed analysis of the differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate and the consolidated effective tax rate, as
well as other information about our income taxes, is provided in Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
included in this Annual Report. 

Foreign Exchange Impact 

Changes  in  foreign  exchange  rates  had  a  negative  impact  of  $8 million,  a  positive  impact  of  $20 million,  and  a  negative 
impact of $67 million on Activision Blizzard’s consolidated operating income in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 
change is primarily due to changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and British pound and its impact on 
our foreign operating income. 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, given that the majority of the Company’s GAAP net consolidated operating income 
is generated in the first half of the fiscal year due to the impact of deferrals, where the euro and British pound strengthened
against the U.S dollar as compared to the same period in 2013, the negative impact from the significant weakening of the 
euro  and  British  pound  relative  to  U.S.  dollar  in  the  later  stages  of  2014  was  largely  offset  in  on  the  Company’s 
consolidated operating income for the full year 2014. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Sources of Liquidity (amounts in millions) 

Cash and cash equivalents ........................................................................  
Short-term investments ............................................................................  

Percentage of total assets .........................................................................  

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

Increase
(Decrease) 
2014 v 2013

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,848
10
4,858
33%

4,410  $ 
33 
4,443  $ 
32% 

438
(23)
415

For the Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

Cash flows provided by operating activities .................  
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities ...  
Cash flows used in financing activities .........................  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes .......................  

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents .....................  

$ 

$ 

1,292
(84)
(374)
(396)
438

$ 

$ 

1,264
308
(1,223)
102
451

$ 

$ 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities 

Increase/
(Decrease) 
2014 v 2013
 28
(392)
849
(498)
 (13)

1,345  $ 
(124) 
(497) 
70 
 794  $ 

Increase/
(Decrease) 
2013 v 2012
(81)
$ 
432
(726)
32
(343)

$ 

The primary drivers of cash flows provided by operating activities typically include the collection of customer receivables 
generated by the sale of our products and digital and subscription revenues, partially offset by payments to vendors for the 
manufacturing,  distribution  and  marketing  of  our  products,  payments  for  customer  service  support  for  our  subscribers, 
payments  to  third-  party  developers  and  intellectual  property  holders,  payments  for  interest  on  our  debt,  payments  for 
software development, payments for tax liabilities, and payments to our workforce. 

Cash flows provided by operating activities were slightly higher for 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to a more 
favorable  impact  from  changes  in  our  working  capital  accounts,  mainly  related  to  cash  flows  from  revenues  which  were 
deferred.  Cash  flows  provided  by  operating  activities  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  included  approximately 
$201 million of interest paid for the Notes and Term Loan, as compared to $57 million for the same period in 2013. Cash 
flows provided by operating activities were lower for 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to lower net income and its 
impact on changes in our working capital accounts. 

Cash Flows (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities 

The primary drivers of cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities typically include the net effect of purchases and 
sales/maturities of short- term investments, capital expenditures, and changes in restricted cash balances. 

Cash flows used in investing activities were $84 million in 2014, as compared to cash flows provided by investing activities 
of $308 million in 2013. Lower cash flows from investing activities were primarily due to lower proceeds from the maturity 
of  investments  and  a  higher  investment  in  capital  expenditures.  In  2014,  proceeds  from  maturities  were  $21 million,  the 
majority of which consisted of U.S. treasury and other government agency securities. Further, capital expenditures during 
2014, primarily related to property and equipment, were $107 million. 

Cash flows provided by investing activities were higher for 2013, as compared to 2012, primarily due to lower purchases of 
short-term  investments.  In  2013,  proceeds  from  the  maturity  of  investments  were  $304 million,  the  majority  of  which 
consisted  of  U.S.  treasury  and  other  government  agency  securities,  and  proceeds  from  sales  of  available-for-sale 
investments were $98 million, while purchases of short-term investments totaled $26 million. Further, capital expenditures, 
primarily related to property and equipment, were $74 million. 

19

20

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTCash Flows Used in Financing Activities 

Debt 

The primary drivers of cash flows used in financing activities typically include the proceeds from, and repayments of, our 
long-term debt, transactions involving our common stock, such as the issuance of shares of common stock to employees, 
the repurchase of our common stock, and the payment of dividends. 

Cash  flows  used  in  financing  activities  of  $374 million  were  lower  for  2014,  as  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2013, 
primarily due to the lack of share repurchases in 2014, offset by the $375 million partial repayment of our Term Loan. We 
also  paid  $147 million  in  dividends  and  related  dividend  equivalents  and  $66 million  for  taxes  in  connection  with  the 
vesting  of  employees’  restricted  stock  rights.  Cash  flows  from  financing  activities  for  2014  reflected  proceeds  of 
$175 million from the issuance of shares of our common stock to employees in connection with stock option exercises. 

Cash  flows  used  in  financing  activities  of  $1.2 billion  were  higher  for  2013,  as  compared  to  2012,  primarily  due  to  our 
repurchase of common stock from Vivendi in October 2013. As previously discussed, on October 11, 2013, we repurchased 
approximately  429 million  shares  of  our  common  stock  from  Vivendi,  pursuant  to  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  we 
entered into on July 25, 2013 with Vivendi and ASAC, an exempted limited partnership established under the laws of the 
Cayman Islands, acting by its general partner, ASAC II LLC. Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, we 
acquired all of the capital stock of New VH, a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi, which was 
the direct owner of approximately 429 million shares of our common stock, for a cash payment of $5.83 billion, or $13.60 
per  share,  before  taking  into  account  the  benefit  to  the  Company  of  certain  tax  attributes  of  New  VH  assumed  in  the 
transaction.  The  Purchase  Transaction  was  funded  with  a  combination  of  $1.2 billion  of  cash  on  hand,  the  net  proceeds 
from a $2.5 billion Term Loan, maturing in October 2020, and the net proceeds from the issuance of $1.5 billion of 2021 
Notes and $750 million of 2023 Notes (in each case, as defined below). Refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  included  in  this  Annual  Report,  and  below  in  Other  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources  for  additional 
information. 

Additionally,  cash  flows  used  in  financing  activities  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013  included  an  aggregate  cash 
payment of our annual dividend (and dividend equivalent payment) of $216 million to holders of our common stock and 
restricted  stock  units,  $59 million  for  financing  costs  related  to  the  debt  transactions  for  the  Purchase  Transaction, 
$49 million for taxes paid relating to the vesting of employees’ restricted stock rights, and $6 million for a repayment of the
principal on the Term Loan. Cash flows provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected 
proceeds  from  the  issuance  of  long-term  debt  of  $4.75 billion  and  proceeds  from  the  issuance  of  shares  of  our  common 
stock to employees in connection with stock option exercises of $158 million. 

Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes 

Changes in foreign exchange rates had a negative impact of $396 million and a positive impact of $102 million on our cash 
and  cash  equivalents  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  The  change  is  primarily  due  to 
changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and British pound. 

Other Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Our primary sources of liquidity are typically cash and cash equivalents, investments, and cash flows provided by operating 
activities.  In  addition,  as  described  below,  we  have  availability  of  $250 million,  subject  to  certain  restrictions,  under  a 
secured  revolving  credit  facility.  With  our  cash  and  cash  equivalents  and  short-term  investments  of  $4.9 billion  at 
December 31, 2014, and expected cash flows provided by operating activities, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity 
to meet daily operations in the foreseeable future. We also believe that we have sufficient working capital ($4.2 billion at 
December 31, 2014) to finance our operational and financing requirements for at least the next twelve months, including: 
purchases  of  inventory  and  equipment;  the  development,  production,  marketing  and  sale  of  new  products;  provision  of 
customer  service  for  our  subscribers;  acquisition  of  intellectual  property  rights  for  future  products  from  third  parties; 
funding of dividends; and payments related to debt obligations. 

As of December 31, 2014, the amount of cash and cash equivalents held outside of the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries was 
$3.6 billion, as compared to $3.3 billion as of December 31, 2013. If these funds are needed in the future for our operations 
in  the  U.S.,  we  would  accrue  and  pay  the  required  U.S.  taxes  to  repatriate  these  funds.  However,  our  intent  is  to 
permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to 
fund our U.S. operations. 

On September 19, 2013, we issued, at par, $1.5 billion of 5.625% unsecured senior notes due September 2021 (the “2021 
Notes”) and $750 million of 6.125% unsecured senior notes due September 2023 (the “2023 Notes” and, together with the 
2021 Notes, the “Notes”). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each 
year, commencing on March 15, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Notes had a carrying value of $2.2 billion. 

We  may  redeem  the  2021  Notes  on  or  after  September 15,  2016  and  the  2023  Notes  on  or  after  September 15,  2018,  in 
whole or in part on any one or more occasions, at specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time 
prior to September 15, 2016, with respect to the 2021 Notes, and at any time prior to September 15, 2018, with respect to 
the 2023 Notes, we may also redeem some or all of the Notes by paying a “make-whole premium”, plus accrued and unpaid 
interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of one or more qualified equity offerings, we may also redeem up to 35% of the 
aggregate principal amount of each of the 2021 Notes and 2023 Notes outstanding with the net cash proceeds from such 
offerings. The Notes are repayable, in whole or in part and at the option of the holders, upon the occurrence of a change in 
control and a ratings downgrade, at a purchase price equal to 101% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest. 

On October 11, 2013, in connection and simultaneously with the Purchase Transaction, we entered into a credit agreement 
(the “Credit Agreement”) for a $2.5 billion secured term loan facility maturing in October 2020 (the “Term Loan”), and a 
$250 million secured revolving credit facility maturing in October 2018 (the “Revolver” and, together with the Term Loan, 
the “Credit Facilities”). A portion of the Revolver can be used to issue letters of credit of up to $50 million, subject to the
availability of the Revolver. To date, we have not drawn on the Revolver. 

As of December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance of our Term Loan was $2.1 billion. Borrowings under the Term Loan 
and Revolver bear interest at an annual rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, (A) a base rate determined by 
reference to the highest of (a) the interest rate in effect determined by the administrative agent as its “prime rate,” (b) the
federal  funds  rate  plus  0.5%,  and  (c) the  London  InterBank  Offered  Rate  (“LIBOR”)  rate  for  an  interest  period  of  one 
month plus 1.00%, or (B) LIBOR. Further, LIBOR borrowings under the Term Loan will be subject to a LIBOR floor of 
0.75%. At December 31, 2014, the Term Loan bore interest at 3.25%. In certain circumstances, our interest rate under the 
Credit Facilities will increase. 

In  addition  to  paying  interest  on  outstanding  principal  balances  under  the  Credit  Facilities,  we  are  required  to  pay  the 
lenders  a  commitment  fee  on  unused  commitments  under  the  Revolver.  We  are  also  required  to  pay  customary  letter  of 
credit fees and agency fees. 

The Credit Agreement required quarterly principal repayments of 0.25% of the Term Loan’s original principal amount, with 
the balance due on the maturity date. On February 11, 2014, we made a voluntary partial repayment of $375 million on our 
Term  Loan.  This  repayment  satisfied  the  required  quarterly  principal  repayments  for  the  entire  term  of  the  Credit 
Agreement.  On  February 11,  2015,  we  made  an  additional  voluntary  principal  repayment,  this  time  in  the  amount  of 
$250 million,  which  reduced  the  balance  due  on  the  maturity  date.  The  2015  repayment  reduced  the  Term  Loan’s 
outstanding principal balance to $1.9 billion and based on this reduced balance, we expect our contractual interest payments 
in  the  future will  be  reduced  by  approximately  $8 million  annually,  based  on  the  interest  rate  of 3.25%  at  December 31, 
2014. Amounts borrowed under the Term Loan and repaid may not be re- borrowed. 

Agreements  governing  our  indebtedness,  including  the  indenture  governing  the  Notes  and  the  Credit  Agreement,  impose 
operating and financial restrictions on our activities under certain conditions. These restrictions require us to comply with or
maintain certain financial tests and ratios. In addition, the indenture and the Credit Agreement limit or prohibit our ability 
to, among other things: incur additional debt or make additional guarantees; pay distributions or dividends and repurchase 
stock; make other restricted payments, including without limitation, certain restricted investments; create liens; enter into 
agreements  that  restrict  dividends  from  subsidiaries;  engage  in  transactions  with  affiliates;  and  enter  into  mergers, 
consolidations or sales of substantially all of our assets. 

In addition, if, in the future, we borrow under the Revolver, as described in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements included in this Annual Report, we may be required, during certain periods where outstanding revolving loans 
exceed  a  certain  threshold,  to  maintain  a  maximum  senior  secured  net  leverage  ratio  calculated  pursuant  to  a  financial 
maintenance covenant under the Credit Agreement. 

The Company was in compliance with the terms of the Notes and Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2014. 

Dividends 

On  February 3,  2015,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.23  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 13, 
2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2015. 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTCapital Expenditures 

Financial Disclosure 

We made capital expenditures of $107 million in 2014, as compared to $74 million in 2013. In 2015, we anticipate total 
capital  expenditures  of  approximately  $100 million.  Capital  expenditures  are  expected  to  be  primarily  for  computer 
hardware and software purchases. 

Commitments 

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  we  enter  into  contractual  arrangements  with  third-parties  for  non-cancelable  operating 
lease  agreements  for  our  offices,  for  the  development  of  products,  and  for  rights  to  intellectual  property.  Under  these 
agreements, we commit to provide specified payments to a lessor, developer or intellectual property holder, as the case may 
be,  based  upon  contractual  arrangements.  The  payments  to  third-party  developers  are  generally  conditioned  upon  the 
achievement  by  the  developers  of  contractually  specified  development  milestones.  Further,  these  payments  to  third-party 
developers and intellectual property holders typically are deemed to be advances and are recoupable against future royalties 
earned by the developer or intellectual property holder based on the sale of the related game. Additionally, in connection 
with certain intellectual property rights acquisitions and development agreements, we commit to spend specified amounts 
for marketing support for the related game(s) which is to be developed or in which the intellectual property will be utilized. 
Assuming  all  contractual  provisions  are  met,  the  total  future  minimum  commitments  for  these  and  other  contractual 
arrangements in place at December 31, 2014 are scheduled to be paid as follows (amounts in millions): 

Facility and 
equipment leases

Developer 
and IP

Marketing

Long-term debt 
obligations(2)

Total

Contractual Obligations(1)

For the Year Ending December 31, 

2015 .................................................  
2016 .................................................  
2017 .................................................  
2018 .................................................  
2019 .................................................  
Thereafter .........................................  
Total .................................................  

$ 

$ 

36
31
28
26
24
23
168

$ 

$ 

180
5
3
—
—
2
190

$ 

$ 

45
—
—
—
—
—
45

$ 

$ 

200  $ 
200 
200 
200 
200 
4,774 
5,774  $ 

461
236
231
226
224
4,799
6,177

(1)  We  have  omitted  uncertain  income  tax  liabilities  from  this  table  due  to  the  inherent  uncertainty  regarding  the 
timing  of  potential  issue  resolution.  Specifically,  either  the  underlying  positions  have  not  been  fully  developed 
enough  under  audit  to  quantify  at  this  time  or  the  years  relating  to  the  issues  for  certain  jurisdictions  are  not 
currently under audit. At December 31, 2014, we had $419 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which 
$392 million was included in “Other Liabilities” and $27 million was included in “Accrued Expenses and Other 
Liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet. 

(2)  Long-term debt obligations represent our obligations related to the contractual principal repayments and interest 
payments under the Term Loan and the Notes as of December 31, 2014. There was no outstanding balance under 
our Revolver as of December 31, 2014. The Notes are subject to fixed interest rates and we have calculated the 
interest obligation based on the applicable rates and payment dates for the Notes. The Term Loan bears a variable 
interest rate and interest is payable on a quarterly basis. We have calculated the expected interest obligation based 
on  the  outstanding  principal  balance  and  interest  rate  applicable  at  December 31,  2014.  Refer  to  Note 12  of  the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for additional information on our debt 
obligations. On February 11, 2015, we made a voluntary partial repayment of $250 million to the Term Loan. The 
2015  repayment  is  expected  to  reduce  our  contractual  interest  payments,  as  shown  in  the  table  above,  by 
approximately $8 million annually, through the October 2020 maturity date, based on the interest rate of 3.25% at 
December 31, 2014. 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements 

At  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  Activision  Blizzard  had  no  significant  relationships  with  unconsolidated  entities  or 
financial  parties,  often  referred  to  as  “structured  finance”  or  “special  purpose”  entities,  established  for  the  purpose  of 
facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes, that have or are reasonably 
likely  to  have  a  material  future  effect  on  our  financial  condition,  changes  in  financial  condition,  revenues  or  expenses, 
results of operation, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. 

We maintain internal control over financial reporting, which generally includes those controls relating to the preparation of 
our  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America 
(“U.S. GAAP”). We also are focused on our “disclosure controls and procedures,” which as defined by the Securities and 
Exchange  Commission  (the  “SEC”),  are  generally  those  controls  and  procedures  designed  to  ensure  that  financial  and 
non-financial  information  required  to  be  disclosed  in  our  reports  filed  with  the  SEC  is  reported  within  the  time  periods 
specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is communicated to management, including our principal 
executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Our  Disclosure  Committee,  which  operates  under  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  Disclosure  Committee  Charter  and 
Disclosure Controls & Procedures Policy, includes senior management representatives and assists executive management in 
its  oversight  of  the  accuracy  and  timeliness  of  our  disclosures,  as  well  as  in  implementing  and  evaluating  our  overall 
disclosure  process.  As  part  of  our  disclosure  process,  senior  finance  and  operational  representatives  from  all  of  our 
corporate  divisions  and  business  units  prepare  quarterly  reports  regarding  their  current-quarter  operational  performance, 
future trends, subsequent events, internal controls, changes in internal controls and other accounting and disclosure relevant 
information.  These  quarterly  reports  are  reviewed  by  certain  key  corporate  finance  executives.  These  corporate  finance 
representatives  also  conduct  quarterly  interviews on  a  rotating  basis with  the  preparers  of  selected quarterly  reports.  The 
results of the quarterly reports and related interviews are reviewed by the Disclosure Committee. Finance representatives 
also conduct interviews with our senior management team, our legal counsel and other appropriate personnel involved in 
the  disclosure  process,  as  appropriate.  Additionally,  senior  finance  and  operational  representatives  provide  internal 
certifications regarding the accuracy of information they provide that is utilized in the preparation of our periodic public 
reports filed with the SEC. Financial results and other financial information also are reviewed with the Audit Committee of 
the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. As required by applicable regulatory requirements, the principal executive and 
financial officers review and make various certifications regarding the accuracy of our periodic public reports filed with the 
SEC, our disclosure controls and procedures, and our internal control over financial reporting. With the assistance of the 
Disclosure  Committee,  we  will  continue  to  assess  and  monitor,  and  make  refinements  to,  our  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures, and our internal control over financial reporting. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S. GAAP  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could  differ  from  those  estimates  and 
assumptions.  The  impact  and  any  associated  risks  related  to  these  policies  on  our  business  operations  are  discussed 
throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations where such policies 
affect  our  reported  and  expected  financial  results.  The  estimates  and  assumptions  discussed  below  are  considered  by 
management  to  be  critical  because  they  are  both  important  to  the  portrayal  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations  and  because  their  application  places  the  most  significant  demands  on  management’s  judgment,  with  financial 
reporting  results  relying  on  estimates  and  assumptions  about  the  effect  of  matters  that  are  inherently  uncertain.  Specific 
risks for these critical accounting estimates and assumptions are described in the following paragraphs. 

Revenue Recognition including Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables 

We recognize revenues when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the product or service has been provided to 
the customer, the collection of our fees is reasonably assured, and the amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or 
determinable. Certain products are sold to customers with a “street date” (which is the earliest date these products may be 
sold by retailers). For these products, we recognize revenues on the later of the street date or the date the product is sold to
the customer. 

Certain  of  our  revenue  arrangements  have  multiple  deliverables,  which  we  account  for  in  accordance  with  Accounting 
Standards  Topic  (“ASC”)  Topic  605  and  Accounting  Standards  Update  (“ASU”)  2009-13.  These  revenue  arrangements 
include  product  sales  consisting  of  both  software  and  hardware  deliverables  (such  as  peripherals  or  other  ancillary 
collectors’  items  sold  together  with  physical  “boxed”  software)  and  our  sales  of  World  of  Warcraft  boxed  products, 
expansion  packs  and  value-added  services,  each  of  which  is  considered  with  the  related  subscription  services  for  these 
purposes. 

Under ASC Topic 605 and ASU 2009-13, when a revenue arrangement contains multiple elements, such as hardware and 
software  products,  licenses  and/or  services,  we  allocate  revenue  to  each  element  based  on  a  selling  price  hierarchy.  The 
selling  price  for  a  deliverable  is  based  on  its  vendor-specific-  objective-evidence  (“VSOE”)  if  it  is  available,  third-party 
evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or best estimated selling price (“BESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTIn multiple element arrangements where more- than-incidental software deliverables are included, revenue is allocated to 
each separate unit of accounting for each of the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using 
the  relative  selling  prices  of  each  of  the  deliverables  in  the  arrangement  based  on  the  aforementioned  selling  price 
hierarchy. If the arrangement contains more than one software deliverable, the arrangement consideration allocated to the 
software deliverables as a group is then allocated to each software deliverable using the guidance for recognizing software 
revenue. 

As  noted  above,  when  neither  VSOE  nor  TPE  is  available  for  a  deliverable,  we  use  BESP.  We  did  not  have  significant 
revenue  arrangements  that  require  BESP  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013  and  2012.  The  inputs  we  use  to 
determine the selling price of our significant deliverables include the actual price charged by the Company for a deliverable 
that the Company sells separately, which represents the VSOE, and the wholesale prices of the same or similar products, 
which represents TPE. 

For product sales, which include the sale of physical products and digital full-game downloads, we consider the product or 
service  to  have  been  provided  to  the  customer  upon  the  transfer  of  title  and  risk  of  loss  to  our  customers,  for  physical 
products,  or  when  the  product  is  available  for  download  or  is  activated  for  gameplay,  for  digital  full-game  downloads. 
Revenues from product sales are recognized after deducting the estimated allowance for returns and price protection. 

For our software products with online functionality or are a part of a hosted service arrangement, we evaluate whether that 
functionality  constitutes  a  more-than-inconsequential  separate  deliverable  in  addition  to  the  software  product.  This 
evaluation is performed for each software product or product add-on (including digital downloadable content), when it is 
released.  Determining  whether  the  online  functionality  for  a  particular  game  constitutes  a  more-than-inconsequential 
deliverable  is  subjective  and  requires  management  judgment.  When  we  determine  the  online  functionality  constitutes  a 
more-than-inconsequential separate service deliverable in addition to the product, which is principally because of the online 
functionality’s importance to gameplay, we consider our performance obligation for this title to extend beyond the sale of 
the game. VSOE of fair value does not exist for the online functionality of some products, as we do not separately charge 
for this component of every title. As a result, we initially defer all of the software-related revenues from the sale of any such 
title and recognize the revenues ratably over the estimated service period of the title. In addition, we initially defer the costs 
of  sales  for  the  title  and  recognize  the  costs  of  sales  as  the  related  revenues  are  recognized.  The  costs  of  sales  include 
manufacturing  costs,  software  royalties  and  amortization,  and  intellectual  property  licenses  and  excludes  intangible  asset 
amortization. 

For our software products with online functionality that we consider to be incidental to the overall product offering and are 
inconsequential deliverables, we recognize the related revenues when the revenue recognition criteria described above have 
been met. 

For our World of Warcraft boxed products, expansion packs and value-added services, we recognize revenues in each case 
with  the  related  subscription  service  revenue,  ratably  over  the  estimated  service  period  beginning  upon  activation  of  the 
software  and  delivery  of  the  related  services.  Revenues  attributed  to  the  sale  of  World  of  Warcraft  boxed  software  and 
related  expansion  packs  are  classified  as  “Product  sales,”  whereas  revenues  attributable  to  subscriptions  and  other 
value-added services are classified as “Subscription, licensing, and other revenues.” 

Certain of our games are offered to players on a free-to-play basis. Players can purchase virtual goods, or microtransactions, 
to  enhance  their  gameplay  experience.  We  categorize  our  virtual  goods  as  either  consumable  or  durable.  Consumable 
virtual goods represent goods that can be consumed by a specific player action; accordingly, we recognize revenues from 
the  sale  of  consumable  virtual  goods  as  the  goods  are  consumed.  Durable  virtual  goods  represent  virtual  goods  that  are 
accessible  to  the  player  over  an  extended  period  of  time.  We  recognize  revenues  from  the  sale  of  durable  virtual  goods 
ratably over the period of time the goods are available to the player, generally the estimated service period of the game. 

We  determine  the  estimated  service  period  for  our  games  with  consideration  of  various  data  points,  including  the 
weighted-average number of days between players’ first purchase date and last date played online, the average total hours 
played, the average number of days in which player activity stabilizes, and the weighted-average number of days between 
players’ first purchase date and last date played online. We also consider known online trends and the service periods of our 
previously released games and disclosed service periods for our competitors’ games that are similar in nature. Determining 
the  estimated  service  period  is  subjective  and  requires  management’s  judgment.  Future  usage  patterns  may  differ  from 
historical usage patterns and therefore the estimated service period may change in the future. The estimated service periods 
for our current games range from five months to less than one year. 

Allowances for Returns, Price Protection, Doubtful Accounts and Inventory Obsolescence 

We closely monitor and analyze the historical performance of our various titles, the performance of products released by 
other  publishers,  market  conditions,  and  the  anticipated  timing  of  other  releases  to  assess  future  demand  of  current  and 
upcoming titles. Initial volumes shipped upon title launch and subsequent reorders are evaluated with the goal of ensuring 
that  quantities  are  sufficient  to  meet  the  demand  from  the  retail  markets,  but  at  the  same  time  are  controlled  to  prevent 
excess inventory in the channel. We benchmark units to be shipped to our customers using historical and industry data. 

We may permit product returns from, or grant price protection to, our customers under certain conditions. In general, price 
protection refers to the circumstances in which we elect to decrease, on a short- or longer-term basis, the wholesale price of 
a product by a certain amount and, when granted and applicable, allow customers a credit against amounts owed by such 
customers to us with respect to open and/or future invoices. The conditions our customers must meet to be granted the right 
to return products or price protection include, among other things, compliance with applicable trading and payment terms, 
and consistent return of inventory and delivery of sell- through reports to us. We may also consider other factors, including 
the facilitation of slow-moving inventory and other market factors. 

Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the allowance for 
returns  and  price  protection  in  any  accounting  period  based  on  estimates  of  potential  future  product  returns  and  price 
protection  related  to  current  period  product  revenues.  We  estimate  the  amount  of  future  returns  and  price  protection  for 
current period product revenues utilizing historical experience and information regarding inventory levels and the demand 
and  acceptance  of  our  products  by  the  end  consumer.  The  following  factors  are  used  to  estimate  the  amount  of  future 
returns and price protection for a particular title: historical performance of titles in similar genres; historical performance of 
the hardware platform; historical performance of the franchise; console hardware life cycle; sales force and retail customer 
feedback;  industry  pricing;  future  pricing  assumptions;  weeks  of  on-hand  retail  channel  inventory;  absolute  quantity  of 
on-hand  retail  channel  inventory;  our  warehouse  on-hand  inventory  levels;  the  title’s  recent  sell-through  history  (if 
available); marketing trade programs; and performance of competing titles. The relative importance of these factors varies 
among titles depending upon, among other items, genre, platform, seasonality, and sales strategy. 

Based upon historical experience, we believe that our estimates are reasonable. However, actual returns and price protection 
could  vary  materially  from  our  allowance  estimates  due  to  a  number  of  reasons,  including,  among  others:  a  lack  of 
consumer acceptance of a title, the release in the same period of a similarly themed title by a competitor, or technological 
obsolescence due to the emergence of new hardware platforms. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of 
our revenues for any period if factors or market conditions change or if management makes different judgments or utilizes 
different  estimates  in  determining  the  allowances  for  returns  and  price  protection.  For  example,  a  1%  change  in  our 
December 31, 2014 allowance for sales returns, price protection and other allowances would have impacted net revenues by 
approximately $4 million. 

Similarly, management must make estimates as to the collectability of our accounts receivable. In estimating the allowance 
for  doubtful  accounts,  we  analyze  the  age  of  current  outstanding  account  balances,  historical  bad  debts,  customer 
concentrations, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, and changes in our customers’ payment terms and their 
economic condition, as well as whether we can obtain sufficient credit insurance. Any significant changes in any of these 
criteria would affect management’s estimates in establishing our allowance for doubtful accounts. 

We regularly review inventory quantities on-hand and in the retail channels. We write down inventory based on excess or 
obsolete  inventories  determined  primarily  by  future  anticipated  demand  for  our  products.  Inventory  write-downs  are 
measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and net realizable value, based upon assumptions about future 
demand,  which  are  inherently  difficult  to  assess  and  dependent  on  market  conditions.  At  the  point  of  loss  recognition,  a 
new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in 
the restoration or increase in that newly established basis. 

Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses 

Software development costs include payments made to independent software developers under development agreements, as 
well  as  direct  costs  incurred  for  internally  developed  products.  Software  development  costs  are  capitalized  once 
technological  feasibility  of  a  product  is  established  and  such  costs  are  determined  to  be  recoverable.  Technological 
feasibility  of  a  product  encompasses  both  technical  design  documentation  and  game  design  documentation,  or  the 
completed and tested product design and working model. Significant management judgments and estimates are utilized in 
the  assessment  of  when  technological  feasibility  is  established.  For  products  where  proven  technology  exists,  this  may 
occur  early  in  the  development  cycle.  Technological  feasibility  is  evaluated  on  a  product-by-product  basis.  Software 
development  costs  related  to  hosted  service  revenue  arrangements  are  capitalized  after  the  preliminary  project  phase  is 
complete  and  it  is  probable  that  the  project  will  be  completed  and  the  software  will  be  used  to  perform  the  function 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTintended. Prior to a product’s release, if and when we believe capitalized costs are not recoverable, we expense the amounts 
as  part  of  “Cost  of  sales—software  royalties  and  amortization.”  Capitalized  costs  for  products  that  are  cancelled  or  are 
expected to be abandoned are charged to “Product development expense” in the period of cancellation. Amounts related to 
software development which are not capitalized are charged immediately to “Product development expense.” 

determination  is  made.  The  calculation  of  tax  liabilities  involves  significant  judgment  in  estimating  the  impact  of 
uncertainties in the application of ASC Topic 740 and other complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner 
inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our business and results of operations in an 
interim period in which the uncertainties are ultimately resolved. 

Commencing upon a product’s release, capitalized software development costs are amortized to “Cost of sales—software 
royalties  and  amortization”  based  on  the  ratio  of  current  revenues  to  total  projected  revenues  for  the  specific  product, 
generally  resulting  in  an  amortization  period  of  six  months  or  less,  or  over  the  estimated  useful  life,  generally 
approximately one to two years. 

Intellectual  property  license  costs  represent  license  fees  paid  to  intellectual  property  rights  holders  for  use  of  their 
trademarks, copyrights, software, technology, music or other intellectual property or proprietary rights in the development 
of  our  products.  Depending  upon  the  agreement  with  the  rights  holder,  we  may  obtain  the  right  to  use  the  intellectual 
property in multiple products over a number of years, or alternatively, for a single product. Prior to a product’s release, if 
and when we believe capitalized costs are not recoverable, we expense the amounts as part of “Cost of sales—intellectual 
property licenses.” Capitalized intellectual property costs for products that are cancelled or are expected to be abandoned 
are charged to “Product development expense” in the period of cancellation. 

Commencing  upon  a  product’s  release,  capitalized  intellectual  property  license  costs  are  amortized  to  “Cost  of  sales—
intellectual property licenses” based on the ratio of current revenues for the specific product to total projected revenues for
all  products  in  which  the  licensed  property  will  be  utilized.  As  intellectual  property  license  contracts  may  extend  for 
multiple  years  and  can  be  used  in  multiple  products  to  be  released  over  a  period  beyond  one  year,  the  amortization  of 
capitalized intellectual property license costs relating to such contracts may extend beyond one year. 

We  evaluate  the  future  recoverability  of  capitalized  software  development  costs  and  intellectual  property  licenses  on  a 
quarterly  basis.  For  products  that  have  been  released  in  prior  periods,  the  primary  evaluation  criterion  is  actual  title 
performance.  For  products  that  are  scheduled  to  be  released  in  future  periods,  recoverability  is  evaluated  based  on  the 
expected performance of the specific products to which the costs relate or in which the licensed trademark or copyright is to 
be  used.  Criteria  used  to  evaluate  expected  product  performance  include:  historical  performance  of  comparable  products 
developed with comparable technology; market performance of comparable titles; orders for the product prior to its release; 
general market conditions; and, for any sequel product, estimated performance based on the performance of the product on 
which  the  sequel  is based.  Further,  as  many  of our  capitalized  intellectual  property  licenses  extend for  multiple  products 
over  multiple  years,  we  also  assess  the  recoverability  of  capitalized  intellectual  property  license  costs  based  on  certain 
qualitative  factors,  such  as  the  success  of  other  products  and/or  entertainment vehicles  utilizing  the  intellectual  property, 
whether there are any future planned theatrical releases or television series based on the intellectual property, and the rights
holder’s continued promotion and exploitation of the intellectual property. 

Significant  management  judgments  and  estimates  are  utilized  in  assessing  the  recoverability  of  capitalized  costs.  In 
evaluating the recoverability of capitalized costs, the assessment of expected product performance utilizes forecasted sales 
amounts  and  estimates  of  additional  costs  to  be  incurred.  If  revised  forecasted  or  actual  product  sales  are  less  than  the 
originally  forecasted  amounts  utilized  in  the  initial  recoverability  analysis,  the  net  realizable  value  may  be  lower  than 
originally estimated in any given quarter, which could result in an impairment charge. Material differences may result in the 
amount and timing of expenses for any period if management makes different judgments or utilizes different estimates in 
evaluating these qualitative factors. 

Income Taxes 

We  record  a  tax  provision  for  the  anticipated  tax  consequences  of  the  reported  results  of  operations.  In  accordance  with 
ASC Topic 740, the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities  are  recognized  for  the  expected  future  tax  consequences  attributable  to  differences  between  the 
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses and
tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax 
assets and liabilities due to a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We 
evaluate deferred tax assets each period for recoverability. For those assets that do not meet the threshold of “more likely 
than not” that they will be realized in the future, a valuation allowance is recorded. 

Management believes it is more likely than not that forecasted income, including income that may be generated as a result 
of  certain  tax  planning  strategies,  together  with  the  tax  effects  of  the  deferred  tax  liabilities,  will  be  sufficient  to  fully 
recover the remaining deferred tax assets. In the event that all or part of the net deferred tax assets are determined not to be
realizable  in  the  future,  an  adjustment  to  the  valuation  allowance  would  be  charged  to  tax  expenses  in  the  period  such 

Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. 
Although we believe our reserves are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will 
not be different from that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. We adjust these reserves in
light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent 
that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision 
for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of 
reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties. 

Our  provision  for  income  taxes  is  subject  to  volatility  and  could  be  adversely  impacted  by  earnings  being  lower  than 
anticipated in foreign regions where taxes are levied at relatively lower statutory rates and/or higher than anticipated in the
United  States  where  taxes  are  levied  at  relatively  higher  statutory  rates;  by  changes  in  the  valuation  of  our  deferred  tax 
assets and liabilities; by expiration of, or lapses in, the R&D tax credit laws; by tax effects of nondeductible compensation; 
by  tax  costs  related  to  intercompany  realignments;  by  differences  between  amounts  included  in  our  tax  filings  and  the 
estimate of such amounts included in our tax expenses; by changes in accounting principles; or by changes in tax laws and 
regulations  including  possible  U.S.  changes  to  the  taxation  of  earnings  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries,  the  deductibility  of 
expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign tax credit rules. Significant judgment is required to determine the 
recognition  and  measurement  attributes  prescribed  in  the  accounting  guidance  for  uncertainty  in  income  taxes.  The 
accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes applies to all income tax positions, including the potential recovery of 
previously paid taxes, which if settled unfavorably could adversely impact our provision for income taxes. In addition, we 
are  subject  to  the  continuous  examination  of  our  income  tax  returns  by  the  IRS  and  other  tax  authorities.  We  regularly 
assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for 
income taxes. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an adverse 
impact on our operating results and financial condition. 

Fair Value Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements  in  conformity  with U.S. GAAP often  requires us  to  determine  the  fair value  of  a 
particular  item  to  fairly  present  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Without  an  independent  market  or  another 
representative transaction, determining the fair value of a particular item requires us to make several assumptions that are 
inherently difficult to predict and can have a material impact on the conclusion of the appropriate accounting. 

There  are  various  valuation  techniques used  to  estimate  fair value. These  include (1) the  market  approach,  where market 
transactions for identical or comparable assets or liabilities are used to determine the fair value, (2) the income approach, 
which uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, future cash flows or future earnings) to a single 
present amount, and (3) the cost approach, which is based on the amount that would be required to replace an asset. For 
many of our fair value estimates, including our estimates of the fair value of acquired intangible assets, we use the income 
approach.  Using  the  income  approach  requires  the  use  of  financial  models,  which  require  us  to  make  various  estimates 
including, but not limited to (1) the potential future cash flows for the asset, liability or equity instrument being measured,
(2) the  timing  of receipt  or  payment  of  those  future  cash flows,  (3) the  time  value  of money  associated  with  the delayed 
receipt or payment of such cash flows, and (4) the inherent risk associated with the cash flows (that is, the risk premium). 
Determining these cash flow estimates is inherently difficult and subjective, and, if any of the estimates used to determine 
the  fair  value  using  the  income  approach  turns  out  to  be  inaccurate,  our  financial  results  may  be  negatively  impacted. 
Furthermore, relatively small changes in many of these estimates can have a significant impact on the estimated fair value 
resulting from the financial models or the related accounting conclusion reached. For example, a relatively small change in 
the estimated fair value of an asset may change a conclusion as to whether an asset is impaired. While we are required to 
make certain fair value assessments associated with the accounting for several types of transactions, the following areas are 
the most sensitive to the assessments: 

Business  Combinations.    We  must  estimate  the  fair  value  of  assets  acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  a  business 
combination. Our assessment of the estimated fair value of each of these can have a material effect on our reported results 
as  intangible  assets  are  amortized  over  various  lives.  Furthermore,  a  change  in  the  estimated  fair  value  of  an  asset  or 
liability often has a direct impact on the amount to recognize as goodwill, which is an asset that is not amortized. Often 
determining the fair value of these assets and liabilities assumed requires an assessment of the expected use of the asset, the
expected  cost  to  extinguish  the  liability  or  our  expectations  related  to  the  timing  and  the  successful  completion  of 
development  of  an  acquired  in-process  technology.  Such estimates  are  inherently  difficult  and  subjective  and  can have  a 
material impact on our financial statements. 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTWe generally determine the fair value of restricted stock rights (including restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and
performance  shares)  based  on  the  closing  market  price  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  on  the  date  of  grant.  Certain 
restricted stock rights granted to our employees and senior management vest based on the achievement of pre-established 
performance  or  market  conditions.  We  estimate  the  fair  value  of  performance-based restricted  stock  rights  at  the  closing 
market  price  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  on  the  date  of  grant.  Each  quarter,  we  update  our  assessment  of  the 
probability  that  the  specified  performance  criteria  will  be  achieved.  We  amortize  the  fair  values  of  performance-based 
restricted stock rights over the requisite service period adjusted for estimated forfeitures for each separately vesting tranche
of the award. We estimate the fair value of market-based restricted stock rights at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo 
valuation methodology and amortize those fair values over the requisite service period adjusted for estimated forfeitures for 
each  separately  vesting  tranche  of  the  award.  The  Monte  Carlo  methodology  that  we  use  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of 
market-based  restricted  stock  rights  at  the  date  of  grant  incorporates  into  the  valuation  the  possibility  that  the  market 
condition  may  not  be  satisfied.  Provided  that  the  requisite  service  is  rendered,  the  total  fair  value  of  the  market-based 
restricted stock rights at the date of grant must be recognized as compensation expense even if the market condition is not 
achieved. However, the number of shares that ultimately vest can vary significantly with the performance of the specified 
market criteria. 

For a detailed discussion of the application of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 

Revenue recognition 

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. This new standard will replace all 
current  U.S. GAAP  guidance  on  this  topic  and  eliminate  all  industry-specific  guidance.  The  new  revenue  recognition 
standard provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company 
should  recognize  revenue  upon  the  transfer  of  promised  goods  or  services  to  customers  in  an  amount  that  reflects  the 
consideration  for  which  the  entity  expects  to  be  entitled  in  exchange  for  those  goods  or  services.  This  guidance  will  be 
effective  beginning  January 1,  2017  and  can  be  applied  either  retrospectively  to  each  period  presented  or  as  a 
cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are evaluating the adoption method as well as the impact of this 
new accounting guidance on our financial statements. 

Stock-based compensation 

In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance 
target  that  affects  vesting,  and  that  could  be  achieved  after  the  requisite  service  period,  be  treated  as  a  performance 
condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This 
update  further  clarifies  that  compensation  cost  should  be  recognized  in  the  period  in  which  it  becomes  probable  that  the 
performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the 
requisite  service  has  already  been  rendered.  The  new  standard  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December 15, 
2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest 
annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the 
impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our financial statements. 

Assessment  of  Impairment  of  Assets.    Management  evaluates  the  recoverability  of  our  identifiable  intangible  assets  and 
other long-lived assets in accordance with ASC Subtopic 360-10, which generally requires the assessment of these assets 
for recoverability when events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists. We considered certain events and 
circumstances in determining whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets, other 
than  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets,  may  not  be  recoverable  including,  but  not  limited  to:  significant  changes  in 
performance relative to expected operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry
or  economic  trends;  a  significant  decline  in  our  stock  price  for  a  sustained  period  of  time;  and  changes  in  our  business 
strategy. In determining whether an impairment exists, we estimate the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the 
use  and  ultimate  disposition  of  these  assets.  If  an  impairment  is  indicated  based  on  a  comparison  of  the  assets’  carrying 
values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of 
the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. We did not record an impairment charge to our definite-lived intangible assets
as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. 

Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  literature  related  to  the  accounting  for  goodwill  and  other  intangibles 
within ASC Topic 350 provides companies an option to first perform a  qualitative assessment to determine whether it is 
more  likely  than  not  that  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  less  than  its  carrying  value  before  performing  a  two-step 
approach to testing goodwill for impairment for each reporting unit. Our reporting units are determined by the components 
of  our  operating  segments  that  constitute  a  business  for  which  both  (1) discrete  financial  information  is  available  and 
(2) segment  management  regularly  reviews  the  operating  results  of  that  component.  ASC  Topic  350  requires  that  the 
impairment test be performed at least annually by applying a fair-value-based test. The qualitative assessment is optional. 
The  first  step  measures  for  impairment  by  applying  fair-value-based  tests  at  the  reporting  unit  level.  The  second  step  (if 
necessary)  measures  the  amount  of  impairment  by  applying  fair-value-based  tests  to  the  individual  assets  and  liabilities 
within each reporting unit. 

To determine the fair values of the reporting units used in the first step, we use a discounted cash flow approach. Each step 
requires  us  to  make  judgments  and  involves  the  use  of  significant  estimates  and  assumptions.  These  estimates  and 
assumptions  include  long-term  growth  rates  and  operating  margins  used  to  calculate  projected  future  cash  flows, 
risk-adjusted  discount  rates  based  on  our  weighted  average  cost  of  capital,  and  future  economic  and  market  conditions. 
These  estimates  and  assumptions  have  to  be  made  for  each  reporting  unit  evaluated  for  impairment.  Our  estimates  for 
market  growth,  our  market  share  and  costs  are  based  on  historical  data,  various  internal  estimates  and  certain  external 
sources,  and  are  based  on  assumptions  that  are  consistent  with  the  plans  and  estimates  we  are  using  to  manage  the 
underlying business. If future forecasts are revised, they may indicate or require future impairment charges. We base our 
fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual 
future results may differ from those estimates. 

The  fair  value  of  our  reporting  units  is  determined  using  an  income  approach  based  on  discounted  cash  flow  models.  In 
determining the fair value of our reporting units, we assumed a discount rate of approximately 10.0%. The estimated fair 
value of both the Activision and Blizzard reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately $4 billion, or at 
least 25%, as of December 31, 2014. However, changes in our assumptions underlying our estimates of fair value, which 
will  be  a  function  of  our  future  financial  performance,  and  changes  in  economic  conditions  could  result  in  future 
impairment charges. 

We test acquired trade names for possible impairment by using a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value. We 
have  determined  that  no  impairment  has  occurred  at  December 31,  2014  and  2013  based  upon  a  set  of  assumptions 
regarding discounted future cash flows, which represent our best estimate of future performance at this time. In determining 
the fair value of our trade names, we assumed a discount rate of 10.0%, and royalty saving rates of approximately 1.5%—
2.0%.  A  one  percentage  point  increase  in  the  discount  rate  would  not  yield  an  impairment  charge  to  our  trade  names. 
Changes  in  our  assumptions  underlying  our  estimates  of  fair  value,  which  will  be  a  function  of  our  future  financial 
performance and changes in economic conditions, could result in future impairment charges. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation, and 
ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized during 
the requisite service periods (that is, the period for which the employee is being compensated) and is based on the value of 
stock-based payment awards after a reduction for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and are 
revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. 

We  estimate  the  value  of  stock-based  payment  awards  on  the  measurement  date  using  a  binomial-lattice  model.  Our 
determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by 
our  stock  price  as  well  as  assumptions  regarding  a  number  of  highly  complex  and  subjective  variables.  These  variables 
include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  our  expected  stock  price  volatility  over  the  term  of  the  awards,  and  actual  and  projected 
employee stock option exercise behaviors. 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTapproximately $107 million. This sensitivity analysis assumes a parallel adverse shift of all foreign currency exchange rates 
against the U.S. dollar; however, all foreign currency exchange rates do not always move in such manner and actual results 
may differ materially. 

Interest Rate Risk 

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio and variable rate 
debt under the Credit Facilities. We do not currently use derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk. As of 
December 31, 2014, a hypothetical interest rate change on our variable rate debt of one percent (100 basis points) would 
change interest expense on an annual basis by approximately $21 million. Because we have a 0.75% LIBOR floor in our 
Term Loan, our interest expense will only increase if the underlying interest rate increases to a level that exceeds the 
LIBOR floor. This estimate does not include the effects of other actions that we may take in the future to mitigate this risk 
or any changes in our financial structure. 

Our investment portfolio consists primarily of money market funds and government securities with high credit quality and 
short average maturities. Because short-term securities mature relatively quickly and must be reinvested at the then-current 
market rates, interest income on a portfolio consisting of cash, cash equivalents or short-term securities is more subject to 
market fluctuations than a portfolio of longer term securities. Conversely, the fair value of such a portfolio is less sensitive
to market fluctuations than a portfolio of longer-term securities. At December 31, 2014, our $4.85 billion of cash and cash 
equivalents  were  comprised  primarily  of  money  market  funds.  At  December 31,  2014,  our  $10 million  of  short-term 
investments included $10 million of restricted cash. We also had $9 million in auction rate securities at fair value classified
as  long-term  investments  at  December 31,  2014.  The  Company  has  determined  that,  based  on  the  composition  of  our 
investment  portfolio  as  of  December 31,  2014,  there  was  no  material  interest  rate  risk  exposure  to  the  Company’s 
consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity as of that date. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Market risk is the potential loss arising from fluctuations in market rates and prices. Our market risk exposures primarily 
include fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk 

We transact business in many different foreign currencies and may be exposed to financial market risk resulting from 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Revenues and related expenses generated from our international operations 
are generally denominated in their respective local currencies. Primary currencies include euros, British pounds, Australian 
dollars, South Korean won and Swedish krona. To the extent the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the 
translation of these foreign currency-denominated transactions results in reduced revenues, operating expenses, net income 
and cash flows from our international operations. Similarly, our revenues, operating expenses, net income and cash flows 
will increase for our international operations if the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies. Since we have 
significant international sales, but incur the majority of our costs in the United States, the impact of foreign currency 
fluctuations, particularly the strengthening of the U.S. dollar may have an asymmetric and disproportional impact on our 
business. We monitor currency volatility throughout the year. 

To mitigate our foreign currency risk resulting from our foreign currency-denominated monetary assets, liabilities, earnings 
or cash flows, we periodically enter into currency derivative contracts, principally forward contracts with maturities of 
generally less than one year. The counterparties for our currency derivative contracts are large and reputable commercial or 
investment banks. All of our foreign currency hedging transactions are backed, in amount and by maturity, by an identified 
underlying item. 

In recent periods, foreign currency derivative contracts for monetary assets, liabilities and earnings were not designated as 
hedging instruments and foreign currency derivative contracts for cash flows are designated as cash flow hedges. We report 
the fair value of all of these forward contracts within “Other current assets” or “Other current liabilities” in our consolidated
balance sheets based on the prevailing exchange rates of the various hedged currencies as of the end of the relevant period. 
We do not hold or purchase any foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. 

Changes in the estimated fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recorded within “General and 
administrative expense” or “Interest and other investment income (expense), net” in our consolidated statements of 
operations, depending on the nature of the underlying transactions. 

At December 31, 2014, the gross notional amount of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts not designated as 
hedges was $11 million. At December 31, 2013, the gross notional amount of outstanding foreign currency forward 
contracts that were not designated as hedges was $34 million. The fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts 
was not material as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, we recognized a 
pre-tax net gain of $1 million and $7 million, respectively, related to these forward contracts. For the year ended 
December 31, 2013, pre-tax net gains associated with these forward contracts were not material. 

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge forecasted 
intercompany cash flows that are subject to foreign currency risk and designated them as cash flow hedges in accordance 
with ASC 815. The Company assesses the effectiveness of these cash flow hedges at inception and on an ongoing basis and 
determines if the hedges are effective at providing offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. The Company 
records the effective portion of changes in the estimated fair value of these derivatives in “Accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss)” and subsequently reclassifies the related amount of accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss) to earnings within “General and administrative expense” when the hedged item impacts earnings. The 
Company measures hedge ineffectiveness, if any, and if it is determined that a derivative has ceased to be a highly effective 
hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting for the derivative. 

At December 31, 2014, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges. 
For the year ended December 31, 2014, pre-tax net realized gains associated with these forward contracts of $8 million 
were reclassified out of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” into “General and administrative expense”. 

In the absence of the hedging activities described above, for the year ended December 31, 2014, a hypothetical adverse 
foreign currency exchange rate movement of 10% would have resulted in potential declines of our net income of  

31

32

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTCONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Definition and Limitations of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Activision Blizzard, Inc.:

Our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  such  term  is  defined  in  Rules 13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e)  under  the  Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed in 
our  reports  filed  under  the  Exchange  Act  is  (i) recorded,  processed,  summarized,  and  reported  within  the  time  periods 
specified  in  the  SEC’s  rules  and  forms  and  (ii) accumulated  and  communicated  to  management,  including  our  principal 
executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. A 
control  system,  no  matter  how  well  designed  and  operated,  can  provide  only  reasonable  assurance  that  it  will  detect  or 
uncover  failures  within  the  Company  to  disclose  material  information  otherwise  required  to  be  set  forth  in  our  periodic 
reports.  Inherent  limitations  to  any  system  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  the 
possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of such controls by one or more persons. In addition, we 
have designed our system of controls based on certain assumptions, which we believe are reasonable, about the likelihood 
of future events, and our system of controls may therefore not achieve its desired objectives under all possible future events.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. 

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the 
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures at December 31, 2014, the end of the period covered by this report. 
Based  on  this  evaluation,  the  principal  executive  officer  and  principal  financial  officer  concluded  that,  at  December 31, 
2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be 
disclosed  by  the  Company  in  the  reports  that  it  files  or  submits  under  the  Exchange  Act  is  (i) recorded,  processed, 
summarized,  and  reported  on  a  timely  basis,  and  (ii) accumulated  and  communicated  to  management,  including  our 
principal  executive  officer  and  principal  financial  officer,  as  appropriate  to  allow  timely  decisions  regarding  required 
disclosures. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such 
term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our management, with the participation of our 
principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness, as of December 31, 
2014,  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  using  the  criteria  set  forth  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this evaluation, 
our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. 

The  effectiveness  of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December 31,  2014  has  been  audited  by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  as  stated  in  their report  included  in  this 
Annual Report. 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. 

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that 
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations,
comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in
Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing on page 33 of this
Annual Report to Shareholders. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, and on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance
with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our
audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits
also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and
directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Los Angeles, California
February 26, 2015

33

34

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 6, 2015      3:00PM EST

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

(Amounts in millions, except share data) 

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

(Amounts in millions, except per share data) 

Assets

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................................................................  
Short-term investments ........................................................................................................  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $383 and $381 at December 31, 2014 and 

December 31, 2013, respectively ....................................................................................
Inventories, net ....................................................................................................................  
Software development .........................................................................................................  
Intellectual property licenses ...............................................................................................  
Deferred income taxes, net ..................................................................................................  
Other current assets .............................................................................................................
Total current assets .........................................................................................................  
Long-term investments ........................................................................................................  
Software development .........................................................................................................  
Intellectual property licenses ...............................................................................................  
Property and equipment, net ................................................................................................  
Other assets .........................................................................................................................  
Intangible assets, net ............................................................................................................
Trademark and trade names .................................................................................................  
Goodwill ..............................................................................................................................
Total assets ......................................................................................................................

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable ................................................................................................................  
Deferred revenues ................................................................................................................  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities .................................................................................  
Current portion of long-term debt ........................................................................................  
Total current liabilities ....................................................................................................  
Long-term debt, net .............................................................................................................  
Deferred income taxes, net ..................................................................................................  
Other liabilities ....................................................................................................................
Total liabilities ................................................................................................................

Commitments and contingencies (Note 21) 
Shareholders’ equity: 

Common stock, $0.000001 par value, 2,400,000,000 shares authorized, 1,150,605,926 and 
1,132,385,424 shares issued at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively 

Additional paid-in capital ....................................................................................................  
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 428,676,471 shares at December 31, 2014 and 

December 31, 2013 .........................................................................................................  
Retained earnings ................................................................................................................  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ...............................................................  
Total shareholders’ equity ...............................................................................................  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity ........................................................................  

At December 31, 
2014

At December 31,
2013

$ 

4,848 
10 

$ 

659 
123 
452 
5 
368 
444
6,909 
9 
20 
18 
157 
85 
29
433 
7,086 
14,746 

325 
1,797 
592 
—
2,714 
4,324 
114 
361
7,513 

$ 

$ 

— 
9,924 

(5,762) 
3,374 
(303)
7,233 
14,746 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,410
33

510
171
367
11
321
418
6,241
9
21
—
138
35
43
433
7,092
14,012

355
1,389
636
25
2,405
4,668
66
251
7,390

—
9,682

(5,814)
2,686
68
6,622
14,012

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Net revenues

Product sales ..........................................................................................................  
Subscription, licensing, and other revenues ...........................................................  
Total net revenues ......................................................................................................  
Costs and expenses

Cost of sales—product costs ..................................................................................  
Cost of sales—online .............................................................................................  
Cost of sales—software royalties and amortization ...............................................  
Cost of sales—intellectual property licenses ..........................................................  
Product development ..............................................................................................  
Sales and marketing ...............................................................................................  
General and administrative ....................................................................................  
Total costs and expenses ............................................................................................  
Operating income .......................................................................................................  
Interest and other investment income (expense), net .................................................  
Income before income tax expense ............................................................................  
Income tax expense ....................................................................................................  
Net income .................................................................................................................  
Earnings per common share

Basic .......................................................................................................................  
Diluted ...................................................................................................................  

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding

Basic .......................................................................................................................  
Diluted ...................................................................................................................  
Dividends per common share .....................................................................................  

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

$  2,786  $  3,201
1,382
4,583

1,622 
4,408 

$  3,620
1,236
4,856

1,053
999 
204
232 
187
260 
87
34 
584
571 
606
712 
490
417 
3,225 
3,211
1,372
1,183 
(53)
(202) 
1,319
981 
309
146 
835  $  1,010

1,116
263
194
89
604
578
561
3,405
1,451
7
1,458
309
$  1,149

1.14  $ 
1.13  $ 

0.96
0.95

$ 
$ 

1.01
1.01

716 
726 
0.20  $ 

1,024
1,035
0.19

1,112
1,118
0.18

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

35

36

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

(Amounts in millions) 

2014

Net income .................................................................................................................  
Other comprehensive income (loss): 

Foreign currency translation adjustment ................................................................  
Unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred income taxes of $0 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 ..............................................  
Other comprehensive income (loss) ...........................................................................  
Comprehensive income ..............................................................................................  

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

$ 

835  $  1,010

2012
$  1,149

(371) 

93

46

—
(371)  $ 

1
94
464  $  1,104

—
$ 
46
$  1,195

$ 
$ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 

(Amounts and shares in millions, except per share data) 

Balance at December 31, 2011 .................................  
Components of comprehensive income: 

Net income ............................................................  
Other comprehensive income (loss) ......................  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock 
options ...................................................................  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock 
rights ......................................................................  
Restricted stock surrendered for employees’ tax liability
 ...............................................................................  
Forfeiture of restricted stock rights .............................  
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee 
stock options and restricted stock rights ...............  
Dividends ($0.18 per common share) .........................  
Shares repurchased (see Note 19) ...............................  
Retirement of treasury shares ......................................  
Balance at December 31, 2012 .................................  
Components of comprehensive income: 

Net income ............................................................  
Other comprehensive income (loss) ......................  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock 
options ...................................................................  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock 
rights ......................................................................  
Restricted stock surrendered for employees’ tax liability
 ...............................................................................  
Tax benefit associated with employee stock awards ..  
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee 
stock options and restricted stock rights ...............  
Dividends ($0.19 per common share) .........................  
Shares repurchased (see Note 19) ...............................  
Indemnity on tax attributes assumed in connection with 
the Purchase Transaction (see Note 17) ................  
Balance at December 31, 2013 .................................  
Components of comprehensive income: 

Net income ............................................................  
Other comprehensive income (loss) ......................  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock 
options ...................................................................  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock 
rights ......................................................................  
Restricted stock surrendered for employees’ tax liability
 ...............................................................................  
Tax benefit associated with employee stock awards ..  
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee 
stock options and restricted stock rights ...............  
Dividends ($0.20 per common share) .........................  
Indemnity on tax attributes assumed in connection with 
the Purchase Transaction (see Note 17) ................  
Balance at December 31, 2014 .................................  

Common Stock 

Treasury Stock 

Shares 
1,133 

Amount 
— 
$ 

Shares 
— 

Amount 
— 
$ 

Additional
Paid-In 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 
(Accumulated 
Deficit) 

$ 

9,616 

$ 

948 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 
$ 

(72) 

Total 
Shareholders’ 
Equity 

$ 

10,492

— 
— 

5 

4 

(1) 
(3) 

— 
— 
— 
(26) 
1,112 

$ 

— 
— 

16 

8 

(4) 
— 

— 
— 
— 

—
1,132 

$ 

— 
— 

14 

7 

(2) 
— 

— 
— 

—
1,151 

$ 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
—
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

—
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

—
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(26) 
26 
— 

— 
— 
(315) 
315 
— 

$ 

$ 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
(429) 

— 
— 
(5,830) 

— 
— 

33 

— 

(16) 
— 

132 
— 
— 
(315) 
9,450 

— 
— 

158 

— 

(49) 
11 

112 
— 
— 

$ 

—
(429) 

16 
$  (5,814) 

$ 

—
9,682 

$ 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

172 

— 

(66) 
30 

106 
— 

—
(429) 

52 
$  (5,762) 

$ 

—
9,924 

$ 

1,149 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
(204) 
— 
—
1,893 

1,010 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
(217) 
— 

—
2,686 

835 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
(147) 

—
3,374 

$ 

$ 

— 
46 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
—
(26) 

— 
94 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 
— 

—
68 

— 
(371) 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 
— 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—
(303) 

$ 

1,149 
46 

33 

— 

(16) 
— 

132 
(204) 
(315) 
—
11,317

1,010 
94 

158 

— 

(49) 
11 

112 
(217) 
(5,830) 

16 
6,622

835 
(371) 

172 

— 

(66) 
30 

106 
(147) 

52 
7,233

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

37

38

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(Amounts in millions) 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net income ................................................................................................................................................  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 

Deferred income taxes .........................................................................................................................  
Provision for inventories ......................................................................................................................  
Depreciation and amortization .............................................................................................................  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment .......................................................................................
Amortization and write-off of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property 

licenses(1) .........................................................................................................................................  
Amortization of debt discount and debt financing costs .....................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense(2) ..................................................................................................  
Excess tax benefits from stock awards ................................................................................................

Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable, net ......................................................................................................................
Inventories ............................................................................................................................................
Software development and intellectual property licenses ...................................................................
Other assets ..........................................................................................................................................
Deferred revenues ................................................................................................................................
Accounts payable .................................................................................................................................
Accrued expenses and other liabilities .................................................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities .................................................................................................

Cash flows from investing activities: 

Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investments.....................................................................  
Proceeds from auction rate securities called at par ...................................................................................  
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments .............................................................................  
Purchases of available-for-sale investments .............................................................................................  
Capital expenditures ..................................................................................................................................
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash .......................................................................................................
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities ..................................................................................

Cash flows from financing activities: 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock to employees .........................................................................  
Tax payment related to net share settlements on restricted stock rights ..................................................  
Excess tax benefits from stock awards .....................................................................................................  
Repurchase of common stock ...................................................................................................................  
Dividends paid...........................................................................................................................................  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt ................................................................................................  
Repayment of long-term debt ...................................................................................................................  
Payment of debt discount and financing costs ..........................................................................................
Net cash used in financing activities .........................................................................................................
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ........................................................  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents .....................................................................................................  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .........................................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ...................................................................................................

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

$ 

835 

$ 

1,010

$ 

1,149

(44) 
39 
90 
1 

256 
7 
104 
(39) 

(177) 
(2) 
(349) 
18 
475
(12) 
90 
1,292 

21 
— 
— 
— 
(107) 
2
(84) 

175 
(66) 
39 
— 
(147) 
— 
(375) 
—
(374) 
(396) 
438 
4,410 
4,848 

$ 

161
33
108
—

207
1
108
(29)

198
6
(268)
(67)
(275)
7
64
1,264

304
—
98
(26)
(74)
6
308

158
(49)
29
(5,830)
(216)
4,750
(6)
(59)
(1,223)
102
451
3,959
4,410

$ 

(10)
13
120
1

208
—
126
(5)

(46)
(75)
(301)
88
153
(54)
(22)
1,345

444
10
—
(503)
(73)
(2)
(124)

33
(16)
5
(315)
(204)
—
—
—
(497)
70
794
3,165
3,959

$ 

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. Description of Business 

Activision  Blizzard, Inc. (“Activision  Blizzard”)  is  a  leading global developer  and publisher of interactive  entertainment. 
The  terms  “Activision  Blizzard,”  the  “Company,”  “we,”  “us,”  and  “our”  are  used  to  refer  collectively  to  Activision 
Blizzard, Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries.  We  currently  offer  games  for  video  game  consoles,  personal  computers  (“PC”),  and 
handheld, mobile and tablet devices. We maintain significant operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada, the United 
Kingdom (“U.K.”), France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea and China. 

The Business Combination and Share Repurchase 

Activision  Blizzard  is  the  result  of  the  2008  business  combination  (“Business  Combination”)  by  and  among 
Activision, Inc.,  Sego  Merger  Corporation,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Activision, Inc.,  Vivendi S.A.  (“Vivendi”), 
VGAC LLC,  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Vivendi,  and  Vivendi  Games, Inc.  (“Vivendi  Games”),  a  wholly-owned 
subsidiary  of  VGAC LLC.  As  a  result  of  the  consummation  of  the  Business  Combination,  Activision, Inc.  was  renamed 
Activision  Blizzard, Inc.  and  Vivendi  became  a  majority  shareholder  of  Activision.  The  common  stock  of  Activision 
Blizzard is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol “ATVI.” 

On October 11, 2013, we repurchased approximately 429 million shares of our common stock, pursuant to a stock purchase 
agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) we entered into on July 25, 2013, with Vivendi and ASAC II LP (“ASAC”), 
an  exempted  limited  partnership  established  under  the  laws  of  the  Cayman  Islands,  acting  by  its  general  partner,  ASAC 
II LLC (together with ASAC, the “ASAC Entities”). Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, we acquired 
all of the capital stock of Amber Holding Subsidiary Co., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi 
(“New VH”), which was the direct owner of approximately 429 million shares of our common stock, for a cash payment of 
$5.83 billion, or $13.60 per share, before taking into account the benefit to the Company of certain tax attributes of New 
VH  assumed  in  the  transaction  (collectively,  the  “Purchase  Transaction”).  Immediately  following  the  completion  of  the 
Purchase Transaction, ASAC purchased from Vivendi 172 million shares of Activision Blizzard’s common stock, pursuant 
to the Stock Purchase Agreement, for a cash payment of $2.34 billion, or $13.60 per share (the “Private Sale”). Refer to 
Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the financing of the Purchase 
Transaction.

On May 28, 2014, Vivendi sold approximately 41 million shares, or approximately 50% of its then-current holdings, of our 
common stock in a registered public offering. Vivendi received proceeds of approximately $850 million from that sale; we 
did not receive any proceeds. Vivendi currently owns approximately 41 million shares of our common stock. 

As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 722 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding. At that date, 
(i) Vivendi held  41 million  shares,  or  approximately  6%  of  the outstanding  shares of  our  common  stock,  (ii) ASAC  held 
172 million shares, or approximately 24% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, and (iii) our other stockholders 
held approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. 

(1) 

(2) 

Excludes deferral and amortization of stock-based compensation expense. 

Operating Segments 

Includes the net effects of capitalization, deferral, and amortization of stock-based compensation expense. 

Based upon our organizational structure, we conduct our business through three operating segments as follows: 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(i) Activision Publishing, Inc. 

Activision Publishing, Inc. (“Activision”) is a leading international developer and publisher of interactive software products 
and content. Activision delivers content to a broad range of gamers, ranging from children to adults, and from core gamers 
to  mass-market  consumers  to  “value”  buyers  seeking  budget-priced  software,  in  a  variety  of  geographies.  Activision 
develops games based on internally-developed properties, including games in the Call of Duty® and Skylanders® franchises, 
and to a lesser extent, based on licensed intellectual properties. Additionally, we have established a long-term alliance with 
Bungie to publish its game universe, Destiny®, which was released on September 9, 2014. Activision sells games through 
both  retail  and  digital  online  channels.  Activision  currently  offers  games  that  operate  on  the  Microsoft  Corporation 
(“Microsoft”) Xbox One (“Xbox One”) and Xbox 360 (“Xbox 360”), Nintendo Co. Ltd. (“Nintendo”) Wii U (“Wii U”) and 
Wii  (“Wii”),  and  Sony  Computer  Entertainment, Inc.  (“Sony”)  PlayStation  4  (“PS4”)  and  PlayStation  3  (“PS3”)  console 
systems  (Xbox  One,  Wii  U,  and  PS4  are  collectively  referred  to  as  “next-generation”;  Xbox 360,  Wii,  and  PS3  are 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
collectively referred to as “prior-generation”); the PC, the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Dual Screen, and Sony PlayStation Vita 
handheld game systems; and mobile and tablet devices. 

predetermined short-term intervals, typically every 7, 28, or 35 days. Interest on ARS is generally paid at the end of each 
auction  process  and  is  based  upon  the  interest  rate  determined  for  the  prior  auction.  Our  investments  in  ARS  are  not 
material to our consolidated financial statements. 

(ii) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. 

Blizzard  Entertainment, Inc.  (“Blizzard”) is  a  leader  in  the  subscription-based  massively  multi-player  online  role-playing 
®
game  (“MMORPG”)  category  in  terms  of  both  subscriber  base  and  revenues  generated  through  its  World  of  Warcraft
franchise, which it develops, hosts and supports. Blizzard also develops, markets, and sells role-playing action and strategy 
games  for  the  PC,  console,  mobile  and  tablet  platforms,  including  games  in  the  multiple-award  winning  Diablo®,
StarCraft®,  and  Hearthstone®:  Heroes  of  Warcraft™  franchises.  In  addition,  Blizzard  maintains  a  proprietary  online 
®
.  Blizzard  distributes  its  products  and  generates  revenues  worldwide  through  various 
game-related  service,  Battle.net
means, including: subscriptions; sales of prepaid subscription cards; value-added services, such as in-game purchases and 
services;  retail  sales  of  physical  “boxed”  products;  online  download  sales  of  PC  products;  purchases  and  downloads  via 
third-party  console,  mobile  and  tablet  platforms;  and  licensing  of  software  to  third-party  or  related-party  companies  that 
distribute World of Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft products. In addition, Blizzard is the 
creator of Heroes of the Storm™, a new free-to-play online hero brawler that is currently in closed beta testing. 

(iii) Activision Blizzard Distribution 

Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) consists of operations in Europe that provide warehousing, logistical and 
sales  distribution  services  to  third-party  publishers  of  interactive  entertainment  software,  our  own  publishing  operations, 
and manufacturers of interactive entertainment hardware. 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation 

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  and  operations  of  the  Company.  All 
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation 
of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S. GAAP  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and 
assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  Actual 
results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation. 

The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the financial statements are 
issued, to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures.

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

We consider all money market funds and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the 
time of purchase to be “Cash and cash equivalents.” 

Investment Securities 

Investments designated as available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices for 
such  securities,  if  available,  or  is  estimated  on  the  basis  of  quoted  market  prices  of  financial  instruments  with  similar 
characteristics. Unrealized gains and losses of the Company’s available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and 
are reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss).” 

Investments  with  original  maturities  greater  than  90 days  and  remaining  maturities  of  less  than  one  year  are  normally 
classified  within  “Short-term  investments.”  In  addition,  investments  with  maturities  beyond  one  year  may  be  classified 
within “Short-term investments” if they are highly liquid in nature and represent the investment of cash that is available for 
current operations. 

The  specific  identification  method  is  used  to  determine  the  cost  of  securities  disposed  of,  with  realized  gains  and  losses 
reflected in “Interest and other investment income (expense), net” in our consolidated statements of operations. 

The Company’s investments include auction rate securities (“ARS”). These ARS are variable rate bonds tied to short-term 
interest  rates  with  long-term  maturities.  ARS  have  interest  rates  which  reset  through  a  modified  Dutch  auction  at 

Restricted Cash—Compensating Balances 

Restricted  cash  is  included  within  “Short-term  investments”  on  the  consolidated  balance  sheets.  The  majority  of  our 
restricted cash relates to a standby letter of credit required by one of our inventory manufacturers so that we can qualify for
certain payment terms on our inventory purchases. Under the terms of this arrangement, we are required to maintain with 
the issuing bank a compensating balance, restricted as to use, of not less than the sum of the available amount of the letter 
of credit plus the aggregate amount of any drawings under the letter of credit that have been honored thereunder, but have 
not yet been reimbursed. 

Financial Instruments 

The  carrying  amounts  of  “Cash  and  cash  equivalents,”  “Accounts  receivable,”  “Accounts  payable,”  and  “Accrued 
expenses”  substantively  approximate  fair  value  due  to  the  short-term  nature  of  these  accounts.  Our  investments  in  U.S. 
treasuries,  government  agency  securities,  and  corporate bonds  are  carried  at  fair value,  which  is  based  on quoted  market 
prices  for  such  securities,  if  available, or  is  estimated  on  the  basis  of  quoted  market  prices  of  financial  instruments  with 
similar characteristics. ARS are carried at fair value, which is estimated using an income-approach model. 

The  Company  transacts  business  in  various  foreign  currencies  and  has  significant  international  sales  and  expenses 
denominated in foreign currencies, subjecting us to foreign currency risk. To mitigate our foreign currency exchange rate 
exposure  resulting  from  our  foreign  currency-denominated  monetary  assets,  liabilities,  earnings,  or  cash  flows,  we 
periodically enter into currency derivative contracts, principally forward contracts with maturities of generally less than one
year.  We  do  not  use  derivatives  for  speculative  or  trading  purposes.  We  assess  the  nature  of  these  derivatives  under 
Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  Topic  815  to  determine 
whether such derivatives should be designated as hedging instruments. 

For foreign currency forward contracts that we entered into to mitigate risk from foreign currency-denominated monetary 
assets, liabilities, and earnings and are not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815, we report the fair value of 
these  contracts  within  “Other  current  assets”  or  “Other  current  liabilities”  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  the 
changes in fair value within “General and administrative expenses” and “Interest and other investment income (expense), 
net”  in  our  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  depending  on  the  nature  of  the  contracts.  The  fair  value  of  foreign 
currency contracts are estimated based on the prevailing exchange rates of the various hedged currencies as of the end of 
the period. 

For foreign currency forward contracts that we entered into to hedge forecasted intercompany cash flows that are subject to 
foreign  currency  risk  and  have  been  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  in  accordance  with  ASC  815,  we  assess  the 
effectiveness of these cash flow hedges at inception and on an ongoing basis and determine if the hedges are effective at 
providing offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. The Company records the effective portion of changes in 
the  estimated  fair  value  of  these  derivatives  in  “Accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)”  and  subsequently 
reclassifies  the  related  amount  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  to  earnings  within  “General  and 
administrative  expenses”  when  the  hedged  item  impacts  earnings.  The  Company  measures  hedge  ineffectiveness,  if  any, 
and  if  it  is  determined  that  a  derivative  has  ceased  to  be  a  highly  effective  hedge,  the  Company  will  discontinue  hedge 
accounting for the derivative. 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments 

The  Company  regularly  reviews  its  investments  to  determine  whether  a  decline  in  fair  value  below  the  cost  basis  is  an 
other-than-temporary impairment. If the decline is determined to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment 
is  written  down  to  fair  value.  For  available-for-sale  fixed  maturity  instruments  where  credit-related  impairments  exist, 
other-than-temporary impairments are reported in the consolidated statements of operations and non-credit impairments are 
reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss).” 

Concentration of Credit Risk 

Our concentration of credit risk relates to depositors holding the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and customers with 
significant accounts receivable balances. 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTOur  cash  and  cash  equivalents  are  invested  primarily  in  money  market  funds  consisting  of  short-term,  high-quality  debt 
instruments issued by governments and governmental organizations, financial institutions and industrial companies. 

Our customer base includes retailers and distributors, including mass-market retailers, consumer electronics stores, discount 
warehouses, and game specialty stores in the U.S. and other countries worldwide. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of 
our customers and maintain allowances for potential credit losses. We generally do not require collateral or other security 
from our customers. We did not have any single customer that accounted for 10% or more of net revenues for the years 
ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013.  We  had  one  customer  for  the  Activision  and  Blizzard  segments,  GameStop,  that 
accounted for approximately 10% of net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012. We had one customer, Wal-Mart, 
that accounted for 11% and 24% of consolidated gross receivables at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Software Development Costs and Intellectual Property Licenses 

Software development costs include payments made to independent software developers under development agreements, as 
well  as  direct  costs  incurred  for  internally  developed  products.  Software  development  costs  are  capitalized  once 
technological  feasibility  of  a  product  is  established  and  such  costs  are  determined  to  be  recoverable.  Technological 
feasibility  of  a  product  encompasses  both  technical  design  documentation  and  game  design  documentation,  or  the 
completed and tested product design and working model. Significant management judgments and estimates are utilized in 
the  assessment  of  when  technological  feasibility  is  established.  For  products  where  proven  technology  exists,  this  may 
occur  early  in  the  development  cycle.  Technological  feasibility  is  evaluated  on  a  product-by-product  basis.  Software 
development costs related to hosted service revenue arrangements are also capitalized after the preliminary project phase is 
complete  and  it  is  probable  that  the  project  will  be  completed  and  the  software  will  be  used  to  perform  the  function 
intended. Prior to a product’s release, if and when we believe capitalized costs are not recoverable, we expense the amounts 
as  part  of  “Cost  of  sales—software  royalties  and  amortization.”  Capitalized  costs  for  products  that  are  cancelled  or  are 
expected to be abandoned are charged to “Product development expense” in the period of cancellation. Amounts related to 
software development which are not capitalized are charged immediately to “Product development expense.” 

Commencing upon a product’s release, capitalized software development costs are amortized to “Cost of sales—software 
royalties  and  amortization”  based  on  the  ratio  of  current  revenues  to  total  projected  revenues  for  the  specific  product, 
generally  resulting  in  an  amortization  period  of  six  months  or  less,  or  over  the  estimated  useful  life,  generally 
approximately one to two years. 

Intellectual  property  license  costs  represent  license  fees  paid  to  intellectual  property  rights  holders  for  use  of  their 
trademarks, copyrights, software, technology, music or other intellectual property or proprietary rights in the development 
of  our  products.  Depending  upon  the  agreement  with  the  rights  holder,  we  may  obtain  the  right  to  use  the  intellectual 
property in multiple products over a number of years, or alternatively, for a single product. Prior to a product’s release, if 
and when we believe capitalized costs are not recoverable, we expense the amounts as part of “Cost of sales—intellectual 
property licenses.” Capitalized intellectual property costs for products that are cancelled or are expected to be abandoned 
are charged to “Product development expense” in the period of cancellation. 

Commencing  upon  a  product’s  release,  capitalized  intellectual  property  license  costs  are  amortized  to  “Cost  of  sales—
intellectual property licenses” based on the ratio of current revenues for the specific product to total projected revenues for
all  products  in  which  the  licensed  property  will  be  utilized.  As  intellectual  property  license  contracts  may  extend  for 
multiple  years  and  can  be  used  in  multiple  products  to  be  released  over  a  period  beyond  one  year,  the  amortization  of 
capitalized intellectual property license costs relating to such contracts may extend beyond one year. 

We  evaluate  the  future  recoverability  of  capitalized  software  development  costs  and  intellectual  property  licenses  on  a 
quarterly  basis.  For  products  that  have  been  released  in  prior  periods,  the  primary  evaluation  criterion  is  actual  title 
performance.  For  products  that  are  scheduled  to  be  released  in  future  periods,  recoverability  is  evaluated  based  on  the 
expected performance of the specific products to which the costs relate or in which the licensed trademark or copyright is to 
be  used.  Criteria  used  to  evaluate  expected  product  performance  include:  historical  performance  of  comparable  products 
developed with comparable technology; market performance of comparable titles; orders for the product prior to its release; 
general market conditions; and, for any sequel product, estimated performance based on the performance of the product on 
which  the  sequel  is based.  Further,  as  many  of our  capitalized  intellectual  property  licenses  extend for  multiple  products 
over  multiple  years,  we  also  assess  the  recoverability  of  capitalized  intellectual  property  license  costs  based  on  certain 
qualitative  factors,  such  as  the  success  of  other  products  and/or  entertainment vehicles  utilizing  the  intellectual  property, 
whether there are any future planned theatrical releases or television series based on the intellectual property, and the rights
holder’s continued promotion and exploitation of the intellectual property. 

Significant  management  judgments  and  estimates  are  utilized  in  assessing  the  recoverability  of  capitalized  costs.  In 
evaluating the recoverability of capitalized costs, the assessment of expected product performance utilizes forecasted sales 

amounts  and  estimates  of  additional  costs  to  be  incurred.  If  revised  forecasted  or  actual  product  sales  are  less  than  the 
originally  forecasted  amounts  utilized  in  the  initial  recoverability  analysis,  the  net  realizable  value  may  be  lower  than 
originally estimated in any given quarter, which could result in an impairment charge. Material differences may result in the 
amount and timing of expenses for any period if management makes different judgments or utilizes different estimates in 
evaluating these qualitative factors. 

Inventories 

Inventories consist of materials (including manufacturing royalties paid to console manufacturers), labor, and freight-in and 
are  stated  at  the  lower  of  cost  (weighted-average  method)  or  net  realizable  value.  Inventories  are  relieved  on  a 
weighted-average cost method. 

Long-Lived Assets 

Property  and  Equipment.    Property  and  equipment  are  recorded  at  cost  and  depreciated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the 
estimated useful life (i.e., 25 to 33 years for buildings, and 2 to 5 years for computer equipment, office furniture and other 
equipment) of the asset. When assets are retired or disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation thereon are removed 
and  any  resulting  gains  or  losses  are  included  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations.  Leasehold  improvements  are 
amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the asset, not to exceed the length of the lease. Repair 
and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. 

Goodwill  and  Other  Indefinite-Lived  Assets.    We  account  for  goodwill  in  accordance  with  ASC  Topic  350.  Under  ASC 
Topic 350, goodwill is considered to have an indefinite life,  and is carried at cost. Acquired trade names are assessed as 
indefinite lived assets as there are no foreseeable limits on the periods of time over which they are expected to contribute 
cash flows. Goodwill and acquired trade names are not amortized, but are subject to an annual impairment test, as well as 
between annual tests when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We perform our 
annual impairment testing at December 31st.

Our annual goodwill impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level. We have determined our reporting units based 
on the guidance within ASC Subtopic 350-20, which provides that reporting units are generally operating segments or one 
reporting level below the operating segments. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, our reporting units are the same as our 
operating segments: Activision, Blizzard, and Distribution. We test goodwill for possible impairment by first determining 
the fair value of the related reporting unit and comparing this value to the recorded net assets of the reporting unit, including 
goodwill.  The  fair  value  of  our  reporting  units  is  determined  using  an  income  approach  based  on  discounted  cash  flow 
models. In the event the recorded net assets of the reporting unit exceed the estimated fair value of such assets, we perform 
a  second  step  to  measure  the  amount  of  the  impairment,  which  is  equal  to  the  amount  by  which  the  recorded  goodwill 
exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill after assessing the fair value of each of the assets and liabilities within the 
reporting unit. We have determined that no impairment has occurred at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 based upon a 
set of assumptions regarding discounted future cash flows, which represent our best estimate of future performance at this 
time. 

We test acquired trade names for possible impairment by using a discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value. We 
have determined that no impairment has occurred at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 based upon a set of assumptions 
regarding discounted future cash flows, which represent our best estimate of future performance at this time. 

Changes  in  our  assumptions  underlying  our  estimates  of  fair  value,  which  will  be  a  function  of  our  future  financial 
performance and changes in economic conditions, could result in future impairment charges. 

Amortizable Intangible Assets.  Intangible assets subject to amortization are carried at cost less accumulated amortization, 
and amortized over the estimated useful life in proportion to the economic benefits received. 

Management evaluates the recoverability of our identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets in accordance with 
ASC  Subtopic  360-10,  which  generally  requires  the  assessment  of  these  assets  for  recoverability  when  events  or 
circumstances  indicate  a  potential  impairment  exists.  We  considered  certain  events  and  circumstances  in  determining 
whether the carrying value of identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets, other than indefinite-lived intangible
assets,  may  not  be  recoverable  including,  but  not  limited  to:  significant  changes  in  performance  relative  to  expected 
operating results; significant changes in the use of the assets; significant negative industry or economic trends; a significant
decline  in  our  stock  price  for  a  sustained  period  of  time;  and  changes  in  our  business  strategy.  If  we  determine  that  the 
carrying value may not be recoverable, we estimate the undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the use and ultimate 
disposition of these assets to determine whether an impairment exists. If an impairment is indicated based on a comparison 
of the assets’ carrying values and the undiscounted cash flows, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTcarrying  amount  of  the  assets  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the  assets.  We  have  determined  that  there  are  no  events  or 
circumstances that indicate a potential impairment exists at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. 

Revenue Recognition 

We recognize revenues when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the product or service has been provided to 
the customer, the collection of our fees is reasonably assured and the amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or 
determinable. Certain products are sold to customers with a “street date” (which is the earliest date these products may be 
sold by retailers). For these products, we recognize revenues on the later of the street date or the date the product is sold to
the  customer.  Revenues  are  recorded  net  of  taxes  assessed  by  governmental  authorities  that  are  both  imposed  on  and 
concurrent  with  the  specific  revenue-producing  transaction  between  us  and  our  customer,  such  as  sales  and  value  added 
taxes. 

Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables 

Certain of our revenue arrangements have multiple deliverables, which we account for in accordance with ASC Topic 605 
and Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-13. These revenue arrangements include product sales consisting of both 
software  and  hardware  deliverables  (such  as  peripherals  or  other  ancillary  collectors’  items  sold  together  with  physical 
“boxed” software) and our sales of World of Warcraft boxed products, expansion packs and value-added services, each of 
which is considered with the related subscription services for these purposes. 

Under ASC Topic 605 and ASU 2009-13, when a revenue arrangement contains multiple elements, such as hardware and 
software  products,  licenses  and/or  services,  we  allocate  revenue  to  each  element  based  on  a  selling  price  hierarchy.  The 
selling  price  for  a  deliverable  is  based  on  its  vendor-specific-objective-evidence  (“VSOE”)  if  it  is  available,  third-party 
evidence (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or best estimated selling price (“BESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. 
In  multiple  element  arrangements  where  more-than-incidental  software  deliverables  are  included,  revenue  is  allocated  to 
each separate unit of accounting for each of the non-software deliverables and to the software deliverables as a group using 
the  relative  selling  prices  of  each  of  the  deliverables  in  the  arrangement  based  on  the  aforementioned  selling  price 
hierarchy. If the arrangement contains more than one software deliverable, the arrangement consideration allocated to the 
software deliverables as a group is then allocated to each software deliverable using the guidance for recognizing software 
revenue. 

As  noted  above,  when  neither  VSOE  nor  TPE  is  available  for  a  deliverable,  we  use  BESP.  We  did  not  have  significant 
revenue  arrangements  that  require  BESP  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012.  The  inputs  we  use  to 
determine the selling price of our significant deliverables include the actual price charged by the Company for a deliverable 
that the Company sells separately, which represents the VSOE, and the wholesale prices of the same or similar products, 
which represents TPE. 

Product Sales 

Product  sales  represent  sales  of  our  games,  including  physical  products  and  digital  full-game  downloads.  We  recognize 
revenues from the sale of our products upon the transfer of title and risk of loss to our customers and once all performance 
obligations have been completed. With respect to digital full-game downloads, we recognize revenues when the product is 
available  for  download  or  is  activated  for  gameplay.  Revenues  from  product  sales  are  recognized  after  deducting  the 
estimated allowance for returns and price protection. Sales incentives and other consideration given by us to our customers, 
such as rebates and product placement fees, are considered adjustments of the selling price of our products and are reflected 
as reductions to revenues. Sales incentives and other consideration that represent costs incurred by us for assets or services 
received, such as the appearance of our products in a customer’s national circular ad, are reflected as sales and marketing 
expenses  when  the  benefit  from  the  sales  incentive  is  separable  from  sales  to  the  same  customer  and  we  can  reasonably 
estimate the fair value of the benefit. 

Products with Online Functionality or Hosted Service Arrangements 

For  our  software  products  with  online  functionality,  we  evaluate  whether 
that  functionality  constitutes  a 
more-than- inconsequential separate deliverable in addition to the software product. This evaluation is performed for each 
software product or product add-on (including digital downloadable content), when it is released. Determining whether the 
online  functionality  for  a  particular  game  constitutes  a  more-than-inconsequential  deliverable  is  subjective  and  requires 
management’s judgment. When we determine that the online functionality constitutes a more-than-inconsequential separate 
service  deliverable  in  addition  to  the  product,  which  is  principally  because  of  the  online  functionality’s  importance  to 
gameplay, we consider our performance obligation for this title to extend beyond the sale of the game. VSOE of fair value 
does not exist for the online functionality of some products, as we do not separately charge for this component of every 

title.  As  a  result,  we  initially  defer  all  of  the  software-related  revenues  from  the  sale  of  any  such  title  (including  digital 
downloadable  content)  and  recognize  the  revenues  ratably  over  the  estimated  service  period  of  the  title.  In  addition,  we 
initially defer the costs of sales for the title and recognize the costs of sales as the related revenues are recognized. The costs 
of  sales  include  manufacturing  costs,  software  royalties  and  amortization,  and  intellectual  property  licenses  and  exclude 
intangible asset amortization. 

For our software products with online functionality that we consider to be incidental to the overall product offering and are 
inconsequential deliverables, we recognize the related revenues when the revenue recognition criteria described above have 
been met. 

For our World of Warcraft boxed products, expansion packs and value-added services, we recognize revenues in each case 
with the related subscription service revenues, ratably over the estimated service period, beginning upon the activation of 
the software and delivery of the related services. Revenues attributed to the sale of World of Warcraft boxed software and 
related  expansion  packs  are  classified  as  “Product  sales,”  whereas  revenues  attributable  to  subscriptions  and  other 
value-added services are classified as “Subscription, licensing, and other revenues.” 

Subscription Revenues 

Subscription revenues are mostly derived from World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft is a game that is playable through 
Blizzard’s servers and is generally sold on a subscription-only basis. 

For World of Warcraft, after the first month of free usage that is included with the World of Warcraft boxed software, the 
World of Warcraft end user may enter into a subscription agreement for additional future access. Revenues associated with 
the  sales  of  subscriptions  via  boxed  software  and  prepaid  subscription  cards,  as  well  as  prepaid  subscriptions  sales,  are 
deferred until the subscription service is activated by the consumer and are then recognized  ratably over the subscription 
period.  Value-added  service  revenues  associated  with  subscriptions  are  recognized  ratably  over  the  estimated  service 
periods. 

Licensing Revenues 

Third-party licensees in Russia, China and Taiwan distribute and host certain Blizzard games in their respective countries 
under license agreements, for which they pay the Company a royalty. We recognize these royalties as revenues based on the 
end users’ activation of the underlying prepaid time, if all other performance obligations have been completed, or based on 
usage by the end user, when we have continuing service obligations. We recognize any upfront licensing fees received over 
the term of the contracts. 

With  respect  to  license  agreements  that  provide  customers  the  right  to  make  multiple  copies  in  exchange  for  guaranteed 
amounts,  revenues  are  generally  recognized  upon  delivery  of a  master  copy.  Per  copy  royalties  on  sales  that  exceed  the 
guarantee  are  recognized  as  earned.  In  addition,  persuasive  evidence  of  an  arrangement  must  exist  and  collection  of  the 
related receivable must be probable. 

Other Revenues 

Other  revenues  primarily  include  revenues  from  digital  downloadable  content  (e.g. multi-player  content  packs), 
microtransactions and the licensing of intellectual property other than software to third-parties. 

Microtransaction revenues are derived from the sale of virtual goods to our players to enhance their gameplay experience in 
our free-to-play games. Proceeds from the sales of virtual goods are initially recorded in deferred revenues. We categorize 
our virtual goods as either consumable or durable. Consumable virtual goods represent goods that can be consumed by a 
specific  player  action;  accordingly,  we  recognize  revenues  from  the  sale  of  consumable  virtual  goods  as  the  goods  are 
consumed.  Durable  virtual  goods  represent  goods  that  are  accessible  to  the  player  over  an  extended  period  of  time.  We 
recognize  revenues  from  the  sale  of  durable  virtual  goods  ratably  over  the  period  of  time  the  goods  are  available  to  the 
player, generally the estimated service period of the game. 

Revenues  from  the  licensing  of  intellectual  property  other  than  software  to  third-parties  are  recorded  upon  the  receipt  of 
licensee statements, or upon the receipt of cash, provided the license period has begun and all performance obligations have 
been completed. 

45

46

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTEstimated Service Period 

Shipping and Handling 

We determine the estimated service period for our games with consideration of various data points, including the weighted 
average  number  of  days  between  players’  first  and  last  days  played  online,  the  average  total  hours  played,  the  average 
number  of  days  in  which  player  activity  stabilizes,  and  the  weighted-  average  number  of  days  between  players’  first 
purchase date and last date played online. We also consider known online trends and the service periods of our previously 
released  games  and  disclosed  service  periods  for  our  competitors’  games  that  are  similar  in  nature.  Determining  the 
estimated  service  periods  is  subjective  and  requires  management’s  judgment.  Future  usage  patterns  may  differ  from 
historical usage patterns and therefore the estimated service period may change in the future. The estimated service periods 
for our current games range from five months to less than one year. 

Allowances for Returns, Price Protection, Doubtful Accounts, and Inventory Obsolescence 

We closely monitor and analyze the historical performance of our various titles, the performance of products released by 
other  publishers,  market  conditions,  and  the  anticipated  timing  of  other  releases  to  assess  future  demand  of  current  and 
upcoming titles. Initial volumes shipped upon title launch and subsequent reorders are evaluated with the goal of ensuring 
that  quantities  are  sufficient  to  meet  the  demand  from  the  retail  markets,  but  at  the  same  time  are  controlled  to  prevent 
excess inventory in the channel. We benchmark units to be shipped to our customers using historical and industry data. 

We may permit product returns from, or grant price protection to, our customers under certain conditions. In general, price 
protection refers to the circumstances in which we elect to decrease, on a short- or longer-term basis, the wholesale price of 
a product by a certain amount and, when granted and applicable, allow customers a credit against amounts owed by such 
customers to us with respect to open and/or future invoices. The conditions our customers must meet to be granted the right 
to return products or price protection include, among other things, compliance with applicable trading and payment terms, 
and consistent return of inventory and delivery of sell- through reports to us. We may also consider other factors, including 
the facilitation of slow-moving inventory and other market factors. 

Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the allowance for 
returns  and  price  protection  in  any  accounting  period  based  on  estimates  of  potential  future  product  returns  and  price 
protection  related  to  current  period  product  revenues.  We  estimate  the  amount  of  future  returns  and  price  protection  for 
current period product revenues utilizing historical experience and information regarding inventory levels and the demand 
and  acceptance  of  our  products  by  the  end  consumer.  The  following  factors  are  used  to  estimate  the  amount  of  future 
returns and price protection for a particular title: historical performance of titles in similar genres; historical performance of 
the hardware platform; historical performance of the franchise; console hardware life cycle; sales force and retail customer 
feedback;  industry  pricing;  future  pricing  assumptions;  weeks  of  on-hand  retail  channel  inventory;  absolute  quantity  of 
on-hand  retail  channel  inventory;  our  warehouse  on-hand  inventory  levels;  the  title’s  recent  sell-through  history  (if 
available); marketing trade programs; and performance of competing titles. The relative importance of these factors varies 
among titles depending upon, among other items, genre, platform, seasonality, and sales strategy. 

Based upon historical experience, we believe that our estimates are reasonable. However, actual returns and price protection 
could  vary  materially  from  our  allowance  estimates  due  to  a  number  of  reasons,  including,  among  others:  a  lack  of 
consumer acceptance of a title, the release in the same period of a similarly themed title by a competitor, or technological 
obsolescence due to the emergence of new hardware platforms. Material differences may result in the amount and timing of 
our revenues for any period if factors or market conditions change or if management makes different judgments or utilizes 
different  estimates  in  determining  the  allowances  for  returns  and  price  protection.  For  example,  a  1%  change  in  our 
December 31, 2014 allowance for sales returns, price protection and other allowances would have impacted net revenues by 
approximately $4 million. 

Similarly, management must make estimates as to the collectability of our accounts receivable. In estimating the allowance 
for  doubtful  accounts,  we  analyze  the  age  of  current  outstanding  account  balances,  historical  bad  debts,  customer 
concentrations, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, and changes in our customers’ payment terms and their 
economic condition, as well as whether we can obtain sufficient credit insurance. Any significant changes in any of these 
criteria would affect management’s estimates in establishing our allowance for doubtful accounts. 

We regularly review inventory quantities on-hand and in the retail channels. We write down inventory based on excess or 
obsolete  inventories  determined  primarily  by  future  anticipated  demand  for  our  products.  Inventory  write-downs  are 
measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and net realizable value, based upon assumptions about future 
demand, which are inherently difficult to assess and dependent on market conditions. At the point of a loss recognition, a 
new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in 
the restoration or increase in that newly established basis. 

Shipping  and  handling  costs,  which  consist  primarily  of  packaging  and  transportation  charges  incurred  to  move  finished 
goods to customers, are included in “Cost of sales—product costs.” 

Advertising Expenses 

We expense advertising as incurred, except for production costs associated with media advertising, which are deferred and 
charged  to  expense  when  the  related  advertisement  is  run  for  the  first  time.  Advertising  expenses  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $495 million, $401 million, and $396 million, respectively, and are included in 
“Sales and marketing expense” in the consolidated statements of operations. 

Income Taxes 

We  record  a  tax  provision  for  the  anticipated  tax  consequences  of  the  reported  results  of  operations.  In  accordance  with 
ASC Topic 740, the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities  are  recognized  for  the  expected  future  tax  consequences  attributable  to  differences  between  the 
financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses and
tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities  of  a  change  in  tax  rates  is  recognized  in  income  in  the  period  that  includes  the enactment  date. We 
evaluate deferred tax assets each period for recoverability. For those assets that do not meet the threshold of “more likely 
than not” that they will be realized in the future, a valuation allowance is recorded. 

We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a 
tax return. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Income tax expense.” 

Foreign Currency Translation 

All  assets  and  liabilities  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries  are  translated  into  U.S.  dollars  at  the  exchange  rate  in  effect  at  the 
balance  sheet  date,  and  revenue  and  expenses  are  translated  at  average  exchange  rates  during  the  period.  The  resulting 
translation adjustments are reflected as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in shareholders’ 
equity. 

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share 

“Basic earnings (loss) per common share” is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the 
weighted-average  number  of  common  shares  outstanding  for  the  periods  presented.  “Diluted  earnings  per  share”  is 
computed by dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares 
outstanding,  increased  by  the  weighted-  average  number  of  common  stock  equivalents.  Common  stock  equivalents  are 
calculated  using  the  treasury  stock  method  and  represent  incremental  shares  issuable  upon  exercise  of  our  outstanding 
options.  However,  potential  common  shares  are  not  included  in  the  denominator  of  the  diluted  earnings  (loss)  per  share 
calculation when inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive, such as in a period in which a net loss is recorded. 

When we determine whether instruments granted in stock-based payment transactions are participating securities, unvested 
stock-based awards which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents are considered to 
participate with  common  stock  in undistributed  earnings. With  participating  securities, we  are required  to  calculate basic 
and  diluted  earnings  per  common  share  amounts  under  the  two-class  method.  The  two-class  method  excludes  from  the 
earnings  per  common  share  calculation  any  dividends  paid  or  owed  to  participating  securities  and  any  undistributed 
earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation, and 
ASC Subtopic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized during 
the requisite service period (that is, the period for which the employee is being compensated) and is based on the value of 
stock- based payment awards after a reduction for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and 
are revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Stock-based compensation 
expense recognized in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 
included  both  compensation  expense  for  stock-  based  payment  awards  granted  by  Activision, Inc.  prior  to,  but  not  yet 

47

48

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTvested  as  of  July 9,  2008,  based  on  the  revalued  fair  value  estimated  at  July 9,  2008,  and  compensation  expense  for  the 
stock-based payment awards granted by us subsequent to July 9, 2008. 

We  estimate  the  value  of  stock-based  payment  awards  on  the  measurement  date  using  a  binomial-lattice  model.  Our 
determination of fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by 
our  stock  price  as  well  as  assumptions  regarding  a  number  of  highly  complex  and  subjective  variables.  These  variables 
include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  our  expected  stock  price  volatility  over  the  term  of  the  awards,  and  actual  and  projected 
employee stock option exercise behaviors. 

We generally determine the fair value of restricted stock rights (including restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and
performance  shares)  based  on  the  closing  market  price  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  on  the  date  of  grant.  Certain 
restricted stock rights granted to our employees and senior management vest based on the achievement of pre-established 
performance or market goals. We estimate the fair value of performance-based restricted stock rights at the closing market 
price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Each quarter, we update our assessment of the probability that 
the specified performance criteria will be achieved. We amortize the fair values of performance-based restricted stock rights 
over  the  requisite  service  period  adjusted  for  estimated  forfeitures  for  each  separately  vesting  tranche  of  the  award.  We 
estimate  the  fair  value  of  market-based  restricted  stock  rights  at  the  date  of  grant  using  a  Monte  Carlo  valuation 
methodology  and  amortize  those  fair  values  over  the  requisite  service  period  adjusted  for  estimated  forfeitures  for  each 
separately  vesting  tranche  of  the  award.  The  Monte  Carlo  methodology  that  we  use  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of 
market-based  restricted  stock  rights  at  the  date  of  grant  incorporates  into  the  valuation  the  possibility  that  the  market 
condition  may  not  be  satisfied.  Provided  that  the  requisite  service  is  rendered,  the  total  fair  value  of  the  market-based 
restricted stock rights at the date of grant must be recognized as compensation expense even if the market condition is not 
achieved. However, the number of shares that ultimately vest can vary significantly with the performance of the specified 
market criteria. 

3. Cash and Cash Equivalents 

The following table summarizes the components of our cash and cash equivalents with original maturities of three months 
or less at the date of purchase (amounts in millions): 

Cash .........................................................................................  
Foreign government treasury bills ...........................................  
Money market funds ................................................................  
Cash and cash equivalents ........................................................  

At December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

$ 

333  $ 
40 
4,475 
4,848  $ 

377
33
4,000
4,410

4. Investments 

The  following  table  summarizes  our  short-term  and  long-term  investments  at  December 31,  2014  and  2013  (amounts  in 
millions): 

Amortized 
cost

Gross 
unrealized 
gains

Gross 
unrealized 
losses

Fair 
Value

At December 31, 2014
Short-term investments: 

Restricted cash ..................................  
Total short-term investments .................  
Long-term investments: 

Available-for-sale investments: 
Auction rate securities held 

through Morgan Stanley Smith 
Barney LLC ...............................  

At December 31, 2013
Short-term investments: 

Available-for-sale investments: 

U.S. treasuries and government 
agency securities ....................  
Restricted cash ..................................  
Total short-term investments .................  
Long-term investments: 

Available-for-sale investments: 
Auction rate securities held 

through Morgan Stanley Smith 
Barney LLC ...............................  

Amortized 
cost

Gross 
unrealized 
gains

Gross 
unrealized 
losses

Fair 
Value

$ 

21

$ 

— $ 

—  $ 

$ 

21
12
33

$ 

8

$ 

1

$ 

—  $ 

9

The  following  table  summarizes  the  contractually  stated  maturities  of  our  investments  classified  as  available-for-sale  at 
December 31, 2014 (amounts in millions): 

At December 31, 2014
Auction rate securities due after ten years ...............................  

Amortized 
cost

Fair 
Value

$ 

8  $ 

9

5. Inventories, Net 

Our inventories, net consist of the following (amounts in millions): 

Finished goods .........................................................................  
Purchased parts and components .............................................  
Inventories, net .........................................................................  

At December 31,

2014

2013

$ 

$ 

112  $ 

11 
123  $ 

149
22
171

Inventory reserves were $52 million and $42 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

6. Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses 

The  following  table  summarizes  the  components  of  our  capitalized  software  development  costs  and  intellectual  property 
licenses (amounts in millions): 

At 
December 31, 
2014

At 
December 31, 
2013

Internally developed software costs ...............................  
Payments made to third-party software developers .......  
Total software development costs ..................................  
Intellectual property licenses..........................................  

$ 

$ 
$ 

262
210
472
23

$ 

$ 
$ 

189
199
388
11

$ 
$ 

10
10

Amortization, write-offs and impairments of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses are 
comprised of the following (amounts in millions): 

$ 

8

$ 

1

$ 

—  $ 

9

Amortization of capitalized software development costs 
and intellectual property licenses ..............................  
Write-offs and impairments ..........................................  

$ 

272 $ 
—

195  $ 
29 

205
12

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

49

50

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST7. Property and Equipment, Net 

At December 31, 2014, future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated as follows (amounts in 

Property and equipment, net was comprised of the following (amounts in millions): 

millions): 

Land ..............................................................................  
Buildings .......................................................................  
Leasehold improvements ..............................................  
Computer equipment .....................................................  
Office furniture and other equipment ............................  
Total cost of property and equipment .......................  
Less accumulated depreciation .....................................  
Property and equipment, net .....................................  

$ 

$ 

At December 31,

2014

2013

1
4
104
347
45
501
(344)
157

$ 

$ 

1
5
96
424
60
586
(448)
138

2015 ..........................................................................................................  
2016 ..........................................................................................................  
2017 ..........................................................................................................  
2018 ..........................................................................................................  
2019 ..........................................................................................................  
Total ..........................................................................................................  

$ 

$ 

10
9
5
3
2
29

We did not record any impairment charges against our intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 
2012. 

9. Goodwill 

Depreciation  expense  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012  was  $76 million,  $84 million,  and 
$90 million, respectively. 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are 
as follows (amounts in millions): 

Rental  expense  was  $38 million,  $35 million  and  $37 million  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012, 
respectively.

8. Intangible Assets, Net 

Intangible assets, net consist of the following (amounts in millions): 

At December 31, 2014

Estimated 
useful 
lives

Gross 
carrying
amount

Accumulated 
amortization

Net 
carrying
amount

Acquired definite-lived intangible assets: 
License agreements and other .............  
Internally-developed franchises ...........  
Total definite-lived intangible assets .......  
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
Activision trademark ...........................  
Acquired trade names ..........................  
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets ....  

3 - 10 years 
11 - 12 years 

$ 

$ 

98
309
407

$ 

$ 

(92)  $ 
(286) 
(378)  $ 

Indefinite 
Indefinite 

$ 

6
23
29

386
47
433

At December 31, 2013

Estimated 
useful 
lives

Gross 
carrying
amount

Accumulated 
amortization

Net 
carrying
amount

Acquired definite-lived intangible assets: 
License agreements and other .............  
Internally-developed franchises ...........  
Total definite-lived intangible assets .......  
Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
Activision trademark ...........................  
Acquired trade names ..........................  
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets ....  

3 - 10 years 
11 - 12 years 

$ 

$ 

98
309
407

$ 

$ 

(90)  $ 
(274) 
(364)  $ 

Indefinite 
Indefinite 

$ 

8
35
43

386
47
433

Balance at December 31, 2012 ...............................  
Tax benefit credited to goodwill ........................  
Foreign exchange ...............................................  
Balance at December 31, 2013 ...............................  
Tax benefit credited to goodwill ........................  
Foreign exchange ...............................................  
Balance at December 31, 2014 ...............................  

Activision
$ 

Blizzard
$ 

6,928
(13)
(1)
6,914
(5)
(1)
6,908

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Total

7,106
(13)
(1)
7,092
(5)
(1)
7,086

178  $ 
— 
—
178  $ 
— 
—
178  $ 

The  tax  benefit  credited  to  goodwill  represents  the  tax  deduction  resulting  from  the  exercise  of  stock  options  that  were 
outstanding  and  vested  at  the  consummation  of  the  Business  Combination  and  included  in  the  purchase  price  of  the 
Company, to the extent that the tax deduction did not exceed the fair value of those options. Conversely, to the extent that 
the tax deduction did exceed the fair value of those options, the tax benefit is credited to additional paid-in capital. 

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the gross goodwill and accumulated impairment losses by reporting unit are as 

follows: 

Balance at December 31, 2013: 

Goodwill ............................................................  
Accumulated impairment losses ........................  
Total ...................................................................  

Balance at December 31, 2014: 

Goodwill ............................................................  
Accumulated impairment losses ........................  
Total ...................................................................  

Activision

Blizzard

Total

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

6,914
—
6,914

6,908
—
6,908

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

178  $ 
—
178  $ 

178  $ 
—
178  $ 

7,092
—
7,092

7,086
—
7,086

10. Other Current Assets and Current Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities 

Included  in  “Other  current  assets”  of  our  consolidated  balance  sheets  are  deferred  cost  of  sales—product  costs  of 
$257 million and $240 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $13 million, $24 million, and $30 million for the years ended December 31, 
2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 

Included in “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” of our consolidated balance sheets are accrued payroll related costs of 
$267 million and $254 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

11. Fair Value Measurements 

FASB  literature  regarding  fair  value  measurements  for  financial  and  non-financial  assets  and  liabilities  establishes  a 
three-level  fair  value  hierarchy  that  prioritizes  the  inputs  used  to  measure  fair  value.  This  hierarchy  requires  entities  to 
maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The three levels of inputs used to 
measure fair value are as follows: 

•  Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; 

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Level 2—Observable  inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included  in  Level 1,  such  as  quoted  prices  for  similar 
assets or liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable 
market data; and 

•  Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the 
fair value of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and 
similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. 

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis 

The table below segregates all financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate 
level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date (amounts 
in millions): 

Fair Value Measurements at 
December 31, 2014 Using

Quoted 
Prices in 
Active 
Markets for 
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

As of 
December 31,
2014

Significant
Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance Sheet
Classification

Financial Assets:
Recurring fair value measurements: 

Money market funds .................................. 

$ 

4,475

$ 

4,475

$ 

— $ 

Foreign government treasury bills ............. 

40

40

—

Auction rate securities (“ARS”) ................. 
Total recurring fair value measurements .... 

$ 

9
4,524

$ 

—
4,515

$ 

—
— $ 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
Cash and cash 
equivalents 
Long-term 
investments 

— 

— 

9
9 

Fair Value Measurements at 
December 31, 2013 Using

Quoted 
Prices in 
Active 
Markets for 
Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

As of 
December 31,
2013

Significant
Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Recurring fair value measurements: 

Money market funds .................................. 

$ 

4,000

$ 

4,000

$ 

— $ 

Foreign government treasury bills ............. 
U.S. treasuries and government agency 

securities ................................................ 

33

21

33

21

—

—

ARS ............................................................ 
Total recurring fair value measurements .... 

9
4,060

$ 

—
4,051

$ 

$ 

—
— $ 

— 

—

— 

9
9 

Balance Sheet
Classification

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
Cash and cash 
equivalents 
Short-term 
investments 
Long-term 
investments 

The  following  tables  provide  a  reconciliation  of  the  beginning  and  ending  balances  of  our  financial  assets  classified  as 
Level 3 by major categories (amounts in millions) at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively: 

Level 3

Total
financial
assets at 
fair 
value

ARS(a)

Balance at December 31, 2012 .................................................  
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive 

income ..............................................................................  
Balance at December 31, 2013 .................................................  
Total unrealized gains included in other comprehensive 

income ..............................................................................  
Balance at December 31, 2014 .................................................  

$ 

$ 

$ 

8  $ 

1
9  $ 

—

9  $ 

8

1
9

—
9

(a)  Fair value measurements have been estimated using an income-approach model. When estimating the 
fair  value,  we  consider  both  observable  market  data  and  non-observable  factors,  including  credit 
quality,  duration,  insurance  wraps,  collateral  composition,  maximum  rate  formulas,  comparable 
trading  instruments,  and  the  likelihood  of  redemption.  Significant  assumptions  used  in  the  analysis 
include estimates for interest rates, spreads, cash flow timing and amounts, and holding periods of the 
securities. At December 31, 2014, assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs 
(Level 3), all of which were ARS, represent less than 1% of our financial assets measured at fair value 
on a recurring basis. 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts 

The  Company  transacts  business  in  various  foreign  currencies  and  has  significant  international  sales  and  expenses 
denominated in foreign currencies, subjecting us to foreign currency risk. In addition, the Company transacts intercompany 
business  in  various  foreign  currencies  other  than  its  functional  currency,  subjecting  us  to  variability  in  the  functional 
currency-equivalent  cash  flows.  To  mitigate  our  foreign  currency  risk  resulting  from  our  foreign  currency-denominated 
monetary assets, liabilities and earnings and our foreign currency risk related to functional currency-equivalent cash flows 
resulting from our intercompany transactions, we periodically enter into currency derivative contracts, principally forward 
contracts with maturities of generally less than one year. We report the fair value of these contracts within “Other current 
assets” or “Other current liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets based on the prevailing exchange rates of the various
hedged currencies as of the end of the relevant period. 

We do not hold or purchase any foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges 

Foreign  currency  forward  contracts  entered  into  to  mitigate  risk  from  foreign  currency-denominated  monetary  assets, 
liabilities, and earnings and were designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815. Changes in the estimated fair value of 
these  derivatives  are  recorded  within  “General  and  administrative  expenses”  and  “Interest  and  other  investment  income 
(expense), net” in our consolidated statements of operations, depending on the nature of the underlying transactions. 

At  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  the  gross  notional  amounts  of  outstanding  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  not 
designated  as  hedges  were  $11 million  and  $34 million,  respectively.  The  fair  values  of  these  foreign  currency  forward 
contracts  were  not  material  as  of  December 31,  2014  and  2013.  For  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2012,  we 
recognized  a  pre-tax  net  gain  of  $1 million  and  $7 million,  respectively,  related  to  these  forward  contracts.  For  the  year 
ended December 31, 2013, pre-tax net gains associated with these forward contracts were not material. 

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Designated as Hedges 

During  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  we  entered  into  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  to  hedge  forecasted 
intercompany cash flows that are subject to foreign currency risk and designated them as cash flow hedges in accordance 
with ASC 815. The Company assesses the effectiveness of these cash flow hedges at inception and on an ongoing basis and 
determines  if  the  hedges  are  effective  at  providing  offsetting  changes  in  cash  flows  of  the  hedged  items.  The  Company 
records  the  effective  portion  of  changes  in  the  estimated  fair  value  of  these  derivatives  in  “Accumulated  other 
comprehensive  income  (loss)”  and  subsequently  reclassifies  the  related  amount  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive 

53

54

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST   
   
income  (loss)  to  earnings  within  “General  and  administrative  expense”  when  the  hedged  item  impacts  earnings.  The 
Company measures hedge ineffectiveness, if any, and if it is determined that a derivative has ceased to be a highly effective 
hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting for the derivative. 

At December 31, 2014, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges. 
For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  pre-tax  net  realized  gains  associated  with  these  forward  contracts  of  $8 million 
were reclassified out of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” into “General and administrative expense”. 

Fair Value Measurements on a Non-Recurring Basis 

We  measure  the  fair  value  of  certain  assets  on  a  non-recurring  basis,  generally  annually  or  when  events  or  changes  in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. 

For  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  there  were  no  impairment  charges  related  to  assets  that  are 
measured on a non-recurring basis. 

12. Debt 

The proceeds from the credit facilities and the unsecured senior notes, as described below, were used to fund the Purchase 
Transaction disclosed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Credit Facilities 

On October 11, 2013, in connection and simultaneously with the Purchase Transaction, we entered into a credit agreement 
(the “Credit Agreement”) for a $2.5 billion secured term loan facility maturing in October 2020 (the “Term Loan”), and a 
$250 million secured revolving credit facility maturing in October 2018 (the “Revolver” and, together with the Term Loan, 
the “Credit Facilities”). A portion of the Revolver can be used to issue letters of credit of up to $50 million, subject to the
availability of the Revolver. To date, we have not drawn on the Revolver. 

Borrowings under the Term Loan and the Revolver bear interest, payable on a quarterly basis, at an annual rate equal to an 
applicable margin plus, at our option, (A) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the interest rate in effect
determined  by  the  administrative  agent  as  its  “prime  rate,”  (b) the  federal  funds  rate  plus  0.5%,  and  (c) the  London 
InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate for an interest period of one month plus 1.00%, or (B) LIBOR. LIBOR borrowings 
under the Term Loan will be subject to a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. At December 31, 2014, the Credit Facilities bore interest 
at 3.25%. In certain circumstances, our applicable interest rate under the Credit Facilities would increase. 

In  addition  to  paying  interest  on  outstanding  principal  balances  under  the  Credit  Facilities,  we  are  required  to  pay  the 
lenders a commitment fee on unused commitments under the Revolver. Commitment fees are recorded within “Interest and 
other investment income (expense), net” on the consolidated statement of operations. We are also required to pay customary 
letter of credit fees, if any, and agency fees. 

The terms of the Credit Agreement required quarterly principal repayments of 0.25% of the Term Loan’s original principal 
amount, with the balance due on the maturity date. On February 11, 2014, we made a voluntary repayment of $375 million 
on our Term Loan. This repayment satisfied the required quarterly principal repayments for the entire term of the Credit 
Agreement. Since this voluntary principal repayment was not a contractual requirement as of December 31, 2013 and the 
Board  of  Directors  did  not  approve  the  repayment  until  January  2014,  only  the  contractual  principal  repayment  of 
$25 million  for  2014  has  been  reflected  as  “Current  portion  of  long-term  debt”  in  our  consolidated  balance  sheet  as  of 
December 31, 2013. Amounts borrowed under the Term Loan and repaid may not be re-borrowed. 

The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries, whose assets represent approximately 
69%  of  our  consolidated  assets.  The  Credit  Agreement  contains  customary  covenants  that  place  restrictions  in  certain 
circumstances on, among other things, the incurrence of debt, granting of liens, payment of dividends, sales of assets and 
mergers and acquisitions. If our obligations under the Revolver exceed 15% of the total facility amount as of the end of any 
fiscal  quarter  (subject  to  certain  exclusions  for  letters  of  credit),  we  are  also  subject  to  certain  financial  covenants.  A 
violation of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Upon the occurrence of 
such event of default or certain other customary events of default, payment of any outstanding amounts under the Credit 
Agreement  may  be  accelerated,  and  the  lenders’  commitments  to  extend  credit  under  the  Credit  Agreement  may  be 
terminated.  In  addition,  an  event  of  default  under  the  Credit  Agreement  could,  under  certain  circumstances,  permit  the 
holders  of  other  outstanding  unsecured  debt,  including  the  debt  holders  described  below,  to  accelerate  the  repayment  of 
such obligations. The Company was in compliance with the terms of the Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2014. 

Unsecured Senior Notes 

On September 19, 2013, we issued, at par, $1.5 billion of 5.625% unsecured senior notes due September 2021 (the “2021 
Notes”) and $750 million of 6.125% unsecured senior notes due September 2023 (the “2023 Notes” and, together with the 
2021 Notes, the “Notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers made in accordance with Rule 144A under 
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. 

The Notes are general senior obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of payment to all of the Company’s 
existing  and  future  senior  indebtedness,  including  the  Credit  Facilities  described  above.  The  Notes  are  guaranteed  on  a 
senior basis by the Guarantors. The Notes and related guarantees are not secured and are effectively subordinated to any of 
the  Company’s  existing  and  future  indebtedness  that  is  secured,  including  the  Credit  Facilities.  The  Notes  contain 
customary covenants that place restrictions in certain circumstances on, among other things, the incurrence of debt, granting 
of  liens,  payment  of  dividends,  sales  of  assets  and  mergers  and  acquisitions.  The  Company  was  in  compliance  with  the 
terms of the Notes as of December 31, 2014. 

Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year. As of December 31, 
2014 and 2013, we had interest payable of $38 million, related to the Notes, recorded within “Accrued expenses and other 
liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheet. 

We  may  redeem  the  2021  Notes  on  or  after  September 15,  2016  and  the  2023  Notes  on  or  after  September 15,  2018,  in 
whole or in part on any one or more occasions, at specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time 
prior to September 15, 2016, with respect to the 2021 Notes, and at any time prior to September 15, 2018, with respect to 
the 2023 Notes, we may also redeem some or all of the Notes by paying a “make-whole premium”, plus accrued and unpaid 
interest. Upon the occurrence of one or more qualified equity offerings, we may also redeem up to 35% of the aggregate 
principal amount of each of the 2021 Notes and 2023 Notes outstanding with the net cash proceeds from such offerings. 
The Notes are repayable, in whole or in part and at the option of the holders, upon the occurrence of a change in control and 
a ratings downgrade, at a purchase price equal to 101% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest. These redemption 
options are considered clearly and closely related to the Notes and are not accounted for separately upon issuance. 

For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded $52 million of fees associated with the closing of the Term Loan and 
the  Notes  as  debt  discount,  which  reduced  the  carrying  value  of  the  Term  Loan  and  the  Notes.  The  debt  discount  is 
amortized over the respective terms of the Term Loan and the Notes. Amortization expense is recorded within “Interest and 
other investment income (expense), net” in our consolidated statement of operations. 

A summary of our debt is as follows (amounts in millions): 

Gross Carrying
Amount

December 31, 2014
Unamortized 
Discount

Net Carrying 
Amount

Term Loan ................................................  
2021 Notes ...............................................  
2023 Notes ...............................................  
Total debt .................................................  
Less: current portion of long-term debt ....  
Total long-term debt .................................  

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,119
1,500
750
4,369
—
4,369

$ 

$ 

$ 

(10)
(23)
(12)
(45)
—
(45)

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,109
1,477
738
4,324
—
4,324

Gross Carrying
Amount

December 31, 2013
Unamortized 
Discount

Net Carrying 
Amount

Term Loan ................................................  
2021 Notes ...............................................  
2023 Notes ...............................................  
Total debt .................................................  
Less: current portion of long-term debt ....  
Total long-term debt .................................  

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,494
1,500
750
4,744
(25)
4,719

$ 

$ 

$ 

(12)
(26)
(13)
(51)
—
(51)

$ 

$ 

$ 

2,482
1,474
737
4,693
(25)
4,668

For  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  interest  expense  was  $201 million  and  $57 million,  respectively, 
amortization  of  the  debt  discount  for  the  Credit  Facilities  and  Notes  was  $6 million  and  $1 million,  respectively,  and 
commitment fees for the Revolver were not material. 

55

56

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTAs of December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities and contractual principal repayments of our debt for each of the five 
succeeding years are as follows (amounts in millions): 

For the year ending December 31, 

2015 ......................................................................................................  
2016 ......................................................................................................  
2017 ......................................................................................................  
2018 ......................................................................................................  
2019 ......................................................................................................  
Thereafter ..............................................................................................  
Total ..................................................................................................  

$ 

$ 

—
—
—
—
—
4,369
4,369

As  of  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  the  carrying  value  of  the  Term  Loan  approximates  the  fair  value,  based  on  Level 2 
inputs (observable market prices in less than active markets), as the interest rate is variable over the selected interest period 
and is similar to current rates at which we can borrow funds. Based on Level 2 inputs, the fair values of the 2021 Notes and 
2023  Notes  were  $1,586 million  and  $810 million,  respectively,  as  of  December 31,  2014  and  $1,559 million  and 
$785 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. 

Deferred Financing Costs 

Costs incurred to obtain our long-term debt are recorded as deferred financing costs within “Other assets—non-current” in 
our  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  are  amortized  over  the  terms  of  the  respective  debt  agreements  using  a  straight-line 
basis for costs related to the Revolver and the interest earned method for costs related to the Term Loan and Notes. For the 
year  ended  December 31,  2013,  we  recorded  $7 million  of deferred  financing  costs.  Amortization  expense  related  to  the 
deferred  financing  costs  is  recorded  within  “Interest  and  other  investment  income  (expense),  net”  in  our  consolidated 
statements  of  operations.  For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014,  this  amount  was  $1 million.  For  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013, this amount was not material. 

13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

The  components  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  at  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  were  as  follows 
(amounts in millions): 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

Foreign currency 
translation 
adjustments

Balance at December 31, 2013 ...................................  

$ 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before 

reclassifications..................................................  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss) .............................  
Balance at December 31, 2014 ...................................  

$ 

67

(371)

—
(304)

Unrealized gain 
on available-for-
sale securities
$ 

1  $ 

— 

—

$ 

1  $ 

Unrealized gain
on forward 
contracts

Total

— $ 

68

8

(8)
— $ 

(363)

(8)
(303)

Balance at December 31, 2012 ...................................  

$ 

(26)

Foreign currency 
translation 
adjustments

Unrealized gain 
on available-for-
sale securities
$ 

—  $ 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before 

reclassifications ..................................................  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 

comprehensive income (loss) .............................  
Balance at December 31, 2013 ...................................  

$ 

93

—
67

1 

—

$ 

1  $ 

— $ 

(26)

—

—
— $ 

94

—
68

For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

Unrealized gain
on forward 
contracts

Total

Income  taxes  were  not  provided  for  foreign  currency  translation  items  as  these  are  considered  indefinite 

investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. 

14. Operating Segments and Geographic Region 

Our  operating segments  are  consistent  with our  internal  organizational  structure,  the  manner  in which  our operations  are 
reviewed  and  managed  by  our  Chief  Executive  Officer,  who  is  our  Chief  Operating  Decision  Maker  (“CODM”),  the 

manner  in  which  we  assess  operating  performance  and  allocate  resources,  and  the  availability  of  separate  financial 
information.  Currently,  we  conduct  our  business  through  three  operating  segments:  Activision,  Blizzard  and  Distribution 
(see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We do not aggregate operating segments. 

The CODM reviews segment performance exclusive of the impact of the change in deferred revenues and related cost of 
sales  with  respect  to  certain  of  our  online-enabled  games,  stock-based  compensation  expense,  amortization  of  intangible 
assets  as  a  result  of  purchase  price  accounting,  and  fees  and  other  expenses  (including  legal  fees,  costs,  expenses  and 
accruals)  related  to  the  Purchase  Transaction  and  related  debt  financings.  The  CODM  does  not  review  any  information 
regarding  total  assets  on  an  operating  segment  basis,  and  accordingly,  no  disclosure  is  made  with  respect  thereto. 
Information  on  the  operating  segments  and  reconciliations  of  total  net  revenues  and  total  segment  operating  income  to 
consolidated net revenues from external customers and consolidated income before income tax expense for the years ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are presented below (amounts in millions): 

Activision ....................................................................................  
Blizzard .......................................................................................  
Distribution .................................................................................  
Operating segments total .......................................................  
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues / consolidated income 

before income tax expense: 
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and related cost of sales  
Stock-based compensation expense ...........................................
Amortization of intangible assets ...............................................  
Fees and other expenses related to the Purchase Transaction 

and related debt financings ....................................................  
Consolidated net revenues / operating income ................................  
Interest and other investment income (expense), net .................  
Consolidated income before income tax expense ...........................  

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2012

$ 

$ 

2,686
1,720
407
4,813

(405)
—
—

—
4,408

$ 

$ 

Net revenues
2,895
1,124
323
4,342

241
—
—

—
4,583

$ 

$ 

3,072
1,609
306
4,987

(131)
—
—

—
4,856

2014
2012
2013
Income (loss) from operations 
before income tax expense

$ 

762  $ 
756 
9
1,527 

971 $ 
376
8
1,355

970
717
11
1,698

(215) 
(104) 
(12) 

(13) 

229
(110)
(23)

(79)

$ 

$ 

1,183  $ 
(202) 

1,372 $ 

(53)

981  $ 

1,319 $ 

(91)
(126)
(30)

—

1,451
7
1,458

Geographic information presented below for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is based on the location 
of the selling entity. Net revenues from external customers by geographic region were as follows (amounts in millions): 

Years Ended December 31,
2013

2014

2012

Net revenues by geographic region: 

North America ..........................................................  
Europe .......................................................................  
Asia Pacific ...............................................................  
Total consolidated net revenues ....................................  

$  2,190 $  2,414  $  2,436
1,968
452
$  4,408 $  4,583  $  4,856

1,826 
343 

1,824
394

The  Company’s  net  revenues  in  the  U.S.  were  48%,  51%,  and  48%  of  consolidated  net  revenues  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company’s net revenues in the U.K. were 16%, 14%, and 14% of 
consolidated  net  revenues  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  respectively.  The  Company’s  net 
revenues in France were 14%, 12%, and 13% of consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 
and 2012, respectively. No other country’s net revenues exceeded 10% of consolidated net revenues. 

Net revenues by platform were as follows (amounts in millions): 

Years Ended December 31,
2013

2014

2012

Net revenues by platform: 

Console .....................................................................  
Online(1) .....................................................................  
PC..............................................................................  
Mobile and other(2) ....................................................  
Total Activision Blizzard net revenues .........................  
Distribution ...................................................................  
Total consolidated net revenues ....................................  

$  2,150 $  2,379  $  2,186
986
675
703
4,550
306
$  4,408 $  4,583  $  4,856

912 
340 
629 
4,260 
323 

867
551
433
4,001
407

57

58

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST(1)  Revenues  from  online  consist  of  revenues  from  all  World  of  Warcraft  products,  including 
(1)  Revenues  from  online  consist  of  revenues  from  all  World  of  Warcraft  products,  including 

subscriptions, boxed products, expansion packs, licensing royalties, and value-added services. 
subscriptions, boxed products, expansion packs, licensing royalties, and value-added services. 

(2)  Revenues from mobile and other include revenues from handheld, mobile and tablet devices, as well 
(2)  Revenues from mobile and other include revenues from handheld, mobile and tablet devices, as well 
as  non-platform  specific  game  related  revenues  such  as  standalone  sales  of  toys  and  accessories 
as  non-platform  specific  game  related  revenues  such  as  standalone  sales  of  toys  and  accessories 
products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories. 
products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories. 

Long-lived assets by geographic region at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows (amounts in millions): 
Long-lived assets by geographic region at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows (amounts in millions): 

Long-lived assets* by geographic region: 
Long-lived assets* by geographic region: 

North America ..........................................................  
North America ..........................................................  
Europe .......................................................................  
Europe .......................................................................  
Asia Pacific ...............................................................  
Asia Pacific ...............................................................  
Total long-lived assets by geographic region ................  
Total long-lived assets by geographic region ................  
* 
* 

Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,
2013
2013

2014
2014

2012
2012

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

122 $ 
122 $ 
29
29
6
6
157 $ 
157 $ 

102  $ 
102  $ 
29 
29 
7
7
138  $ 
138  $ 

90
90
40
40
11
11
141
141

The  only  long-lived  assets  that  we  classify  by  region  are  our  long-term  tangible  fixed  assets,  which 
The  only  long-lived  assets  that  we  classify  by  region  are  our  long-term  tangible  fixed  assets,  which 
only  include  property,  plant  and  equipment  assets;  all  other  long-term  assets  are  not  allocated  by 
only  include  property,  plant  and  equipment  assets;  all  other  long-term  assets  are  not  allocated  by 
location. 
location. 

For information regarding significant customers, see “Concentration of Credit Risk” in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated 
For information regarding significant customers, see “Concentration of Credit Risk” in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 
Financial Statements. 
15. Stock-Based Compensation 
15. Stock-Based Compensation 
Activision Blizzard Equity Incentive Plans 
Activision Blizzard Equity Incentive Plans 
On  June 5,  2014,  our  shareholders  approved  the  Activision  Blizzard, Inc.  2014  Incentive  Plan  (the  “2014  Plan”)  and  the 
On  June 5,  2014,  our  shareholders  approved  the  Activision  Blizzard, Inc.  2014  Incentive  Plan  (the  “2014  Plan”)  and  the 
2014 Plan became effective. The 2014 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors to provide 
2014 Plan became effective. The 2014 Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors to provide 
stock-based  compensation  in  the  form  of  stock  options,  share  appreciation  rights,  restricted  stock,  restricted  stock  units, 
stock-based  compensation  in  the  form  of  stock  options,  share  appreciation  rights,  restricted  stock,  restricted  stock  units, 
performance  shares,  performance  units  and  other  performance-  or  value-based  awards  structured  by  the  Compensation 
performance  shares,  performance  units  and  other  performance-  or  value-based  awards  structured  by  the  Compensation 
Committee  within  parameters  set  forth  in  the  2014  Plan,  including  custom  awards  that  are  denominated  or  payable  in, 
Committee  within  parameters  set  forth  in  the  2014  Plan,  including  custom  awards  that  are  denominated  or  payable  in, 
valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, shares of our common stock, or factors that 
valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, shares of our common stock, or factors that 
may influence the value of our common stock or that are valued based on our performance or the performance of any of our 
may influence the value of our common stock or that are valued based on our performance or the performance of any of our 
subsidiaries or business units or other factors designated by the Compensation Committee, as well as incentive bonuses, for 
subsidiaries or business units or other factors designated by the Compensation Committee, as well as incentive bonuses, for 
the  purpose  of  providing  incentives  and  rewards  for  superior  performance  to  the  directors,  officers,  employees  of,  and 
the  purpose  of  providing  incentives  and  rewards  for  superior  performance  to  the  directors,  officers,  employees  of,  and 
consultants to, Activision Blizzard and its subsidiaries. 
consultants to, Activision Blizzard and its subsidiaries. 
While  the  Compensation  Committee  has  broad  discretion  to  create  equity  incentives,  our  stock-based  compensation 
While  the  Compensation  Committee  has  broad  discretion  to  create  equity  incentives,  our  stock-based  compensation 
program for the most part currently utilizes a combination of options and restricted stock units. Options have time-based 
program for the most part currently utilizes a combination of options and restricted stock units. Options have time-based 
vesting schedules, generally vesting annually over a period of three to five years, and all options expire ten years from the 
vesting schedules, generally vesting annually over a period of three to five years, and all options expire ten years from the 
grant  date.  Restricted  stock  units  either  have  time-based  vesting  schedules,  generally  vesting  in  their  entirety  on  an 
grant  date.  Restricted  stock  units  either  have  time-based  vesting  schedules,  generally  vesting  in  their  entirety  on  an 
anniversary of the date of grant, or vesting annually over a period of three to five years, or vest only if certain performance
anniversary of the date of grant, or vesting annually over a period of three to five years, or vest only if certain performance
measures  are  met.  In  addition,  under  the  terms  of  the  2014  Plan,  the  exercise  price  for  the  options  must  be  equal  to  or 
measures  are  met.  In  addition,  under  the  terms  of  the  2014  Plan,  the  exercise  price  for  the  options  must  be  equal  to  or 
greater than the closing price per share of our common stock on the date the award is granted, as reported on NASDAQ. 
greater than the closing price per share of our common stock on the date the award is granted, as reported on NASDAQ. 
Upon  the  effective  date  of  the  2014  Plan,  we  ceased  making  awards  under  the  following  equity  incentive  plans 
Upon  the  effective  date  of  the  2014  Plan,  we  ceased  making  awards  under  the  following  equity  incentive  plans 
(collectively,  the  “Prior  Plans”),  although  such  plans  will  remain  in  effect  and  continue  to  govern  outstanding  awards: 
(collectively,  the  “Prior  Plans”),  although  such  plans  will  remain  in  effect  and  continue  to  govern  outstanding  awards: 
(i) Activision, Inc.  1998  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (ii) Activision, Inc.  1999  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended; 
(i) Activision, Inc.  1998  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (ii) Activision, Inc.  1999  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended; 
(iii) Activision, Inc.  2001  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (iv) Activision, Inc.  2002  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended; 
(iii) Activision, Inc.  2001  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (iv) Activision, Inc.  2002  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended; 
(v) Activision, Inc.  2002  Executive  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (vi) Activision, Inc.  2002  Studio  Employee  Retention 
(v) Activision, Inc.  2002  Executive  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (vi) Activision, Inc.  2002  Studio  Employee  Retention 
Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (vii) Activision, Inc.  2003  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (viii) Activision, Inc.  2007  Incentive 
Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (vii) Activision, Inc.  2003  Incentive  Plan,  as  amended;  (viii) Activision, Inc.  2007  Incentive 
Plan; and (ix) Activision Blizzard, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan. 
Plan; and (ix) Activision Blizzard, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan. 
As of the date it was approved by our shareholders, there were 46 million shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan. 
As of the date it was approved by our shareholders, there were 46 million shares available for issuance under the 2014 Plan. 
The  number  of  shares  of  our  common  stock  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  2014  Plan  has  been,  and  may  be  further, 
The  number  of  shares  of  our  common  stock  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  2014  Plan  has  been,  and  may  be  further, 
increased from time to time by: (i) the number of shares relating to awards outstanding under any Prior Plan that: (a) expire, 
increased from time to time by: (i) the number of shares relating to awards outstanding under any Prior Plan that: (a) expire, 
or are forfeited, terminated or cancelled, without the issuance of shares; (b) are settled in cash in lieu of shares; or (c) are
or are forfeited, terminated or cancelled, without the issuance of shares; (b) are settled in cash in lieu of shares; or (c) are
exchanged,  prior  to  the  issuance  of  shares  of  our  common  stock,  for  awards  not  involving  our  common  stock;  (ii) if  the 
exchanged,  prior  to  the  issuance  of  shares  of  our  common  stock,  for  awards  not  involving  our  common  stock;  (ii) if  the 

exercise price of any option outstanding under any Prior Plan is, or the tax withholding requirements with respect to any 
award  outstanding  under  any  Prior  Plan  are,  satisfied  by  withholding  shares  otherwise  then  deliverable  in  respect  of  the 
award  or  the  actual  or  constructive  transfer  to  the  Company  of  shares  already  owned,  the  number  of  shares  equal  to  the 
withheld or transferred shares; and (iii) if a share appreciation right is exercised and settled in shares, a number of shares 
equal to the difference between the total number of shares with respect to which the award is exercised and the number of 
shares  actually  issued or  transferred.  As of December 31, 2014,  we  had approximately  40 million  shares  of  our  common 
stock reserved for future issuance under the 2014 Plan. Shares issued in connection with awards made under the 2014 Plan 
are generally issued as new stock issuances. 

Method and Assumptions on Valuation of Stock Options 

Our  employee  stock  options  have  features  that  differentiate  them  from  exchange-  traded  options.  These  features  include 
lack of transferability, early exercise, vesting restrictions, pre- and post-vesting termination provisions, blackout dates, and
time-varying inputs. A binomial-lattice model was selected because it is better able to explicitly address these features than 
closed-form  models  such  as  the  Black-Scholes  model,  and  is  able  to  reflect  expected  future  changes  in  model  inputs, 
including changes in volatility, during the option’s contractual term. 

We have estimated expected future changes in model inputs during the option’s contractual term. The inputs required by 
our  binomial-lattice  model  include  expected  volatility,  risk-free  interest  rate,  risk-adjusted  stock  return,  dividend  yield, 
contractual term, and vesting schedule, as well as measures of employees’ forfeiture, exercise, and post-vesting termination 
behavior.  Statistical  methods  were  used  to  estimate  employee  rank-specific  termination  rates.  These  termination  rates,  in 
turn, were used to model the number of options that are expected to vest and post-vesting termination behavior. Employee 
rank-specific estimates of Expected Time-To- Exercise (“ETTE”) were used to reflect employee exercise behavior. ETTE 
was estimated by using statistical procedures to first estimate the conditional probability of exercise occurring during each 
time period, conditional on the option surviving to that time period and then using those probabilities to estimate  ETTE. 
The  model  was  calibrated  by  adjusting  parameters  controlling  exercise  and  post-vesting  termination  behavior  so  that  the 
measures output by the model matched values of these measures that were estimated from historical data. 

The following tables present the weighted-average assumptions and the weighted-average fair value at grant date using the 
binomial-lattice model: 

Expected life (in years) ..................................................  
Risk free interest rate .....................................................  
Volatility .......................................................................  
Dividend yield ...............................................................  
Weighted-average fair value at grant date .....................  

Employee and Director Options
For the Years Ended December 31,

2014 
5.97
1.82 %
37.09 %
0.98 %
5.87

$ 

2013 
6.44
1.86 % 
39.00 % 
1.08 % 
4.97

  $ 

2012

7.05
1.12 %
40.76 %
1.65 %
3.47

$ 

To estimate volatility for the binomial-lattice model, we use methods that consider the implied volatility method based upon 
the volatilities for exchange- traded options on our stock to estimate short-term volatility, the historical method (annualized
standard  deviation  of  the  instantaneous  returns  on  Activision  Blizzard’s  stock)  during  the  option’s  contractual  term  to 
estimate long-term volatility, and a statistical model to estimate the transition or “mean reversion” from short-term volatility
to long-term volatility. Based on these methods, for options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014, the expected 
stock price volatility ranged from 29.72% to 38.00%. 

As is the case for volatility, the risk-free rate is assumed to change during the option’s contractual term. Consistent with the
calculation required by a binomial-lattice model, the risk-free rate reflects the expected movement in the interest rate from 
one  time  period  to  the  next  (“forward  rate”)  as  opposed  to  the  interest  rate  from  the  grant  date  to  the  given  time  period 
(“spot  rate”).  The  expected  dividend  yield  assumption  for  options  granted  during  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  is 
based on the Company’s historical and expected future amount of dividend payouts. 

The  expected  life  of  employee  stock  options  represents  the  weighted-average  period  the  stock  options  are  expected  to 
remain outstanding and is an output from the binomial-lattice model. The expected life of employee stock options depends 
on all of the underlying assumptions and calibration of our model. A binomial-lattice model can be viewed as assuming that 
employees will exercise their options when the stock price equals or exceeds an exercise multiples, of which the multiple is 
based on historical employee exercise behaviors. 

59
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As  stock-based  compensation  expense  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations  for  the  years  ended 
December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012  is  based  on  awards  ultimately  expected  to  vest,  it  has  been  reduced  for  estimated 
forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures
differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience. 

Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates 

We  developed  the  assumptions  used  in  the  binomial-lattice  model,  including  model  inputs  and  measures  of  employees’ 
exercise  and  post-vesting  termination  behavior.  Our  ability  to  accurately  estimate  the  fair  value  of  stock-based  payment 
awards at the grant date depends upon the accuracy of the model and our ability to accurately forecast model inputs as long 
as  ten  years  into  the  future.  These  inputs  include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  expected  stock  price  volatility,  risk-free  rate, 
dividend yield, and employee termination rates. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined using an 
option-  pricing  model,  the  estimates  that  are  produced  by  this  model  may  not  be  indicative  of  the  fair  value  observed 
between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine if this is the case, as markets do not
currently exist that permit the active trading of employee stock option and other stock-based instruments.

Stock Option Activities 

Stock option activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows (amounts in millions, except number of shares, 
which are in thousands, and per share amounts): 

Outstanding stock options at December 31, 2013 .........  
Granted ..........................................................................  
Exercised .......................................................................  
Forfeited ........................................................................  
Expired ..........................................................................  
Outstanding stock options at December 31, 2014 .........  
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014 ......  
Exercisable at December 31, 2014 ................................  

Weighted- 
average 
exercise price
12.63
$ 
20.41
11.97
14.00
10.39
14.50
14.32
12.70

$ 
$ 

Shares

38,804
6,020
(14,386)
(939)
(13)
29,486
28,391
19,254

Weighted-average 
remaining 
contractual term

Aggregate 
intrinsic value

6.03
5.06
4.51

$ 
$ 
$ 

168
167
145

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e. the difference between our 
closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, times the number of shares for options where 
the  exercise  price  is  below  the  closing  stock  price)  that  would  have  been  received  by  the  option  holders  had  all  option 
holders exercised their options on that date. This amount changes based on the market value of our stock. The total intrinsic 
value  of  options  actually  exercised  was  $117 million,  $104 million,  and  $25 million  for  the  years  ended  December 31, 
2014,  2013,  and  2012,  respectively.  The  total  grant  date  fair  value  of  options  vested  was  $19 million,  $29 million,  and 
$47 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 

The  following  table  summarizes  our  restricted  stock  rights  activity  for  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  (amounts  in 
thousands except per share amounts): 

Unvested restricted stock rights balance at 

December 31, 2013 ...............................................  
Granted ......................................................................  
Vested .......................................................................  
Forfeited ....................................................................  
Unvested restricted stock rights balance at 

December 31, 2014 ...............................................

Restricted Stock 
Rights

Weighted- 
Average Grant 
Date Fair Value

$ 

22,565
4,111
(7,120)
(1,966)

17,590

12.63
20.07
12.23
12.01

11.85

At December 31, 2014, approximately $69 million of total unrecognized compensation cost was related to restricted stock 
rights  and  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted-average  period  of  1.26 years.  Of  the  total  unrecognized 
compensation  cost,  $23 million  was  related  to  performance-  vesting  restricted  stock  rights,  which  is  expected  to  be 
recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.30 years. The total grant date fair value of vested restricted stock rights was 
$92 million, $57 million and $45 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

The income tax benefit from stock option exercises and restricted stock rights was $89 million, $77 million, and $20 million 
for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  total  stock-based  compensation  expense  included  in  our  consolidated  statements  of 
operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (amounts in millions): 

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Cost of sales—online ......................................................................  
Cost of sales—software royalties and amortization ........................  
Product development .......................................................................  
Sales and marketing ........................................................................  
General and administrative ..............................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes ...............  
Income tax benefit ...........................................................................  
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit
 .....................................................................................................  

$ 

1 $  —  $  —
9
17 
17
20
33 
22
8
7 
8
89
53 
56
126
110 
104
(46)
(40) 
(38)

$ 

66 $ 

70  $ 

80

At  December 31,  2014,  $33 million  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  stock  options  is  expected  to  be 
recognized over a weighted- average period of 1.58 years. 

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation included in our consolidated balance sheets as a component of 
“Software development” (amounts in millions): 

Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards Activities 

We  grant  restricted  stock  units,  which  represent  the  right  to  receive  shares  of  our  common  stock,  and  restricted  stock 
awards,  which  are  issued  and  outstanding  upon  grant  but  subject  to  the  risk  of  forfeiture  (collectively  referred  to  as 
“restricted stock rights”), under the 2014 Plan to employees around the world, and we assumed, as a result of the Business 
Combination, the restricted stock rights granted by Activision, Inc. Vesting for restricted stock rights is contingent upon the
holders’  continued  employment  with  us  and  may  be  subject  to  other  conditions  (which  may  include  the  satisfaction  of  a 
performance measure). If the vesting conditions are not met, unvested restricted stock rights will be forfeited. Holders of 
restricted  stock  are  restricted  from  selling  the  shares  until  they  vest.  Upon  vesting  of  restricted  stock  rights,  we  may 
withhold shares otherwise deliverable to satisfy minimum tax withholding requirements. 

Balance at December 31, 2011 .................................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized and deferred during period ............  
Amortization of capitalized and deferred stock-based compensation expense .........  
Balance at December 31, 2012 .................................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized and deferred during period ............  
Amortization of capitalized and deferred stock-based compensation expense .........  
Balance at December 31, 2013 .................................................................................  
Stock-based compensation expense capitalized and deferred during period ............  
Amortization of capitalized and deferred stock-based compensation expense .........  
Balance at December 31, 2014 .................................................................................  

61

62

Software 
Development
$ 

10
27
(18)
19
34
(31)
22
27
(23)
26

$ 

$ 

$ 

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST16. Interest and Other Investment Income (Expense), Net 

Interest and other investment income (expense), net is comprised of the following (amounts in millions): 

The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and 
the income tax expense (benefit) (the effective tax rate) for each of the years are as follows (amounts in millions): 

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Interest income ................................................................................  
Interest expense ...............................................................................  
Interest expense from debt and amortization of debt discount and 

deferred financing costs ...............................................................  
Net realized gain on foreign exchange contracts .............................  
Interest and other investment income (expense), net .......................  

$ 

4 $ 
—

5  $ 

— 

(208)
2

(58) 
—

$  (202) $ 

(53)  $ 

6
(1)

—
2
7

Federal income tax provision at statutory rate .......................  
State taxes, net of federal benefit ...........................................  
Research and development credits .........................................  
Domestic production activity deduction ................................  
Foreign rate differential .........................................................  
Change in tax reserves ...........................................................  
Shortfall from employee stock option exercises ....................  
Return to provision adjustment ..............................................  
Net Operating Loss tax attribute received from Internal 

For the Years Ended December 31, 
2013 

2012 

2014 

$     343

35%  $      462 

(24)

5 — 
(2) 
— — 
(25) 
13 
— — 
(1) 
(7)

(245)
128

6  — 
(4) 
(49) 
(1) 
(9) 
(13) 
(174) 
89 
7 
—  — 
(3)  — 

35%  $     510
31
(10)
(17)
(241)
53

35% 
2 
(1) 
(1) 
(17) 
4 
8 —
(4) —

17. Income Taxes 

Domestic  and  foreign  income  (loss)  before  income  taxes  and  details  of  the  income  tax  expense  (benefit)  are  as  follows 
(amounts in millions): 

Net Operating Loss tax attribute assumed from Purchase 

Transaction.........................................................................  
Other ......................................................................................  
Income tax expense ................................................................  

(52)

(5) 
(2) —

(16) 

(1) 
3 —

— —
2
25
21%
23% $     309

$     146

15% $      309 

Revenue Service audit ........................................................  

— — 

—  — 

(46)

(3) 

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Income before income tax expense: 

Domestic ..............................................................................................  
Foreign .................................................................................................  

Income tax expense (benefit): 

Current: 

Federal .............................................................................................  
State .................................................................................................  
Foreign .............................................................................................  
Total current .....................................................................................  

Deferred: 

$  325  $  626  $  668
790

693 

656 

$  981  $  1,319  $  1,458

$  118  $  100  $  256
14
49
319

6 
31 
137 

11 
37 
166 

Federal .............................................................................................  
State .................................................................................................  
Foreign .............................................................................................  
Total deferred ...................................................................................  

26 
(18) 
(58) 
(50) 

134 
(12) 
39 
161 

12
(11)
(11)
(10)

Add back tax benefit credited to additional paid-in capital: 

Excess tax benefit associated with stock options .................................  

30 

11 

—

Income tax expense ..................................................................................  

$  146  $  309  $  309

The Company’s tax rate is affected by the tax rates in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, the relative amount 
of income earned by jurisdiction, and the jurisdictions with a statutory tax rate less than the U.S. rate of 35%. 

For 2014, the Company’s income before income tax expense was $981 million. Our income tax expense of $146 million 
resulted in an effective tax rate of 15%. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% 
is  due  to  earnings  taxed  at  relatively  lower  rates  in  foreign  jurisdictions,  recognition  of  the  California  research  and 
development  (“R&D”)  credits,  and  recognition  of  the  retroactive  reinstatement  of  the  2014  federal  R&D  tax  credit 
described below, offset by changes in the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions. 

On  December 19,  2014,  the  Tax  Increase  Prevention  Act  of  2014  (H.R.  5771)  was  signed  into  law,  which  retroactively 
extended  the  federal  R&D  tax  credit  from  January 1,  2014  through  December 31,  2014.  As  a  result,  the  Company 
recognized the retroactive benefit of the 2014 federal R&D tax credit of approximately $9 million as a discrete item in the 
fourth quarter of 2014, the period in which the legislation was enacted. 

For 2013, the Company’s income before income tax expense was $1,319 million. Our income tax expense of $309 million 
resulted in an effective tax rate of 23%. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% 
was  due  to  earnings  taxed  at  relatively  lower  rates  in  foreign  jurisdictions,  recognition  of  federal  and  California  R&D 
credits, recognition of the retroactive reinstatement of the 2012 federal R&D tax credit, and the federal domestic production 
deduction. 

On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was signed into law by the president of the United States. 
Under  the  provisions  of  the  American  Taxpayer  Relief  Act  of  2012,  the  R&D  tax  credit  that  had  expired  December 31, 
2011,  was  reinstated  retroactively  to  January 1,  2012,  and  expired  on  December 31,  2013.  The  Company  recorded  the 
impact of the extension of the R&D tax credit related to the tax year ended December 31, 2012, as a discrete item the first 
quarter  of  2013.  The  impact  of  the  extension  of  the  R&D  tax  credit  resulted  in  a  net  tax  benefit  of  approximately 
$12 million related to the tax year ended December 31, 2012. 

For 2012, the Company’s income before income tax expense was $1,458 million. Our income tax expense of $309 million 
resulted in an effective tax rate of 21%. The difference between our effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% 
was  due  to  earnings  taxed  at  relatively  lower  rates  in  foreign  jurisdictions,  recognition  of  California  R&D  credits,  the 
federal domestic production deduction, and a tax benefit resulting from a federal income tax audit settlement allocated to us 
by a subsidiary of Vivendi, as further discussed below. 

In connection with the Purchase Transaction, we assumed certain tax attributes of New VH, which generally consist of New 
VH’s  net  operating  loss  (“NOL”)  carryforwards  of  approximately  $760 million,  which  represent  a  potential  future  tax 
benefit  of  approximately  $266 million.  The  utilization  of  such  NOL  carryforwards  will  be  subject  to  certain  annual 
limitations  and  will  begin  to  expire  in  2021.  The  Company  also  obtained  indemnification  from  Vivendi  against  losses 
attributable to the disallowance of claimed utilization of such NOL carryforwards of up to $200 million in unrealized tax 
benefits  in  the  aggregate,  limited  to  taxable  years  ending  on  or  prior  to  December 31,  2016.  No  benefit  for  these  tax 
attributes  or  indemnification  was  recorded  upon  the  close  of  the  Purchase  Transaction,  as  the  benefit  from  these  tax 
attributes did not meet the “more-likely-than-not” standard. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we 

63

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utilized $148 million and $45 million, respectively, of the NOL, which resulted in benefits of $52 million and $16 million, 
respectively, and a corresponding reserve was established as the position did not meet the “more-likely-than- not” standard. 
As  of  December 31,  2014,  an  indemnification  asset  of  $68 million  has  been  recorded  in  “Other  Assets”,  and, 
correspondingly, the same amount has been recorded as a reduction to the consideration paid for the shares repurchased in 
“Treasury Stock” (see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details about the share repurchase). 

As previously disclosed, on July 9, 2008, the Business Combination occurred amongst Vivendi, the Company and certain of 
their  respective  subsidiaries,  pursuant  to  which  Vivendi  Games,  then  a  member  of  the  consolidated  U.S.  tax  group  of 
Vivendi’s subsidiary, Vivendi Holdings I Corp. (“VHI”), became a subsidiary of the Company. As a result of the Business 
Combination,  the  favorable  tax  attributes  of  Vivendi  Games  carried  forward  to  the  Company.  In  late  August  2012,  VHI 
settled a federal income tax audit with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the tax years ended December 31, 2002, 
2003, and 2004. In connection with the settlement agreement, VHI’s consolidated federal NOL carryovers were adjusted 
and  allocated  to  various  companies  that  were  part  of  its  consolidated  group  during  the  relevant  periods.  This  allocation 
resulted in a $132 million federal NOL allocation to Vivendi Games. In September 2012, the Company filed an amended 
tax return for its December 31, 2008 tax year to utilize these additional federal net operating losses allocated as a result of
the aforementioned settlement, resulting in the recording of a one-time tax benefit of $46 million. Prior to the settlement, 
and given the uncertainty of the VHI audit, the Company had insufficient information to allow it to record or disclose any 
information related to the audit until the quarter ended September 30, 2012, as disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-Q for 
that period. 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for 
accounting  purposes  and  the  amounts  used  for  income  tax  purposes.  The  components  of  the  net  deferred  tax  assets 
(liabilities) are as follows (amounts in millions): 

Deferred tax assets: 

Allowance for sales returns and price protection .................  
Inventory reserve..................................................................  
Accrued expenses .................................................................  
Deferred revenue ..................................................................  
Tax credit carryforwards ......................................................  
Net operating loss carryforwards .........................................  
Stock-based compensation ...................................................  
Transaction costs ..................................................................  
Other ....................................................................................  
Deferred tax assets ...................................................................  
Valuation allowance .................................................................  
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance .......................  
Deferred tax liabilities: 

Intangibles ............................................................................  
Prepaid royalties ...................................................................
Capitalized software development expenses ........................  
State taxes ............................................................................  
Deferred tax liabilities ..............................................................  
Net deferred tax assets .............................................................  

As of December 31,
2013
2014

$ 

74  $ 

9 
38 
291 
50 
10 
69 
9 
13 
563 
—
563 

(169) 
(22) 
(84) 
(34) 
(309) 

$ 

254  $ 

63
8
48
273
35
11
91
11
25
565
—
565

(152)
(71)
(60)
(27)
(310)
255

As  of  December 31,  2014  we  have  gross  tax  credit  carryforwards  of  $18 million  and  $97 million  for  federal  and  state 
purposes,  respectively,  which  begin  to  expire  in  fiscal  2029.  The  tax  credit  carryforwards  are presented  in  “Deferred  tax 
assets” net of unrealized tax benefits that would apply upon the realization of uncertain tax positions. Through our foreign 
operations, we have approximately $36 million in NOL carryforwards at December 31, 2014, attributed mainly to losses in 
France and Ireland, the majority of which can be carried forward indefinitely. 

We evaluate our deferred tax assets, including net operating losses and tax credits, to determine if a valuation allowance is 
required.  We  assess  whether  a  valuation  allowance  should  be  established  or  released  based  on  the  consideration  of  all 
available evidence using a “more-likely-than-not” standard. Realization of the U.S. deferred tax assets is dependent upon 
the continued generation of sufficient taxable income. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence 
that can be objectively verified. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the 
net carrying value of the U.S. deferred tax assets will be realized. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there are no valuation 
allowances on deferred tax assets. 

Cumulative  undistributed  earnings  of  foreign  subsidiaries  for  which  no  deferred  taxes  have  been  provided  approximated 
$3,262 million at December 31, 2014. Deferred income taxes on these earnings have not been provided as these amounts 
are considered to be permanent in duration. Determination of the unrecognized deferred tax liability on unremitted foreign 
earnings is not practicable because of the complexity of the hypothetical calculation. In the event of a distribution of these 
earnings to the U.S. in the form of a dividend, we may be subject to both foreign withholding taxes and U.S. income taxes 
net of allowable foreign tax credits. 

Vivendi  Games  results  for  the  period  January 1,  2008  through  July 9,  2008  are  included  in  the  consolidated  federal  and 
certain  foreign,  state  and  local  income  tax  returns  filed  by  Vivendi  or  its  affiliates  while  Vivendi  Games  results  for  the 
period July 10, 2008 through December 31, 2008 are included in the consolidated federal and certain foreign, state and local 
income tax returns filed by Activision Blizzard. Vivendi Games tax years 2005 through 2010 remain open to examination 
by the major taxing authorities. The IRS is currently examining Vivendi Games tax returns for the 2005 through 2008 tax 
years.  Although  the  final  resolution  of  the  examination  is  uncertain,  based  on  current  information,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
Company’s management, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 
consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations. 

Activision Blizzard’s tax years 2008 through 2013 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which 
we  are  subject.  The  IRS  is  currently  examining  the  Company’s  federal  tax  returns  for  the  2008  through  2011  tax  years. 
Additionally, the IRS is currently reviewing the Company’s application for an advanced pricing agreement (“APA”) with 
respect to the transfer pricing methodology that would be used by the Company for tax years 2010 through 2024. If ongoing 
discussions  with  the  IRS  result  in  an  APA,  this  could  result  in  a  different  allocation  of  profits  and  losses  under  the 
Company’s  transfer  pricing  agreements.  Such  allocation  could  have  a  positive  or  negative  impact  on  the  Company’s 
provision  for  uncertain  tax  positions  for  the  period  in  which  such  an  agreement  is  reached  and  the  relevant  periods 
thereafter.  The  Company  also  has  several  state  and  non-U.S.  audits  pending.  Although  the  final  resolution  of  the 
Company’s global tax disputes is uncertain, based on current information, in the opinion of the Company’s management, 
the  ultimate  resolution  of  these  matters  will  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial 
position, liquidity or results of operations. However, an unfavorable resolution of the Company’s global tax disputes could 
have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations in the period in which the matters are ultimately 
resolved. 

As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $405 million of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective 
tax  rate  if  recognized.  A  reconciliation  of  total  gross  unrecognized  tax  benefits  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014, 
2013, and 2012 is as follows (amounts in millions): 

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1 .................  
Gross increase for tax positions of prior years ....................  
Gross increase for tax positions of current year ..................  
Settlement with taxing authorities .......................................  
Lapse of statute of limitations .............................................  
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31 ...........  

2012

2014

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013
$  294 $  207  $  154
3
59
(8)
(1)
$  419 $  294  $  207

2
125
(2)
—

1 
91 
— 
(5) 

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in “Income tax expense”. As of December 31, 2014 
and  2013,  we  had  approximately  $18 million  and  $13 million,  respectively,  of  accrued  interest  and  penalties  related  to 
uncertain  tax  positions.  For  the  year  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  we  recorded  $5 million  and  $2 million, 
respectively, of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we did not have 
any material interest expense and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. 

Based  on  the  current  status  with  the  IRS,  there  is  insufficient  information  to  identify  any  significant  changes  in 
unrecognized  tax  benefits  in  the  next  twelve  months.  However,  the  Company  may  recognize  a  benefit  of  up  to 
approximately $24 million related to the settlement of tax audits and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations in the next 
twelve months. 

Although the final resolution of the Company’s global tax disputes, audits, or any particular issue with the applicable taxing 
authority is uncertain, based on current information, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the ultimate resolution 
of  these  matters  will  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  Company’s  consolidated  financial  position,  liquidity  or 
results of operations. However, any settlement or resolution of the Company’s global tax disputes, audits, or any particular 
issue with the applicable taxing authority could have a material favorable or unfavorable effect on our business and results 
of operations in the period in which the matters are ultimately resolved. 

65

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST18. Computation of Basic/Diluted Earnings Per Common Share 

Repurchase Programs 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (amounts in millions, except 
per share data): 

On February 3, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to 
$750 million of our common stock during the two-year period from February 9, 2015 through February 8, 2017. 

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

Numerator: 

Consolidated net income .......................................................................................  $ 
Less: Distributed earnings to unvested stock-based awards that participate in 
earnings ......................................................................................................... 

Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested stock-based awards that 

participate in earnings ................................................................................... 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share—income available 

835  $  1,010 $  1,149

(4) 

(5)

(4)

(14) 

(18)

(20)

to common shareholders ....................................................................................  $ 

817  $ 

987 $  1,125

Denominator: 

Denominator for basic earnings per common share—weighted-average common 
shares outstanding ............................................................................................. 

Effect of potential dilutive common shares under the treasury stock method: 

716 

1,024

1,112

Employee stock options ..................................................................................... 

10 

11

6

Denominator for diluted earnings per common share—weighted-average 

common shares outstanding plus dilutive effect of employee stock options ..... 

1,118
Basic earnings per common share .............................................................................  $  1.14  $  0.96 $  1.01
Diluted earnings per common share ..........................................................................  $  1.13  $  0.95 $  1.01

1,035

726 

Certain  of  our  unvested  restricted  stock  rights  (including  certain  restricted  stock  units,  restricted  stock  awards,  and 
performance shares) met the definition of participating securities based on their rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. 
Therefore, we are required to use the two-class method in our computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share. 
For  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  on  a  weighted-average  basis,  we  had  outstanding  unvested  restricted 
stock  rights  with  respect  to  15 million  and  24 million  shares  of  common  stock  that  are  participating  in  earnings, 
respectively.

Certain  of  our  employee-related  restricted  stock  rights  are  contingently  issuable  upon  the  satisfaction  of  pre-defined 
performance measures. These shares are included in the weighted-average dilutive common shares only if the performance 
measures are met as of the end of the reporting period. Approximately 4 million shares are not included in the computation 
of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 as their respective performance measures have not been 
met. 

Potential common shares are not included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation when 
the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive, such as in a period in which a net loss is recorded. Therefore, options to
acquire 2 million, 5 million, and 25 million shares of common stock were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings 
per  common  share  for  the  years  ended  December 31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012,  respectively,  as  the  effect  of  their  inclusion 
would be anti-dilutive. 

See  Note 1  of  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  details  of  the  Purchase  Transaction  which  reduced 
outstanding shares in 2014 as compared to 2013. 

19. Capital Transactions 

Stock Purchase Agreement 

On October 11, 2013, as described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we completed the Purchase 
Transaction,  repurchasing  approximately  429 million  shares  of  our  common  stock  for  a  cash  payment  of  $5.83 billion, 
pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement (refer to Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for  financing  details  of  the  Purchase  Transaction).  The  repurchased  shares  were  recorded  in  “Treasury  Stock”  in  our 
consolidated balance sheet. 

On February 2,  2012, our  Board of Directors  authorized  a  stock repurchase  program  under which  we  were  authorized  to 
repurchase  up  to  $1 billion  of  our  common  stock.  During  the  year  ended  December 31,  2013,  there  were  no  repurchases 
pursuant to this stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased 4 million shares of 
our common stock for $54 million pursuant to this stock repurchase program. The 2012 stock repurchase program expired 
on March 31, 2013. 

On February 3,  2011, our  Board of Directors  authorized  a  stock repurchase  program  under which  we  were  authorized  to 
repurchase up to $1.5 billion of our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we repurchased 22 million 
shares of our common stock for $261 million pursuant to this stock repurchase plan. The 2011 stock repurchase program 
expired on March 31, 2012. 

Dividend 

On  February 3,  2015,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.23  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 13, 
2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2015. 

On  February 6,  2014,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.20  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 14, 
2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2014. On May 14, 2014, we made an aggregate cash 
dividend  payment  of  $143 million  to  such  shareholders,  and  on  May 30,  2014,  we  made  related  dividend  equivalent 
payments of $4 million to the holders of restricted stock rights. 

On  February 7,  2013,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.19  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 15, 
2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2013. On May 15, 2013, we made an aggregate cash 
dividend  payment  of  $212 million  to  such  shareholders,  and  on  May 31,  2013,  we  made  related  dividend  equivalent 
payments of $4 million to the holders of restricted stock rights. 

On  February 9,  2012,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.18  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 16, 
2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2012. On May 16, 2012, we made an aggregate cash 
dividend  payment  of  $201 million  to  such  shareholders,  and  on  June 1,  2012,  we  made  related  dividend  equivalent 
payments of $3 million to the holders of restricted stock units. 

20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information 

Supplemental cash flow information is as follows (amounts in millions): 

Supplemental cash flow information: 

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds ...............  
Cash paid for interest ................................................  

$ 

34 $ 
201

138  $ 
19 

159
2

For the Years Ended 
December 31,
2013

2012

2014

21. Commitments and Contingencies 

Letters of Credit 

As described in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, a portion of our Revolver can be used to issue 
letters of credit of up to $50 million, subject to the availability of the Revolver. At December 31, 2014, we did not issue any
letter of credit under the Revolver. 

We maintain two irrevocable standby letters of credit, which are required by one of our inventory manufacturers so that we 
can qualify for certain payment terms on our inventory purchases. Our standby letters of credit were for $10 million and 
1 million  Euros  ($1 million)  at  December 31,  2014,  and  $10 million  and  15 million  Euros  ($21 million)  at  December 31, 
2013. For the standby letter of credit denominated in U.S. dollars, under the terms of the arrangements, we are required to 
maintain  a  compensating  balance  on  deposit  with  a  bank,  restricted  as  to  use,  of  not  less  than  the  sum  of  the  available 

67

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amount of the letter of credit plus the aggregate amount of any drawings under the letter of credit that have been honored 
thereunder, but not reimbursed. Both letters of credit were undrawn at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  

Commitments 

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  we  enter  into  contractual  arrangements  with  third  parties  for  non-cancelable  operating 
lease  agreements  for our offices,  for  the development  of  products  and for  the  rights  to  intellectual  property.  Under  these 
agreements, we commit to provide specified payments to a lessor, developer or intellectual property holder, as the case may 
be,  based  upon  contractual  arrangements.  The  payments  to  third-party  developers  are  generally  conditioned  upon  the 
achievement  by  the  developers  of  contractually  specified  development  milestones.  Further,  these  payments  to  third-party 
developers and intellectual property holders typically are deemed to be advances and, as such, are recoupable against future 
royalties  earned  by  the  developer  or  intellectual  property  holder  based  on  sales  of  the  related  game.  Additionally,  in 
connection  with  certain  intellectual  property  rights,  acquisitions  and  development  agreements,  we  commit  to  spend 
specified amounts for marketing support for the game(s) which is (are) to be developed or in which the intellectual property 
will be utilized. Assuming all contractual provisions are met, the total future minimum commitments for these and other 
contractual arrangements in place at December 31, 2014 are scheduled to be paid as follows (amounts in millions): 

Contractual Obligations(1)

Facility and
Equipment 
Leases

Developer and
Intellectual
Properties

Marketing

Total

For the years ending December 31,

2015 .........................................  
2016 .........................................  
2017 .........................................  
2018 .........................................  
2019 .........................................  
Thereafter .................................  
Total .....................................  

$ 

$ 

36
31
28
26
24
23
168

$ 

$ 

180
5
3
—
—
2
190

$ 

$ 

45  $ 
— 
— 
— 
— 
—
45  $ 

261
36
31
26
24
25
403

(1)  We have omitted uncertain tax liabilities from this table due to the inherent uncertainty regarding the 
timing  of  potential  issue  resolution.  Specifically,  either  (a) the  underlying  positions  have  not  been 
fully developed under audit to quantify at this time or, (b) the years relating to the issues for certain 
jurisdictions  are  not  currently  under  audit.  At  December 31,  2014,  we  had  $419 million  of  gross 
unrecognized tax benefits, of which $392 million was included in “Other Liabilities” and $27 million 
was included in “Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheet. 

Legal Proceedings 

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims. SEC regulations govern disclosure of legal proceedings in periodic 
reports and FASB ASC Topic 450 governs the disclosure of loss contingencies and accrual of loss contingencies in respect 
of litigation and other claims. We record an accrual for a potential loss when it is probable that a loss will occur and the 
amount  of  the  loss  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  When  the  reasonable  estimate  of  the  potential  loss  is  within  a  range  of 
amounts, the minimum of the range of potential loss is accrued, unless a higher amount within the range is a better estimate 
than  any  other  amount  within  the  range.  Moreover,  even  if  an  accrual  is  not  required,  we  provide  additional  disclosure 
related  to  litigation  and  other  claims  when  it  is  reasonably  possible  (i.e.,  more  than  remote)  that  the  outcomes  of  such 
litigation and other claims include potential material adverse impacts on us. 

The outcomes of legal proceedings and other claims are subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are outside of 
our control. There is significant judgment required in the analysis of these matters, including the probability determination 
and  whether  a  potential  exposure  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  In  making  these  determinations,  we,  in  consultation  with 
outside counsel, examine the relevant facts and circumstances on a quarterly basis assuming, as applicable, a combination 
of settlement and litigated outcomes and strategies. Moreover, legal matters are inherently unpredictable and the timing of 
development of factors on which reasonable judgments and estimates can be based can be slow. As such, there can be no 
assurance  that  the  final  outcome  of  any  legal  matter  will  not  materially  and  adversely  affect  our  business,  financial 
condition, results of operations, profitability, cash flows or liquidity. 

Purchase Transaction Matters 

On August 1, 2013, a purported shareholder of the Company filed a shareholder derivative action in the Superior Court of 
the State of California, County of Los Angeles, captioned Miller v. Kotick, et al., No. BC517086. The complaint names our 

Board of Directors and Vivendi as defendants, and the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that our 
Board of Directors committed breaches of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection 
with Vivendi’s  sale  of  its  stake  in  the  Company  and  that Vivendi also breached  its fiduciary duties. The plaintiff  further 
alleges that demand by it on our Board of Directors to institute action would be futile because a majority of our Board of 
Directors  is  not  independent  and  a  majority  of  the  individual  defendants  face  a  substantial  likelihood  of  liability  for 
approving  the  transactions  contemplated  by  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement.  The  complaint  seeks,  among  other  things, 
damages sustained by the Company, rescission of the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement, an order 
restricting our Chief Executive Officer and our Chairman from purchasing additional shares of our common stock and an 
order  directing  us  to  take  necessary  actions  to  improve  and  reform  our  corporate  governance  and  internal  procedures  to 
comply  with  applicable  law, including ordering  a  shareholder vote on  certain  amendments  to our  by-laws  or  charter  that 
would require half of our Board of Directors to be independent of Messrs. Kotick and Kelly and Vivendi and a proposal to 
appoint  a  new  independent  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  On  January 28,  2014,  the  parties  filed  a  stipulation  and 
proposed order temporarily staying the California action. On February 6, 2014, the court entered the order granting a stay of 
the California action. 

In  addition,  on  August 14,  2013,  we  received  a  letter  dated  August 9,  2013,  from  a  shareholder  seeking,  pursuant  to 
Section 220  of  the  Delaware  General  Corporation  Law,  to  inspect  the  books  and  records  of  the  Company  to  ascertain 
whether the Purchase Transaction and Private Sale were in the best interests of the Company. In response to that request, 
we provided the stockholder with certain materials under a confidentiality agreement. On September 11, 2013, a complaint 
was  filed  under  seal  by  the  same  stockholder  in  the  Court  of  Chancery  of  the  State  of  Delaware  in  an  action  captioned 
Pacchia  v.  Kotick  et  al.,  C.A.  No. 8884-VCL.  A  public  version  of  that  complaint  was  filed  on  September 16,  2013.  The 
allegations in the complaint were substantially similar to the allegations in the above referenced matter filed on August 1, 
2013.  On  October 25,  2013,  Pacchia  filed  an  amended  complaint  under  seal.  The  amended  complaint  added  claims  on 
behalf  of  an  alleged  class  of  Activision  stockholders  other  than  the  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chairman, 
Vivendi, ASAC, investors in ASAC and other stockholders affiliated with the investors of ASAC. The added class claims 
are  against  the  Company’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chairman,  the  Vivendi  affiliated  directors,  the  members  of  the 
special  committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  formed  in  connection  with  the  Company’s  consideration  of  the  transactions 
with Vivendi and ASAC, and Vivendi for breach of fiduciary duty, as well as aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary duty 
against ASAC. The amended complaint removed the derivative claims for waste of corporate assets and disgorgement but 
continued  to  allege  derivative  claims  for  breach  of  fiduciary  duties.  The  amended  complaint  seeks,  among  other  things, 
certification of a class, damages, reformation of the Private Sale, and disgorgement of any alleged profits received by the 
Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and ASAC. On October 29, 2013, Pacchia filed a motion to consolidate the 
Pacchia case with the Hayes case described below. On November 2, 2013, the Court of Chancery consolidated the Pacchia
and Hayes cases and ordered the plaintiffs to file supplemental papers related to determining lead plaintiff and lead counsel 
no later than November 8, 2013. On December 3, 2013, the court selected Pacchia as lead plaintiff. Pacchia filed a second 
amended complaint on December 11, 2013, and Activision filed an answer on January 31, 2014. Also on January 31, 2014, 
the special committee, ASAC, Messrs. Kotick and Kelly, Vivendi and the Vivendi-affiliated directors each filed motions to 
dismiss certain claims in the second amended complaint. On February 21, 2014, Pacchia filed a third amended complaint 
under seal. In response to Pacchia’s filing of a third amended complaint, the special committee, ASAC, Messrs. Kotick and 
Kelly,  Vivendi  and  the  Vivendi-affiliated  directors  each  filed  motions  to  dismiss  certain  claims  in  the  third  amended 
complaint.  On  June 6,  2014,  the  Court  of  Chancery  denied  the  defendants’  motions  to  dismiss  such  claims,  with  the 
exception of a breach of contract claim. Subsequently, Pacchia filed a fourth amended complaint containing substantially all 
of his prior claims, but with the addition of new allegations gleaned from discovery in the matter. ASAC filed a motion to 
dismiss the re-pleaded breach of contract claim and the other defendants filed answers in response to the fourth amended 
complaint. 

On September 11, 2013, another stockholder of the Company filed a putative class action and stockholder derivative action 
in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, captioned Hayes v. Activision Blizzard, Inc., et al., No. 8885-VCL. The 
complaint names our Board of Directors, Vivendi, New VH, the ASAC Entities, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (“Davis”) 
and  Fidelity  Management &  Research Co.  (“FMR”)  as  defendants,  and  the  Company  as  a  nominal  defendant.  The 
complaint alleges that the defendants violated certain provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 
by  failing  to  submit  the  matters  contemplated  by  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  for  approval  by  a  majority  of  our 
stockholders  (other  than  Vivendi  and  its  controlled  affiliates);  that  our  Board  of  Directors  committed  breaches  of  their 
fiduciary  duties  in  approving  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement;  that  Vivendi  violated  fiduciary  duties  owed  to  other 
stockholders  of  the  Company  in  entering  into  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement;  that  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  our 
Chairman usurped a corporate opportunity from the Company; that our Board of Directors and Vivendi have engaged in 
actions to entrench our Board of Directors and officers in their offices; that the ASAC Entities, Davis and FMR aided and 
abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by the Board of Directors and Vivendi; and that our Chief Executive Officer and our 
Chairman,  the  ASAC  Entities,  Davis  and  FMR  will  be  unjustly  enriched  through  the  Private  Sale.  The  complaint  seeks, 
among other things, the rescission of the Private Sale; an order requiring the transfer to the Company of all or part of the 
shares  that  are  the  subject  of  the  Private  Sale;  an  order  implementing  measures  to  eliminate  or  mitigate  the  alleged 

69

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ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTentrenching  effects  of  the  Private  Sale;  an  order  requiring  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  our  Chairman,  the  ASAC 
Entities, Davis and FMR to disgorge to the Company the amounts by which they have allegedly been unjustly enriched; and 
alleged damages sustained by the class and the Company. In addition, the stockholder sought a temporary restraining order 
preventing  the  defendants  from  consummating  the  transactions  contemplated  by  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  without 
stockholder  approval.  Following  a  hearing  on  the  motion  for  a  temporary  restraining  order,  on  September 18,  2013,  the 
Court of Chancery issued a preliminary injunction order, enjoining the consummation of the transactions contemplated by 
the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  pending  (a) the  issuance  of  a  final  decision  after  a  trial  on  the  merits;  (b) receipt  of  a 
favorable Activision Blizzard stockholder vote on the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement under 
Section 9.1(b) of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or (c) modification of such preliminary injunction 
order by the Court of Chancery or the Delaware Supreme Court. On September 20, 2013, the Court of Chancery certified its 
order issuing the preliminary injunction for interlocutory appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court. The defendants moved the 
Delaware  Supreme  Court  to  accept  and  hear  the  appeal  on  an  expedited  basis.  On  September 23,  2013,  the  Delaware 
Supreme  Court  accepted  the  appeal  of  the  Court  of  Chancery’s  decision  and  granted  the  defendant’s  motion  to  hear  the 
appeal on an expedited basis. 

Following a hearing on October 10, 2013, the Delaware Supreme Court reversed the Court of Chancery’s order issuing a 
preliminary  injunction,  and  determined  that  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  was  not  a  merger,  business  combination  or 
similar transaction that would require a vote of Activision’s unaffiliated stockholders under the charter. 

On  October 29,  2013,  an  amended  complaint  was  filed. It  added  factual  allegations  but  no new  claims  or  relief.  Also on 
October 29,  2013,  Hayes  filed  a  motion  to  consolidate  the  Hayes  case  with  the  Pacchia  case.  As  noted  above,  on 
November 2,  2013,  the  Court  of  Chancery  consolidated  the  Pacchia  and  Hayes  cases  and  ordered  the  plaintiffs  to  file 
supplemental  papers  related  to  determining  lead  plaintiff  and  lead  counsel  no  later  than  November 8,  2013.  See  the 
discussion  above  related  to  the  Pacchia  matter  (now  the consolidated matter)  for  any  further  updates  to  the  status  of  the 
litigation. 

Further, on September 18, 2013, the Company received a letter from another purported stockholder of the Company, Milton 
Pfeiffer, seeking, pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, to inspect the books and records of the 
Company  to  investigate  potential  wrongdoing  or  mismanagement  in  connection  with  the  approval  of  the  Stock  Purchase 
Agreement. On November 11, 2013, Pfeiffer filed a lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware pursuant to 
Delaware Section 220 containing claims similar to Hayes, Pacchia and Miller. The Company answered on November 27, 
2013. On January 21, 2014, the Court of Chancery entered the parties’ stipulation and order of dismissal. 

On  December 17,  2013,  the  Company  received  a  letter  from  Mark  Benston  requesting  certain  books  and  records  of  the 
Company pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Benston is represented by the same law firm 
as  Pfeiffer.  On  January 2,  2014,  Benston  filed  a  lawsuit  in  the  Court  of  Chancery  of  the  State  of  Delaware  pursuant  to 
Delaware  Section 220  containing  claims  similar  to  Hayes, Pacchia, Pfeiffer  and  Miller.  The  Company  answered  on 
January 17, 2014. On February 14, 2014, the Court of Chancery entered the parties’ stipulation and order of dismissal. 

On  March 14,  2014,  Benston  filed  a  putative  class  action  and  derivative  complaint  in  the  Court  of  Chancery,  captioned 
Benston v. Vivendi S.A. et al., No. 9447-VCL. The complaint makes claims similar to Hayes, Pacchia, Pfeiffer and Miller,
but  also  adds  J.P.  Morgan  Chase & Co.  and  J.P.  Morgan  Securities LLC  as  defendants  and  a  so-called  Brophy  claim  for 
insider trading against certain of the defendants. Benston and his attorneys petitioned the Court of Chancery to appoint them 
as co-lead plaintiff and co-lead counsel, respectively, for purposes of pursuing the Brophy claim as part of the consolidated 
Pacchia  litigation.  On  June 6,  2014,  the  Court  of  Chancery  denied  Benston’s  motion  for  a  leadership  role  in  the 
consolidated Pacchia litigation. As a result, Pacchia continues to serve as the lead plaintiff in the consolidated cases. 

Certain of defendants filed a motion to dismiss the breach of contract claim set forth in the Fourth Amended Complaint. 
Pacchia  obtained  leave  to  file a  Fifth Amended  Complaint,  which  adds  additional  color  to  his  allegations  of  wrongdoing 
based on information learned in discovery, including with respect to the appointment and subsequent election of several of 
the directors to our Board. For the most part, fact and expert discovery was completed in the Pacchia matter, including the 
exchange  of  expert  damage  and  other  reports.  Pacchia’s  expert’s  reports  allege  damages  to  the  Company  in  excess  of 
$540 million  and  to  the  purported  class  in  excess  of  $640 million,  in  addition  to  disgorgement  claims,  which  could,  in 
theory, exceed $1 billion. Defendants’ experts’ reports maintain there are no damages to the Company or to the purported 
class  because  the  Purchase  Transaction  and  the  Private  Sale  were  the  best  transactions  available  to  the  parties  and  the 
alternate transactions hypothesized by the plaintiff were inferior. 

For  the  quarter  ended  September 30,  2014,  we  accrued  a  loss  contingency  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements  in 
connection  with  this  matter.  The  accrual  related  to  potential  liabilities  associated  with  legal  fees,  costs  and  expenses  for 
services  already  received  prior  to  the  quarter’s  end,  where  such  fees,  costs  and  expenses  had  not  yet  been  paid  at  the 
quarter’s  end,  and  the  Company’s  potential  contribution  toward  the  potential  settlement  of  the  matter.  Although  the 

Company has D&O insurance in connection with the consolidated litigation in a total amount up to $200 million, various 
insurers have raised arguments that they believe give them the right to deny coverage for a portion of these fees, costs and 
expenses,  as  well  as  for  all  or  a  portion  of  the  ultimate  liability  which  may  occur  in  settlement  or  at  trial.  Under  our 
Amended  and Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  and  certain  agreements  with  members  of  our  Board  of  Directors,  the 
Company  has  indemnification  obligations  to  the  director  defendants  to  advance  fees,  costs  and  expenses  and  to  pay 
liabilities which arise in connection with their service to the Company, in each case, to the maximum extent permitted by 
Delaware law. In light of these indemnification obligations and the positions taken by the parties and the various insurers, 
we determined that a liability was probable and estimable, and accordingly, an accrual was required, as of the quarter ended 
September 30, 2014. 

On  November 19,  2014,  the  Company  announced  that  an  agreement  had  been  reached  to  settle  the  Pacchia  matter.  The 
Company believes the settlement agreement, which acknowledges no wrongdoing on the part of any party, is in the best 
interest of  the Company  and all  of  its shareholders.  Pursuant  to  the settlement  agreement,  multiple  insurance  companies, 
along with various defendants, will pay $275 million to a settlement fund (“Settlement Fund”). Payment of reasonable and 
customary fees and costs of plaintiff’s attorney, likely not to exceed $72.5 million, will be made from the Settlement Fund. 
The remaining balance of the Settlement Fund, likely to be at least $202.5 million, will be paid to the Company and will be 
recorded within “Shareholders’ equity” in our consolidated balance sheet. Other terms of the settlement agreement include 
the addition of two unaffiliated persons to the Company’s Board of Directors, an adjustment of certain voting rights and a 
global release of claims against the defendants. On December 29, 2014, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, 
describing and attaching the Stipulation of Compromise and Settlement, which was filed with the Delaware Chancery Court 
with  respect  to  the  settlement  of  the  Pacchia  matter  (the  “Stipulation”).  Pursuant  to  the  Stipulation,  the  Company  has 
notified  the  applicable  shareholders  of  the  settlement  agreement.  Applicable  shareholders  are  provided  an  opportunity  to 
object to the settlement, which is subject to approval by the Delaware Chancery Court. 

Objections to the Stipulation have been filed by several shareholders. The plaintiff in the Hayes matter has objected to the 
settlement on the grounds that a portion of the $275 million Settlement Fund should be reallocated to the members of the 
class, that the amount of any attorney’s fee award should be reduced and that the court should deny any “special award” to 
the plaintiff in the Pacchia matter. In the absence of such a reallocation of the Settlement Funds, Hayes argues the court 
should  deny  approval  of  the  settlement  and  appoint  Hayes  and  his  counsel  to  lead  the  class  based  claims.  Hayes  also 
contends  the  notice  of  settlement  provided  by  the  Company  is  inadequate.  The  Company  disputes  this  allegation.  The 
plaintiffs in the Benston and Pfeiffer matters have also filed applications to the court requesting that their counsel receive an 
attorney’s fee award of $7.25 million to be paid out of the attorneys’ fees contemplated by the proposed Settlement. Certain 
defendants  have  also  filed  objections  to  the  $50,000  “special  award”  requested  by  the  Pacchia  plaintiff.  The  Delaware 
Court of Chancery will hold a hearing on March 4, 2015, to consider the approval of the Stipulation, and a decision by the 
court is expected thereafter. 

Since the Stipulation does not require the Company to pay any liability on behalf of its defendant directors, the Company 
has reversed the accrual described above as of December 31, 2014. The reversal of the accrual is partially offset by a new 
accrual  for  liabilities  associated  with  legal  fees,  costs  and  expenses  for  services  already  received  prior  to  the  year’s  end, 
where such fees, costs and expenses had not yet been paid at the year’s end. 

Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, including the possibility, that the Delaware Chancery Court does not approve 
the Stipulation, other potential outcomes are reasonably possible, including outcomes which could include an increase in 
the  Company’s  liability.  The  Company  believes  the  possibility  that  this  lawsuit  will  have  a  material  impact  on  the 
Company’s  business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operation  or  liquidity  is  remote.  However,  if  this  assessment  is 
incorrect, then an unfavorable resolution of this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, 
financial  condition,  results  of  operation  or  liquidity,  particularly  in  the  period  in  which  any  potential  liabilities  may  be 
recognized.

We believe that the defendants have meritorious defenses. If the Delaware Chancery Court does not approve the Stipulation 
and the parties are not otherwise able to settle the matter subsequently, then we believe the defendants intend to defend the 
lawsuit and other related cases vigorously at trial. However, these lawsuits and any other lawsuits are subject to inherent 
uncertainties  and  the  actual  outcome  and  costs  will  depend  upon  many  unknown  factors.  The  outcome  of  litigation  is 
necessarily uncertain, and the Company could be forced to expend significant resources in the defense of these lawsuits and 
the  Company  and  the  defendants  may  not  prevail.  The  Company  also  may  be  subject  to  additional  claims  in  connection 
with the Purchase Transaction and Private Sale. Monitoring and defending against legal actions is time consuming for our 
management and detracts from our ability to fully focus our internal resources on our business. 

71

72

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTOther Matters 

Stock-based compensation 

In  addition,  we  are  party  to  routine  claims,  suits,  investigations,  audits  and  other  proceedings  arising  from  the  ordinary 
course of business, including with respect to intellectual property rights, contractual claims, labor and employment matters, 
regulatory matters, tax matters, unclaimed property matters, compliance matters, and collection matters. In the opinion of 
management,  after  consultation  with  legal  counsel,  such  routine  claims  and  lawsuits  are  not  significant  and  we  do  not 
expect them to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. 

22. Related Party Transactions 

Transactions with Vivendi and Its Affiliates 

As  part  of  the  Business  Combination  in  2008,  we  entered  into  various  transactions  and  agreements,  including  cash 
management services agreements, a tax sharing agreement and an investor agreement, with Vivendi and its subsidiaries. In 
connection  with  the  consummation  of  the  Purchase  Transaction,  we  terminated  the  cash  management  arrangements  with 
Vivendi and amended our investor agreement with Vivendi. We are also party to a number of agreements with subsidiaries 
and  other  affiliates  of  Vivendi,  including  music  licensing  and  distribution  arrangements  and  promotional  arrangements, 
none  of  which  were  impacted  by  the  Purchase  Transaction.  None  of  these  services,  transactions  and  agreements  with 
Vivendi and its affiliates were material, either individually or in the aggregate, to the consolidated financial statements as a
whole. 

Transactions with ASAC’s Affiliates 

Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company and each of Mr. Kotick, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, 
and  Mr. Kelly,  the  Company’s  Chairman  of  the  board  of  directors,  entered  into  a  waiver  and  acknowledgement  letters 
(together,  the  “Waivers”),  which  provide,  among  other  things,  (i) that  the  Purchase  Transaction,  Private  Sale,  any  public 
offerings by Vivendi and restructurings by Vivendi and its subsidiaries contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement and 
other transaction documents, shall not (or shall be deemed not to) constitute a “change in control” (or similar term) under 
their  respective  employment  arrangements,  including  their  employment  agreements  with  the  Company,  the  Company’s 
2008  Incentive  Plan  or  any  award  agreements  in  respect  of  awards  granted  thereunder,  or  any  Other  Benefit  Plans  and 
Arrangements  (as  defined  in  the  Waivers),  (ii) (A) that  the  shares  of  our  common  stock  acquired  by  ASAC  and  held  or 
controlled  by  the  ASAC  Investors  (as  defined  in  the  Waivers)  in  connection  with  the  Transactions  (as  defined  in  the 
Waivers)  will  not  be  included  in  or  count  toward,  (B) that  the  ASAC  Investors  will  not  be  deemed  to  be  a  group  for 
purposes  of,  and  (C) any  changes  in  the  composition  in  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company,  in  connection  with  or 
during  the  one-year  period  following  the  consummation  of  the  Transactions  will  not  contribute  towards,  a  determination 
that  a  “change  in  control”  or  similar  term  has  occurred  with  respect  to  Messrs. Kotick  and  Kelly’s  employment 
arrangements with the Company, and (iii) for the waiver by Messrs. Kotick and Kelly of their rights to change in control 
payments or benefits under their employment agreements with the Company, the Company’s 2008 Incentive Plan or any 
award agreements in respect of awards granted thereunder, and any Other Benefit Plans and Arrangements (in each case, 
with respect to all current and future grants, awards, benefits or entitlements) in connection with or as a consequence of the 
Transactions. 

Also pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, on October 11, 2013, we, ASAC and, for the limited purposes set forth 
therein, Messrs. Kotick and Kelly entered into the Stockholders Agreement. The Stockholders Agreement contains various 
agreements among the parties regarding voting rights, transfer rights, and a standstill agreement, among other things. 

23. Recently issued accounting pronouncements 

Revenue recognition 

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. This new standard will replace all 
current  U.S. GAAP  guidance  on  this  topic  and  eliminate  all  industry-specific  guidance.  The  new  revenue  recognition 
standard provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company 
should  recognize  revenue  upon  the  transfer  of  promised  goods  or  services  to  customers  in  an  amount  that  reflects  the 
consideration  for  which  the  entity  expects  to  be  entitled  in  exchange  for  those  goods  or  services.  This  guidance  will  be 
effective  beginning  January 1,  2017  and  can  be  applied  either  retrospectively  to  each  period  presented  or  as  a 
cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. We are evaluating the adoption method as well as the impact of this 
new accounting guidance on our financial statements. 

In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance 
target  that  affects  vesting,  and  that  could  be  achieved  after  the  requisite  service  period,  be  treated  as  a  performance 
condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This 
update  further  clarifies  that  compensation  cost  should  be  recognized  in  the  period  in  which  it  becomes  probable  that  the 
performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the 
requisite  service  has  already  been  rendered.  The  new  standard  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December 15, 
2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest 
annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the 
impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our financial statements. 

24. Quarterly Financial and Market Information (Unaudited) 

For the Quarters Ended

December 31, 
2014

September 30, 
2014

June 30, 
2014

March 31, 
2014

Net revenues ...................................................................  
Cost of sales ...................................................................  
Operating income ...........................................................  
Net income (loss) ...........................................................  
Basic earnings (loss) per share .......................................  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share ....................................  

$ 

$ 

$ 

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
970  $ 
300 
310 
204 
0.28 
0.28 

753
253
8
(23)
(0.03)
(0.03)

1,575
631
438
361
0.49
0.49

1,111
342
427
293
0.40
0.40

For the Quarters Ended

December 31, 
2013

September 30, 
2013

June 30, 
2013

March 31, 
2013

Net revenues ...................................................................  
Cost of sales ...................................................................  
Operating income ...........................................................  
Net income .....................................................................  
Basic earnings per share .................................................  
Diluted earnings per share ..............................................  

$ 

25. Subsequent Events 

$ 

$ 

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
1,050  $ 
285 
430 
324 
0.28 
0.28 

691
175
70
56
0.05
0.05

1,518
655
284
174
0.23
0.22

1,324
416
587
456
0.40
0.40

On February 3, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to 
$750 million of our common stock during the two-year period from February 9, 2015 through February 8, 2017. 

On  February 3,  2015,  the  Board  of  Directors  authorized  a  $250 million  repayment  of  our  Term  Loan.  Accordingly,  we 
made this repayment on February 11, 2015. Since this repayment was not a contractual requirement and was not approved 
by the Board of Directors until February 2015, we did not reflect the repayment as “Current portion of long-term debt” in 
our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. 

On February 3, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per common share payable on May 13, 2015 
to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2015. 

73

74

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTMARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER 
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Market Information and Holders 

Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “ATVI.” 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low reported sale prices for our common stock. At 
February 19, 2015, there were 1,653 holders of record of our common stock. 

2013 
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2013 ...................................................................  
Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2013 ..................................................................  
Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2013 ...........................................................  
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2013 ..........................................................  
2014 
First Quarter Ended March 31, 2014 ...................................................................  
Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 ..................................................................  
Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2014 ...........................................................  
Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2014 ..........................................................  

High

Low

$  15.08  $  10.75
13.27
14.14
16.06

16.11 
18.43 
18.40 

$  21.50  $  16.55
18.82
20.65
17.73

22.40 
24.18 
21.98 

Stock Performance Graph 

This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to 
the  liabilities  under  that  Section,  and  shall  not  be  deemed  to  be  incorporated  by  reference  into  any  filing  of  Activision 
Blizzard, Inc. under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933. 

The graph below matches the cumulative five-year total return of holders of our common stock with the cumulative total 
returns of the NASDAQ Composite index, the S&P 500, and the RDG Technology Composite index. The graph assumes 
that the value of the investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes (including reinvestment of dividends) was 
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11.01
11
00.00
1
....  
44
6.30 
7.49 
15.06
180.
136
117
11
00.00
1
....  
16
167.
6.07 
126
0.85 
110
11.01
11
00.00
1
....  
nce.
e performan
e stock price
ve of future
rily indicativ
not necessar
nce.
e performan
e stock price
ve of future
rily indicativ
not necessar

12/14
12/14
193.6
193.6
12/14
223.7
223.7
193.6
205.1
205.1
223.7
193.2
193.2
205.1
193.2

66
66
74
74
66
14
14
74
22
22
14
22

The stock p

price perfor

rmance incl

luded in this

s graph is n

not necessar

rily indicativ

ve of future

e stock price

e performan

nce.

75

76
76

76

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTCAUTIONARY STATEMENT 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT 

This Annual Report contains, or incorporates by reference, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 
Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  Such  statements  consist  of  any  statement  other  than  a  recitation  of 
This Annual Report contains, or incorporates by reference, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 
historical facts and include, but are not limited to: (1) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss 
Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  Such  statements  consist  of  any  statement  other  than  a  recitation  of 
per share, cash flow or other financial items; (2) statements of our plans and objectives, including those relating to product 
historical facts and include, but are not limited to: (1) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss 
releases; (3) statements of future financial or operating performance; (4) statements relating to the outcome or impact of 
per share, cash flow or other financial items; (2) statements of our plans and objectives, including those relating to product 
pending  or  threatened  litigation;  and  (5) statements  of  assumptions  underlying  such  statements.  Activision  Blizzard, Inc. 
releases; (3) statements of future financial or operating performance; (4) statements relating to the outcome or impact of 
generally  uses  words  such  as  “outlook,”  “forecast,”  “will,”  “could,”  “should,”  “would,”  “to  be,”  “plan,”  “plans,” 
pending  or  threatened  litigation;  and  (5) statements  of  assumptions  underlying  such  statements.  Activision  Blizzard, Inc. 
“believes,”  “may,”  “might,”  “expects,”  “intends,”  “intends  as,”  “anticipates,”  “estimate,”  “future,”  “positioned,” 
generally  uses  words  such  as  “outlook,”  “forecast,”  “will,”  “could,”  “should,”  “would,”  “to  be,”  “plan,”  “plans,” 
“potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and other similar expressions to help 
“believes,”  “may,”  “might,”  “expects,”  “intends,”  “intends  as,”  “anticipates,”  “estimate,”  “future,”  “positioned,” 
identify  forward-looking  statements.  Forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to  business  and  economic  risks,  reflect 
“potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and other similar expressions to help 
management’s  current  expectations,  estimates  and  projections  about  our  business,  and  are  inherently  uncertain  and 
identify  forward-looking  statements.  Forward-looking  statements  are  subject  to  business  and  economic  risks,  reflect 
difficult to predict. Our actual results could differ materially from expectations stated in forward-looking statements. Some 
management’s  current  expectations,  estimates  and  projections  about  our  business,  and  are  inherently  uncertain  and 
of the risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those stated in forward-looking statements can be found 
difficult to predict. Our actual results could differ materially from expectations stated in forward-looking statements. Some 
in  “Risk  Factors”  included  in  Part I,  Item 1A  of  our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  The  forward-looking  statements 
of the risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those stated in forward-looking statements can be found 
contained herein are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and we 
in  “Risk  Factors”  included  in  Part I,  Item 1A  of  our  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  The  forward-looking  statements 
assume  no  obligation  to  update  any  such  forward-looking  statements.  Although  these  forward-looking  statements  are 
contained herein are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and we 
believed to be true when made, they may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of our future 
assume  no  obligation  to  update  any  such  forward-looking  statements.  Although  these  forward-looking  statements  are 
performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause 
believed to be true when made, they may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of our future 
actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause 
actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Activision  Blizzard Inc.’s  names,  abbreviations  thereof,  logos,  and  product  and  service  designators  are  all  either  the 
registered  or  unregistered  trademarks  or  trade  names  of  Activision  Blizzard.  All  other  product  or  service  names  are  the 
Activision  Blizzard Inc.’s  names,  abbreviations  thereof,  logos,  and  product  and  service  designators  are  all  either  the 
property of their respective owners.
registered  or  unregistered  trademarks  or  trade  names  of  Activision  Blizzard.  All  other  product  or  service  names  are  the 
property of their respective owners.

Cash Dividends 

On  February 3,  2015,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.23  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 13, 
2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2015. 

On  February 6,  2014,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.20  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 14, 
2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2014. On May 14, 2014, we made an aggregate cash 
dividend  payment  of  $143 million  to  such  shareholders,  and  on  May 30,  2014,  we  made  related  dividend  equivalent 
payments of $4 million to holders of restricted stock units. 

On  February 7,  2013,  our  Board  of  Directors  declared  a  cash  dividend  of  $0.19  per  common  share,  payable  on  May 15, 
2013, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2013. On May 15, 2013, we made an aggregate cash 
dividend  payment  of  $212 million  to  such  shareholders,  and  on  May 31,  2013,  we  made  related  dividend  equivalent 
payments of $4 million related to that cash dividend to the holders of restricted stock units. 

Future dividends will depend upon our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors 
deemed  relevant  by  our  Board  of  Directors.  Further,  agreements  governing  our  indebtedness,  including  the  indenture 
governing the Notes and the Credit Agreement, as described in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
included in this Annual Report, limit our ability to pay distributions or dividends with certain exceptions. There can be no 
assurances that dividends will be declared in the future. 

10b5-1 Stock Trading Plans 

The Company’s directors and employees may, at a time they are not aware of material non-public information, enter into 
plans (“Rule 10b5-1 Plans”) to purchase or sell shares of our common stock that satisfy the requirements of Exchange Act 
Rule 10b5-1.  Rule 10b5-1  permits  trading  on  a  pre-arranged,  “automatic-pilot”  basis,  subject  to  certain  conditions, 
including that the person for whom the plan is created (or anyone else aware of material non-public information acting on 
such person’s behalf) not exercise any subsequent influence regarding the amount, price and dates of transactions under the 
plan. In addition, any such plan of the Company’s directors and employees is required to be established and maintained in 
accordance with the Company’s “Policy on Establishing and Maintaining 10b5-1 Trading Plans.” 

Rule 10b5-1  Plans  permit  persons  whose  ability  to  purchase  or  sell  our  common  stock  may  otherwise  be  substantially 
restricted (by quarterly and special stock-trading blackouts and by their possession from time to time of material nonpublic 
information) to engage in pre-arranged trading. Trades under a Rule 10b5-1 Plan by our directors and employees are not 
necessarily  indicative  of  their  respective opinions  of  our  current  or  potential  future  performance  at  the  time  of  the  trade. 
Trades by our directors and executive officers pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 Plan will be disclosed publicly through Form 144 
and Form 4 filings with the SEC, in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. 

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities 

On February 3, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to 
repurchase up to $750 million of the Company’s common stock during the two-year period from February 9, 2015 through 
February 8, 2017. 

On October 11, 2013, we repurchased 428,676,471 shares of our common stock, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement we 
entered into on July 25, 2013, with Vivendi and ASAC II LP, an exempted limited partnership established under the laws of 
the Cayman Islands, acting by its general partner, ASAC II LLC. Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, 
we acquired all of the capital stock of Amber Holding Subsidiary Co., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary 
of Vivendi, which was the direct owner of 428,676,471 shares of our common stock, for a cash payment of $5.83 billion, or 
$13.60 per share, before taking into account the benefit to the Company of certain tax attributes of New VH assumed in the 
transaction. The repurchased shares were recorded in “Treasury Stock” in our consolidated balance sheet. 

77

78

78

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 

Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2013 
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
Amount
Amount
Amount
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2013 
Amount
Amount
Amount

% of Total4
% of Total4
% of Total4
% of Total4
% of Total4
% of Total4
59 % $
59 % $
59 % $
34
34
34
59 % $
59 % $
93
59 % $
93
93
34
34
34
93
93
7
93
7
7
100
100
100
7
7
7
100
100
100

$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease) 
 (22)%
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
 (22)%
 (22)%
 22 
 22 
 22 
 (22)%
 (22)%
(6)
 (22)%
(6)
(6)
 22 
 22 
 22 
(6)
(6)
 26 
(6)
 26 
 26 
 (4)
 (4)
 (4)
 26 
 26 
 26 
 (4)
 (4)
 (4)

(597)
(597)
(597)
338
338
338
(597)
(597)
(259)
(597)
(259)
(259)
338
338
338
(259)
(259)
84
(259)
84
84
(175)
(175)
(175)
84
84
84
(175)
(175)
(175)

December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
Amount % of Total4
Amount % of Total4
Amount % of Total4
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
Amount % of Total4
Amount % of Total4
Amount % of Total4
48 % $
48 % $
48 % $
43
43
43
48 % $
48 % $
91
48 % $
91
91
43
43
43
91
91
9
91
9
9
100
100
100
9
9
9
100
100
100

GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel

$
$
$
$
$
$

Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Distribution Channel

Retail channels
Retail channels
Retail channels
Digital online channels1
Digital online channels1
Digital online channels1
Retail channels
Retail channels
Total Activision and Blizzard
Retail channels
Total Activision and Blizzard
Digital online channels1
Total Activision and Blizzard
Digital online channels1
Digital online channels1
Total Activision and Blizzard
Total Activision and Blizzard
Distribution
Total Activision and Blizzard
Distribution
Distribution
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Change in Deferred Revenues2
Change in Deferred Revenues2
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Change in Deferred Revenues2
Retail channels
Retail channels
Change in Deferred Revenues2
Retail channels
Change in Deferred Revenues2
Digital online channels1
Change in Deferred Revenues2
Digital online channels1
Digital online channels1
Retail channels
Retail channels
Total changes in deferred revenues
Retail channels
Total changes in deferred revenues
Digital online channels1
Total changes in deferred revenues
Digital online channels1
Digital online channels1
Total changes in deferred revenues
Total changes in deferred revenues
Total changes in deferred revenues
 (10)
Retail channels
 (10)
Retail channels
 (10)
Retail channels
Digital online channels1
 40 
Digital online channels1
 40 
Digital online channels1
 40 
 (10)
Retail channels
 (10)
Retail channels
 10 
Total Activision and Blizzard
 (10)
Retail channels
 10 
Total Activision and Blizzard
Digital online channels1
 10 
Total Activision and Blizzard
 40 
Digital online channels1
 40 
Digital online channels1
 40 
 10 
Total Activision and Blizzard
 10 
Total Activision and Blizzard
 26 
Distribution
 10 
Total Activision and Blizzard
 26 
Distribution
 26 
Distribution
Total non-GAAP net revenues3
 11 %
Total non-GAAP net revenues3
 11 %
Total non-GAAP net revenues3
 11 %
 26 
Distribution
 26 
Distribution
 26 
Distribution
Total non-GAAP net revenues3
 11 %
Total non-GAAP net revenues3
 11 %
Total non-GAAP net revenues3
1 Net revenues from digital online channels represent revenues from subscriptions, licensing royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, digitally 
 11 %
1 Net revenues from digital online channels represent revenues from subscriptions, licensing royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, digitally 
1 Net revenues from digital online channels represent revenues from subscriptions, licensing royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, digitally 
distributed products, and wireless devices. 
distributed products, and wireless devices. 
distributed products, and wireless devices. 
1 Net revenues from digital online channels represent revenues from subscriptions, licensing royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, digitally 
1 Net revenues from digital online channels represent revenues from subscriptions, licensing royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, digitally 
2 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
1 Net revenues from digital online channels represent revenues from subscriptions, licensing royalties, value-added services, downloadable content, digitally 
2 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
2 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
distributed products, and wireless devices. 
distributed products, and wireless devices. 
distributed products, and wireless devices. 
3 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
3 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
2 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
3 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
2 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
2 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
4 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
4 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
3 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
4 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
3 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
3 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
4 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
4 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
4 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 

2,701 
2,701 
2,701 
1,559 
1,559 
1,559 
2,701 
2,701 
4,260 
2,701 
4,260 
4,260 
1,559 
1,559 
1,559 
4,260 
4,260 
323
4,260 
323
323
4,583 
4,583 
4,583 
323
323
323
4,583 
4,583 
4,583 
(247)
(247)
(247)
6
6
6
(247)
(247)
(241)
(247)
(241)
(241)
6
6
6
(241)
(241)
(241)
2,454 
2,454 
2,454 
1,565 
1,565 
1,565 
2,454 
2,454 
4,019 
2,454 
4,019 
4,019 
1,565 
1,565 
1,565 
4,019 
4,019 
323
4,019 
323
323
4,342 
4,342 
4,342 
323
323
323
4,342 
4,342 
4,342 

2,104 
2,104 
2,104 
1,897 
1,897 
1,897 
2,104 
2,104 
4,001 
2,104 
4,001 
4,001 
1,897 
1,897 
1,897 
4,001 
4,001 
407
4,001 
407
407
4,408 
4,408 
4,408 
407
407
407
4,408 
4,408 
4,408 
104
104
104
301
301
301
104
104
405
104
405
405
301
301
301
405
405
405
2,208 
2,208 
2,208 
2,198 
2,198 
2,198 
2,208 
2,208 
4,406 
2,208 
4,406 
4,406 
2,198 
2,198 
2,198 
4,406 
4,406 
407
4,406 
407
407
4,813 
4,813 
4,813 
407
407
407
4,813 
4,813 
4,813 

57
57
57
36
36
36
57
57
93
57
93
93
36
36
36
93
93
7
93
7
7
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $
7
7
7
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $

46
46
46
46
46
46
46
46
92
46
92
92
46
46
46
92
92
8
92
8
8
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $
8
8
8
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $

(246)
(246)
(246)
633
633
633
(246)
(246)
387
(246)
387
387
633
633
633
387
387
84
387
84
84
471
471
471
84
84
84
471
471
471

$
$
$
$
$
$

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
(Amounts in millions)
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
(Amounts in millions)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions)
(Amounts in millions)

GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
Activision and Blizzard:
Activision and Blizzard:

GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
Activision and Blizzard:
Activision and Blizzard:

Online1
Online1
PC
PC
Online1
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Online1
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
PC
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
PC
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Total console2
Total console2
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Mobile and other5
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Mobile and other5
Total console2
Total console2
  Total Activision and Blizzard
  Total Activision and Blizzard
Mobile and other5
Mobile and other5

$
$

$
$

Distribution:
  Total Activision and Blizzard
Distribution:
  Total Activision and Blizzard
Total Distribution
Total Distribution
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues
Distribution:
Distribution:
Total Distribution
Change in Deferred Revenues3
Total Distribution
Change in Deferred Revenues3
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues
Activision and Blizzard:
Activision and Blizzard:
Online1
Online1
Change in Deferred Revenues3
Change in Deferred Revenues3
PC
PC
Activision and Blizzard:
Activision and Blizzard:
Online1
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Online1
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
PC
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
PC
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Total console2
Total console2
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Mobile and other5
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Mobile and other5
Total console2
Total console2
Total changes in deferred revenues
Total changes in deferred revenues
Mobile and other5
Mobile and other5
Total changes in deferred revenues
Total changes in deferred revenues

December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
Amount % of Total6
Amount % of Total6
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
Amount % of Total6
Amount % of Total6

Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2013 
Amount % of Total6
Amount % of Total6
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2013 
December 31, 2013 
Amount % of Total6
Amount % of Total6

$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)

867
867
551
551

20 % $
20 % $
13
13

912
912
340
340

20 % $
20 % $

7
7

(45)
(45)
211
211

(5)%
(5)%
62
62

20 % $
2
20 % $
2
7
50
7
50
52
52
2
2
50
14
50
14
52
52
93
93
14
14

93
93
7
7
100
100
7
7
100
100

(45)
628
(45)
628
211
(857)
211
(857)
 (229)
 (229)
628
628
(857)
(196)
(857)
(196)
 (229)
 (229)
(259)
(259)
(196)
(196)

(259)
(259)
84
84
(175)
(175)
84
84
(175)
(175)

(5)%
NM
(5)%
NM
62
(37)
62
(37)
(10)
(10)
NM
NM
(37)
(31)
(37)
(31)
(10)
(10)
(6)
(6)
(31)
(31)

(6)
(6)
26
26
(4)
(4)
26
26
(4)
(4)

867
720
867
720
551
1,430 
551
1,430 
2,150 
2,150 
720
720
1,430 
433
1,430 
433
2,150 
2,150 
4,001 
4,001 
433
433

4,001 
4,001 
407
407
4,408 
4,408 
407
407
4,408 
4,408 
168
168
41
41

168
477
168
477
41
(295)
41
(295)
182
182
477
477
(295)
14
(295)
14
182
405
182
405
14
14
405
405

20 % $
16
20 % $
16
13
32
13
32
49
49
16
16
32
10
32
10
49
49
91
91
10
10

91
91
9
9
100
100
9
9
100
100

912
92
912
92
340
2,287 
340
2,287 
2,379 
2,379 
92
92
2,287 
629
2,287 
629
2,379 
2,379 
4,260 
4,260 
629
629

4,260 
4,260 
323
323
4,583 
4,583 
323
323
4,583 
4,583 
(107)
(107)
(22)
(22)

(107)
213
(107)
213
(22)
(324)
(22)
(324)
(111)
(111)
213
213
(324)
(1)
(324)
(1)
(111)
(241)
(111)
(241)
(1)
(1)
(241)
(241)

Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
Activision and Blizzard:
Activision and Blizzard:
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Segment/Platform Mix
Activision and Blizzard:
Activision and Blizzard:

19
19
7
7

22
22
12
12

29
29
86
86

805
805
318
318

230
230
274
274

1,035 
1,035 
592
592

22
25
22
25
12
24
12
24
48
48
25
25
24
9
24
9
48
48
92
92
9
9

19
7
19
7
7
45
7
45
52
52
7
7
45
14
45
14
52
52
93
93
14
14

1,035 
1,197 
1,035 
1,197 
592
1,135 
592
1,135 
2,332 
2,332 
1,197 
1,197 
1,135 
447
1,135 
447
2,332 
2,332 
4,406 
4,406 
447
447

805
305
805
305
318
1,963 
318
1,963 
2,268 
2,268 
305
305
1,963 
628
1,963 
628
2,268 
2,268 
4,019 
4,019 
628
628

Online1
Online1
PC
PC
Online1
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Online1
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
PC
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
PC
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Total console2
Total console2
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Next-generation (PS4, Xbox One, Wii U)
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Mobile and other5
Prior-generation (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
Mobile and other5
Total console2
Total console2
  Total Activision and Blizzard
  Total Activision and Blizzard
Mobile and other5
Mobile and other5
Distribution:
Distribution:
  Total Activision and Blizzard
  Total Activision and Blizzard
10
26
Total Distribution
10
Total Distribution
26
Total consolidated non-GAAP net revenues4
11 %
Total consolidated non-GAAP net revenues4
11 %
Distribution:
Distribution:
26
Total Distribution
Total Distribution
26
1 Revenues from online consists of revenues from all World of Warcraft products, including subscriptions, boxed products, expansion packs, licensing 
1 Revenues from online consists of revenues from all World of Warcraft products, including subscriptions, boxed products, expansion packs, licensing 
Total consolidated non-GAAP net revenues4
11 %
Total consolidated non-GAAP net revenues4
11 %
royalties, and value-added services. 
royalties, and value-added services. 
2 Downloadable content and their related revenues are included in each respective console platforms and total console. 
2 Downloadable content and their related revenues are included in each respective console platforms and total console. 
1 Revenues from online consists of revenues from all World of Warcraft products, including subscriptions, boxed products, expansion packs, licensing 
1 Revenues from online consists of revenues from all World of Warcraft products, including subscriptions, boxed products, expansion packs, licensing 
3 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred net revenues.
3 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred net revenues.
royalties, and value-added services. 
royalties, and value-added services. 
4 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
2 Downloadable content and their related revenues are included in each respective console platforms and total console. 
4 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
2 Downloadable content and their related revenues are included in each respective console platforms and total console. 
5 Revenues from mobile and other includes revenues from handheld and mobile devices, as well as non-platform specific game related revenues such as 
3 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred net revenues.
5 Revenues from mobile and other includes revenues from handheld and mobile devices, as well as non-platform specific game related revenues such as 
3 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred net revenues.
standalone sales of toys and accessories products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories.
4 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
standalone sales of toys and accessories products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories.
4 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues. 
6 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
6 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
5 Revenues from mobile and other includes revenues from handheld and mobile devices, as well as non-platform specific game related revenues such as 
5 Revenues from mobile and other includes revenues from handheld and mobile devices, as well as non-platform specific game related revenues such as 
standalone sales of toys and accessories products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories.
standalone sales of toys and accessories products from the Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories.
6 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 
6 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding. 

230
892
230
892
274
(828)
274
(828)
64
64
892
892
(828)
(181)
(828)
(181)
64
64
387
387
(181)
(181)

29
NM
29
NM
86
(42)
86
(42)
3
3
NM
NM
(42)
(29)
(42)
(29)
3
3
10
10
(29)
(29)

4,019 
323
4,019 
323
4,342 
4,342 
323
323
4,342 
4,342 

4,406 
407
4,406 
407
4,813 
4,813 
407
407
4,813 
4,813 

93
7
93
7
100 % $
100 % $

92
8
92
8
100 % $
100 % $

387
84
387
84
471
471
84
84
471
471

100 % $
100 % $

100 % $
100 % $

7
7

$
$

8
8

$
$

79
79

79
79

80
80
80
80
80
80

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT INFORMATION 
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT INFORMATION 
SEGMENT INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
SEGMENT INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
SEGMENT INFORMATION 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 
(Amounts in millions) 

December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
Amount  % of Total3
December 31, 2014
Amount  % of Total3
December 31, 2014
Amount  % of Total3
December 31, 2014
Amount  % of Total3
Amount  % of Total3
Amount  % of Total3

Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2013 
Year Ended
December 31, 2013 
Year Ended
December 31, 2013 
Year Ended
Amount % of Total3
December 31, 2013 
Amount % of Total3
December 31, 2013 
Amount % of Total3
December 31, 2013 
Amount % of Total3
Amount % of Total3
Amount % of Total3

$ Increase  % Increase 
$ Increase  % Increase 
$ Increase  % Increase 
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase 
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase 
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase 
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)
(Decrease) 
(Decrease)

$
$
$
$
$
$

2,190 
2,190 
2,190 
1,824 
2,190 
1,824 
2,190 
1,824 
2,190 
394
1,824 
394
1,824 
394
1,824 
4,408 
394
4,408 
394
4,408 
394
4,408 
4,408 
4,408 

206
206
206
153
206
153
206
153
206
46
153
46
153
46
153
405
46
405
46
405
46
405
405
405

50 % $
50 % $
50 % $
41
50 % $
41
50 % $
41
50 % $
9
41
9
41
9
41
100
9
100
9
100
9
100
100
100

2,414 
2,414 
2,414 
1,826 
2,414 
1,826 
2,414 
1,826 
2,414 
343
1,826 
343
1,826 
343
1,826 
4,583 
343
4,583 
343
4,583 
343
4,583 
4,583 
4,583 

(108)
(108)
(108)
(107)
(108)
(107)
(108)
(107)
(108)
(26)
(107)
(26)
(107)
(26)
(107)
(241)
(26)
(241)
(26)
(241)
(26)
(241)
(241)
(241)

53 % $
53 % $
53 % $
40
53 % $
40
53 % $
40
53 % $
7
40
7
40
7
40
100
7
100
7
100
7
100
100
100

(224)
(224)
(224)
(2)
(224)
(2)
(224)
(2)
(224)
51
(2)
51
(2)
51
(2)
(175)
51
(175)
51
(175)
51
(175)
(175)
(175)

(9)%
(9)%
(9)%
---
(9)%
---
(9)%
---
(9)%
15
---
15
---
15
---
(4)
15
(4)
15
(4)
15
(4)
(4)
(4)

GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
Region
Region

North America
North America
North America
Europe
North America
Europe
North America
Europe
North America
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Europe
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Asia Pacific
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Asia Pacific
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Asia Pacific
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 
Total consolidated GAAP net revenues 

Change in Deferred Revenues1
Change in Deferred Revenues1
Change in Deferred Revenues1
Change in Deferred Revenues1
Change in Deferred Revenues1
Change in Deferred Revenues1

North America
North America
North America
Europe
North America
Europe
North America
Europe
North America
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Europe
Total changes in net revenues
Asia Pacific
Total changes in net revenues
Asia Pacific
Total changes in net revenues
Asia Pacific
Total changes in net revenues
Total changes in net revenues
Total changes in net revenues

Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
Non-GAAP Net Revenues by Geographic 
Region
Region
Region

North America
North America
North America
Europe
North America
Europe
North America
Europe
North America
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Europe
Asia Pacific
Total non-GAAP net revenues2
Asia Pacific
Total non-GAAP net revenues2
Asia Pacific
Total non-GAAP net revenues2
Total non-GAAP net revenues2
Total non-GAAP net revenues2
Total non-GAAP net revenues2
1 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
1 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
1 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
1 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
2 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues.
1 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
2 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues.
1 We provide net revenues including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of changes in deferred revenues.
2 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues.
2 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues.
3 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
2 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues.
3 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
2 Total non-GAAP net revenues presented also represents our total operating segment net revenues.
3 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
3 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
3 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
3 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.

53
53
53
40
53
40
53
40
53
7
40
7
40
7
40
7
7
100 % $
7
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $

50
50
50
41
50
41
50
41
50
9
41
9
41
9
41
9
9
100 % $
9
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $
100 % $

2,396 
2,396 
2,396 
1,977 
2,396 
1,977 
2,396 
1,977 
2,396 
440
1,977 
440
1,977 
440
1,977 
440
440
4,813 
440
4,813 
4,813 
4,813 
4,813 
4,813 

2,306 
2,306 
2,306 
1,719 
2,306 
1,719 
2,306 
1,719 
2,306 
317
1,719 
317
1,719 
317
1,719 
317
317
4,342 
317
4,342 
4,342 
4,342 
4,342 
4,342 

90
90
90
258
90
258
90
258
90
123
258
123
258
123
258
123
123
471
123
471
471
471
471
471

4
4
4
15
4
15
4
15
4
39
15
39
15
39
15
39
39
11 %
39
11 %
11 %
11 %
11 %
11 %

$
$
$
$
$
$

Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Year Ended
December 31, 2013
Year Ended
December 31, 2013
December 31, 2013
December 31, 2013

Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount

December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014

Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount
Amount

$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
$ Increase  % Increase
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)
(Decrease)

% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
56 % $
56 % $
56 % $
36
56 % $
36
56 % $
36
56 % $
8
36
8
36
8
36
100 %
8
100 %
8
100 %
8
100 %
100 %
100 %

% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
% of Total5
67 % $
67 % $
67 % $
26
67 % $
26
67 % $
26
67 % $
7
26
7
26
7
26
100 %
7
100 %
7
100 %
7
100 %
100 %
100 %

Segment net revenues:
Segment net revenues:
Segment net revenues:
Segment net revenues:
Segment net revenues:
Segment net revenues:

$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

(7)%
(7)%
(7)%
53
(7)%
53
(7)%
53
(7)%
26
53
26
53
26
53
11
26
11
26
11
26
11
11
11

(209)
(209)
(209)
596
(209)
596
(209)
596
(209)
84
596
84
596
84
596
471
84
471
84
471
84
471
471
471

(175)
(175)
(175)
(175)
(175)
(175)
(209)
(209)
(209)
380
(209)
380
(209)
380
(209)
1
380
1
380
1
380
172
1
172
1
172
1
172
172
172

(4)%
(4)%
(4)%
(4)%
(4)%
(4)%
(22)%
(22)%
(22)%
101
(22)%
101
(22)%
101
(22)%
13
101
13
101
13
101
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13

2,895
2,895
2,895
1,124
2,895
1,124
2,895
1,124
2,895
323
1,124
323
1,124
323
1,124
4,342
323
4,342
323
4,342
323
4,342
4,342
4,342
241
241
241
4,583
241
4,583
241
4,583
241
4,583
4,583
4,583
971
971
971
376
971
376
971
376
971
8
376
8
376
8
376
1,355
8
1,355
8
1,355
8
1,355
1,355
1,355

Segment income from operations:
Segment income from operations:
Segment income from operations:
Segment income from operations:
Segment income from operations:
Segment income from operations:

2,686 
2,686 
2,686 
1,720 
2,686 
1,720 
2,686 
1,720 
2,686 
407
1,720 
407
1,720 
407
1,720 
4,813 
407
4,813 
407
4,813 
407
4,813 
4,813 
4,813 
(405)
(405)
(405)
4,408 
(405)
4,408 
(405)
4,408 
(405)
4,408 
4,408 
4,408 
762
762
762
756
762
756
762
756
762
9
756
9
756
9
756
1,527 
9
1,527 
9
1,527 
9
1,527 
1,527 
1,527 

Activision1
Activision1
Activision1
Blizzard2
Activision1
Blizzard2
Activision1
Blizzard2
Activision1
Distribution3
Blizzard2
Distribution3
Blizzard2
Distribution3
Blizzard2
Distribution3
Operating segment total
Distribution3
Operating segment total
Distribution3
Operating segment total
Operating segment total
Operating segment total
Operating segment total
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues:
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues:
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues:
Net effect from deferral of net revenues
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues:
Net effect from deferral of net revenues
Net effect from deferral of net revenues
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues:
Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues:
Consolidated net revenues
Net effect from deferral of net revenues
Consolidated net revenues
Net effect from deferral of net revenues
Consolidated net revenues
Net effect from deferral of net revenues
Consolidated net revenues
Consolidated net revenues
Consolidated net revenues
Activision1
Activision1
Activision1
Blizzard2
Activision1
Blizzard2
Activision1
Blizzard2
Activision1
Distribution3
Blizzard2
Distribution3
Blizzard2
Distribution3
Blizzard2
Distribution3
Operating segment total
Distribution3
Operating segment total
Distribution3
Operating segment total
Operating segment total
Operating segment total
Operating segment total
Reconciliation to consolidated operating 
Reconciliation to consolidated operating 
Reconciliation to consolidated operating 
income and consolidated income before
Reconciliation to consolidated operating 
income and consolidated income before
Reconciliation to consolidated operating 
income and consolidated income before
Reconciliation to consolidated operating 
income tax expense:
income and consolidated income before
income tax expense:
income and consolidated income before
income tax expense:
income and consolidated income before
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and 
income tax expense:
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and 
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and 
income tax expense:
income tax expense:
related cost of sales
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and 
related cost of sales
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and 
related cost of sales
Net effect from deferral of net revenues and 
Stock-based compensation expense
related cost of sales
Stock-based compensation expense
related cost of sales
Stock-based compensation expense
related cost of sales
Amortization of intangible assets
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Stock-based compensation expense
Amortization of intangible assets
Stock-based compensation expense
Fees and other expenses related to the 
Amortization of intangible assets
Fees and other expenses related to the 
Amortization of intangible assets
Fees and other expenses related to the 
Amortization of intangible assets
Purchase Transaction and related debt 
Fees and other expenses related to the 
Purchase Transaction and related debt 
Fees and other expenses related to the 
Purchase Transaction and related debt 
Fees and other expenses related to the 
financings4
financings4
Purchase Transaction and related debt 
financings4
Purchase Transaction and related debt 
Purchase Transaction and related debt 
financings4
Consolidated operating income
financings4
Consolidated operating income
financings4
Consolidated operating income
Interest and other investment income 
Consolidated operating income
Interest and other investment income 
Consolidated operating income
Interest and other investment income 
Consolidated operating income
(expense), net
Interest and other investment income 
(expense), net
Interest and other investment income 
(expense), net
Interest and other investment income 
Consolidated income before income tax 
(expense), net
Consolidated income before income tax 
(expense), net
Consolidated income before income tax 
(expense), net
expense
Consolidated income before income tax 
expense
Consolidated income before income tax 
expense
Consolidated income before income tax 
expense
expense
expense
Operating margin from total operating 
Operating margin from total operating 
Operating margin from total operating 
segments
Operating margin from total operating 
segments
Operating margin from total operating 
segments
Operating margin from total operating 
segments
segments
segments
1 Activision Publishing (“Activision”) — publishes interactive entertainment products and contents. 
1 Activision Publishing (“Activision”) — publishes interactive entertainment products and contents. 
1 Activision Publishing (“Activision”) — publishes interactive entertainment products and contents. 
2 Blizzard — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blizzard”) publishes PC games and online subscription-based games in the 
1 Activision Publishing (“Activision”) — publishes interactive entertainment products and contents. 
2 Blizzard — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blizzard”) publishes PC games and online subscription-based games in the 
1 Activision Publishing (“Activision”) — publishes interactive entertainment products and contents. 
2 Blizzard — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blizzard”) publishes PC games and online subscription-based games in the 
1 Activision Publishing (“Activision”) — publishes interactive entertainment products and contents. 
MMORPG category. 
2 Blizzard — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blizzard”) publishes PC games and online subscription-based games in the 
MMORPG category. 
2 Blizzard — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blizzard”) publishes PC games and online subscription-based games in the 
MMORPG category. 
2 Blizzard — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blizzard”) publishes PC games and online subscription-based games in the 
3 Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) — distributes interactive entertainment software and hardware products. 
MMORPG category. 
3 Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) — distributes interactive entertainment software and hardware products. 
MMORPG category. 
3 Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) — distributes interactive entertainment software and hardware products. 
MMORPG category. 
4 Reflects fees and other expenses (including legal fees, costs, expenses and accruals) related to the repurchase of 429 million shares of our common 
3 Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) — distributes interactive entertainment software and hardware products. 
4 Reflects fees and other expenses (including legal fees, costs, expenses and accruals) related to the repurchase of 429 million shares of our common 
3 Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) — distributes interactive entertainment software and hardware products. 
4 Reflects fees and other expenses (including legal fees, costs, expenses and accruals) related to the repurchase of 429 million shares of our common 
3 Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) — distributes interactive entertainment software and hardware products. 
stock from Vivendi (the "Purchase Transaction") completed on October 11, 2013 and related debt financings. 
4 Reflects fees and other expenses (including legal fees, costs, expenses and accruals) related to the repurchase of 429 million shares of our common 
stock from Vivendi (the "Purchase Transaction") completed on October 11, 2013 and related debt financings. 
4 Reflects fees and other expenses (including legal fees, costs, expenses and accruals) related to the repurchase of 429 million shares of our common 
stock from Vivendi (the "Purchase Transaction") completed on October 11, 2013 and related debt financings. 
4 Reflects fees and other expenses (including legal fees, costs, expenses and accruals) related to the repurchase of 429 million shares of our common 
5 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
stock from Vivendi (the "Purchase Transaction") completed on October 11, 2013 and related debt financings. 
5 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
stock from Vivendi (the "Purchase Transaction") completed on October 11, 2013 and related debt financings. 
5 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
stock from Vivendi (the "Purchase Transaction") completed on October 11, 2013 and related debt financings. 
5 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
5 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.
5 The percentages of total are presented as calculated. Therefore the sum of these percentages, as presented, may differ due to the impact of rounding.

(215)
(215)
(215)
(104)
(215)
(104)
(215)
(104)
(215)
(12)
(104)
(12)
(104)
(12)
(104)
(12)
(12)
(12)
(13)
(13)
(13)
1,183 
(13)
1,183 
(13)
1,183 
(13)
1,183 
1,183 
1,183 
 (202)
 (202)
 (202)
 (202)
 (202)
 (202)
981
981
981
981
981
981
31.7%
31.7%
31.7%
31.7%
31.7%
31.7%

229
229
229
(110)
229
(110)
229
(110)
229
(23)
(110)
(23)
(110)
(23)
(110)
(23)
(23)
(23)
(79)
(79)
(79)
1,372
(79)
1,372
(79)
1,372
(79)
1,372
1,372
1,372
(53)
(53)
(53)
(53)
(53)
(53)
1,319
1,319
1,319
1,319
1,319
1,319

31.2%
31.2%
31.2%
31.2%
31.2%
31.2%

(26)%
(26)%
(26)%
(26)%
(26)%
(26)%

(189)
(189)
(189)
(189)
(189)
(189)

(338)
(338)
(338)
(338)
(338)
(338)

(14)
(14)
(14)
(14)
(14)
(14)

$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$

81
81
81
81
81
81

82
82
82
82
82
82

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Amounts in millions, except earnings per share data)

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Amounts in millions, except earnings per share data)

Year Ended December 31, 2014 

Less: 
Net effect from  
deferral of net 
revenues and related  
cost of sales(a)  

Less: 
Stock- 
based 
compensation(b) 

Less: 
Amortization 
 of intangible  
assets(c)	

GAAP  
Measurement  

Less:
Fees and other
expenses related to the
Purchase Transaction  
 and related debt 
financings(d) 

Year Ended December 31, 2013 

Less: 
Net effect from  
deferral of net 
revenues and related  
cost of sales(a)  

Less: 
Stock- 
based 
compensation(b) 

Less: 
Amortization 
 of intangible  
assets(c)	

GAAP  
Measurement  

Less:
Fees and other
expenses related to the
Purchase Transaction  
 and related debt 
financings(d) 

Net	Revenues		

$	 4,408	

	$	

405		

	$	

Net	Revenues		

$	 4,583	

	$	

(241)		

	$	

—			

—			

	(1)		

	(17)		

—		

(22)		

(8)	

(56)	

$	

—	

—	

—		

—	

(12)		

—		

—	

—	

	$	

—		

—		

—		

	—		

—		

—	

—	

(13)	

Non-GAAP 
Measurement

$	

4,813		

1,028

231

404

22	

549	

704

348

Cost	of	Sales	-	Product	Costs		

Cost	of	Sales	-	Online	

Cost	of	Sales	-	

Software	Royalties	and	Amortization	

Cost	of	Sales	-	Intellectual	Property	License				

Product	Development	

Sales	and	Marketing	

General	and	Administrative	

Total	Costs	and	Expenses	

1,053		

	204		

187	

87		

584		

606	

490	

(10)		

	—		

	2		

	(4)		

	—		

—	

—	

—			

—			

	—		

	(17)		

—		

(33)		

(7)	

(53)	

$	

—	

—	

—		

—	

(23)		

—		

—	

—	

	$	

—		

—		

—		

	—		

—		

—	

—	

(79)	

Non-GAAP 
Measurement

$	

4,342		

1,043

204	

172

60	

551	

599

358

Cost	of	Sales	-	Product	Costs		

Cost	of	Sales	-	Online	

Cost	of	Sales	-	

Software	Royalties	and	Amortization	

Cost	of	Sales	-	Intellectual	Property	License				

Product	Development	

Sales	and	Marketing	

General	and	Administrative	

Total	Costs	and	Expenses	

999		

	232		

260	

34		

571		

712	

417	

29		

	—		

161		

	—		

	—		

—	

—	

$	 3,225		

	$	

190		

$	

(104)		

$	

(12)		

	$	

(13)				

$	

3,286

$	 3,211		

	$	

(12)		

$	

(110)		

$	

(23)		

	$	

(79)				

$	

2,987

Year Ended December 31, 2014 

Operating	Income	

Net	Income		

Basic	Earnings	per	Share	

Diluted	Earnings	per	Share	

Less: 
Net effect from  
deferral of net 
revenues and related  
cost of sales(a)  

Less: 
Stock- 
based 
compensation(b) 

GAAP  
Measurement  

$	 1,183	

	$	

835		

1.14		

1.13		

$	

	$	

215		

136		

0.19		

0.18		

	$	

104			

65			

0.09		

0.09		

$	

Less: 
Amortization 
 of intangible  
assets(c)	

$	

$	

12	

8	

0.01		

0.01		

Less:
Fees and other
expenses related to the
Purchase Transaction  
 and related debt 
financings(d) 

	$	

13		

13		

0.02	

	$	

0.02				

$	

Non-GAAP 
Measurement

$	

1,527		

1,057

1.44	

1.42

Year Ended December 31, 2013 

Operating	Income	

Net	Income		

Basic	Earnings	per	Share	

Diluted	Earnings	per	Share	

Less: 
Net effect from  
deferral of net 
revenues and related  
cost of sales(a)  

Less: 
Stock- 
based 
compensation(b) 

GAAP  
Measurement  

$	 1,372	

	$	

(229)		

	$	

110			

1,010		

0.96		

0.95		

$	

(150)		

(0.14)		

	$	

(0.14)		

$	

71			

0.07		

0.07		

Less: 
Amortization 
 of intangible  
assets(c)	

$	

$	

23	

14	

0.01		

0.01		

Less:
Fees and other
expenses related to the
Purchase Transaction  
 and related debt 
financings(d) 

	$	

79		

54		

0.05	

	$	

0.05				

$	

Non-GAAP 
Measurement

$	

1,355		

999

0.95	

0.94

(a)	 Reflects	the	net	change	in	deferred	revenues	and	related	cost	of	sales.
(b)	 Includes	expense	related	to	stock-based	compensation.
(c)	 Reflects	amortization	of	intangible	assets	from	purchase	price	accounting.
(d)	 Reflects	fees	and	other	expenses	(including	legal	fees,	costs,	expenses	and	accruals)	related	to	the	repurchase	of	429	million	shares	of	our	common

stock	from	Vivendi	(the	“Purchase	Transaction”)	completed	on	October	11,	2013	and	related	debt	financings.

(a)	 Reflects	the	net	change	in	deferred	revenues	and	related	cost	of	sales.
(b)	 Includes	expense	related	to	stock-based	compensation.
(c)	 Reflects	amortization	of	intangible	assets	from	purchase	price	accounting.
(d)	 Reflects	fees	and	other	expenses	(including	legal	fees,	costs,	expenses	and	accruals)	related	to	the	repurchase	of	429	million	shares	of	our	common

stock	from	Vivendi	(the	“Purchase	Transaction”)	completed	on	October	11,	2013	and	related	debt	financings.

The	company	calculates	earnings	per	share	pursuant	to	the	two-class	method	which	requires	the	allocation	of	net	income	between	common	shareholders	
and	participating	security	holders.	Net	income	attributable	to	Activision	Blizzard	common	shareholders	used	to	calculate	non-GAAP	earnings	per	common	
share	assuming	dilution	was	$686	million	and	$1,034	million	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2014	as	compared	to	total	non-GAAP	net	
income	of	$698	million	and	$1,057	million	for	the	same	periods,	respectively.

The	company	calculates	earnings	per	share	pursuant	to	the	two-class	method	which	requires	the	allocation	of	net	income	between	common	shareholders	
and	participating	security	holders.	Net	income	attributable	to	Activision	Blizzard	Inc.	common	shareholders	used	to	calculate	non-GAAP	earnings	per	
common	share	assuming	dilution	was	$602	million	and	$976	million	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2013	as	compared	to	total	non-
GAAP	net	income	of	$621	million	and	$999	million	for	the	same	periods,	respectively.

For	purpose	of	calculation	of	earnings	per	share,	we	had,	on	a	weighted-average	basis,	common	shares	outstanding	of	720	million,	participating	securities	
of	approximately	12	million,	and	dilutive	shares	of	9	million	during	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2014.
For	purpose	of	calculation	of	earnings	per	share,	we	had,	on	a	weighted-average	basis,	common	shares	outstanding	of	716	million,	participating	securities	
of	approximately	15	million,	and	dilutive	shares	of	10	million	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2014.

For	purpose	of	calculation	of	earnings	per	share,	we	had,	on	a	weighted-average	basis,	common	shares	outstanding	of	745	million,	participating	securities	
of	approximately	23	million,	and	dilutive	shares	of	12	million	during	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2013.
For	purpose	of	calculation	of	earnings	per	share,	we	had,	on	a	weighted-average	basis,	common	shares	outstanding	of	1,024	million,	participating	securities	
of	approximately	24	million,	and	dilutive	shares	of	11	million	during	the	year	ended	December	31,	2013.

The	per	share	adjustments	are	presented	as	calculated,	and	the	GAAP	and	non-GAAP	earnings	per	share	information	is	also	presented	as	calculated.	
The	sum	of	these	measures,	as	presented,	may	differ	due	to	the	impact	of	rounding.

The	per	share	adjustments	are	presented	as	calculated,	and	the	GAAP	and	non-GAAP	earnings	per	share	information	is	also	presented	as	calculated.	
The	sum	of	these	measures,	as	presented,	may	differ	due	to	the	impact	of	rounding.

83

84

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
		
		
	
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
	
	
			
		
		
			
	
	
		
			
		
			
	
			
		
		
			
			
	
		
	
	
	
	
	
			
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
		
		
	
		
	
			
		
		
			
			
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
		
		
	
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
	
	
			
		
		
			
	
	
		
			
		
			
	
			
		
		
			
			
	
		
	
	
	
	
	
			
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
		
		
	
		
	
			
		
		
			
			
	
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Amounts in millions, except earnings per share data)

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Amounts in millions)

Year Ended December 31, 2012 

Net	Revenues		

Cost	of	Sales	-	Product	Costs		

Cost	of	Sales	-	Online	Subscriptions		

Cost	of	Sales	-	Software	Royalties	and	Amortization		

Cost	of	Sales	-	Intellectual	Property	Licenses	

Product	Development		

Sales	and	Marketing		

General	and	Administrative			

Total	Costs	and	Expenses		

Less: 
Net effect from 
deferral of net 
revenues and related 
cost of sales(a)  

GAAP 
Measurement  

Less: 
Stock- 
 based 
compensation(b) 

Less:
Amortization 
of intangible  
assets(c)  

Non-GAAP
Measurement

$	

4,856		

	$		

	1,116		

		263		

	194		

	89		

604	

578	

561	

	3,405		

	131		

	—		

	1			

	36	

	3		

—	

—	

—	

	40		

	$	

	—		

—	

	—		

	(9)		

	—	

(20)	

(8)	

(89)			

	(126)		

	$	

	—		

—		

	—		

	—		

(30)		

—	

—	

	—	

	(30)		

	$	

4,987	

	1,116	

	264	

	221	

	62	

584

570

	472	

	3,289	

Year Ended December 31, 2012 

Operating	Income	

Net	Income		

Basic	Earnings	per	Share		

Diluted	Earnings	per	Share		

Less: 
Net effect from 
deferral of net 
revenues and related 
cost of sales(a)  

	91		

	84		

	0.07		

	0.07		

	$	

GAAP 
Measurement  

	1,451		

	1,149		

	1.01		

	1.01		

$	

Less: 
Stock- 
 based 
compensation(b) 

Less:
Amortization 
of intangible  
assets(c)  

	126		

	98		

	0.09		

	0.09		

	$	

	30		

	19		

	0.02		

	0.02		

$	

Non-GAAP
Measurement

	1,698

	1,350

	1.19

	1.18

	$	

(a)	 Reflects	the	net	change	in	deferred	revenues	and	related	cost	of	sales.
(b)	 Includes	expense	related	to	stock-based	compensation.
(c)	 Reflects	amortization	of	intangible	assets	from	purchase	price	accounting.

The	company	calculates	earnings	per	share	pursuant	to	the	two-class	method	which	requires	the	allocation	of	net	income	between	common	shareholders	
and	participating	security	holders.	Net	income	attributable	to	Activision	Blizzard	Inc.	common	shareholders	used	to	calculate	non-GAAP	earnings	per	
common	share	assuming	dilution	was	$870	million	and	$1,322	million	for	the	three	months	and	year	ended	December	31,	2012	as	compared	to	total	
non-GAAP	net	income	of	$891	million	and	$1,350	million	for	the	same	periods,	respectively.

The	per	share	adjustments	are	presented	as	calculated,	and	the	GAAP	and	non-GAAP	earnings	per	share	information	is	also	presented	as	calculated.		
The	sum	of	these	measures,	as	presented,	may	differ	due	to	the	impact	of	rounding.

Three Months Ended 

Cash Flow Data  

December 31,  
2012  

March 31, 
2013 

June 30, 
2013  

 September 30, 
2013  

 December 31, 
2013 

Year over Year
% Increase
(Decrease)

Operating	Cash	Flow		

$	

Capital	Expenditures		
Non-GAAP	Free	Cash	Flow2		

		 Operating	Cash	Flow	-	TTM1		
Capital	Expenditures	-	TTM1		
Non-GAAP	

976		

27		

949		

1,345		

73		

	$	

325		

	17		

	308		

	$	

109			

$	

	19		

	90		

(50)	

22		

(72)	

	$	

880		

16		

	864		

	1,516		

	82		

			 1,532		

84		

1,360		

85		

			 1,264		

74		

	 Free	Cash	Flow	-	TTM1	

$	 1,272		

	$	 1,434		

$	 1,448		

$	 1,275		

	$	 1,190				

(10)%

(41)	

(9)

(6)	

1	

(6)%

Three Months Ended 

Cash Flow Data  

Operating	Cash	Flow		

Capital	Expenditures		
Non-GAAP	Free	Cash	Flow2		

		 Operating	Cash	Flow	-	TTM1		
Capital	Expenditures	-	TTM1		
Non-GAAP	

	 Free	Cash	Flow	-	TTM1	

March 31, 
2014 

June 30, 
2014  

 September 30, 
2014  

 December 31, 
2014 

Year over Year
% Increase
(Decrease)

$	

136		

$	

106		

$	

(145)	

$	

1,195		

	37		

	99		

25		

	81		

	1,075		

	94	

			 1,072		

100		

28		

(173)	

977		

106		

17		

	1,178		

			 1,292		

107		

	$	

981		

$	

972		

$	

871		

	$	

1,185				

36%

6	

36

2	

45	

(0)%

1 TTM	represents	trailing	twelve	months.	Operating	Cash	Flow	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2012,	three	months	ended	September	30,	2012,		
	 three	months	ended	June	30,	2012,	and	three	months	ended	March	31,	2012	was	$976	million,	$122	million,	$93	million,	and	$154	million,	respectively.		
	 Capital	expenditures	for	the	three	months	ended	December	31,	2012,	three	months	ended	September	30,	2012,	three	months	ended	June	30,	2012,	and		
	 three	months	ended	March	31,	2012	was	$27	million,	$21	million,	$17	million,	and	$8	million,	respectively.	
2	Non-GAAP	free	cash	flow	represents	operating	cash	flow	minus	capital	expenditures	(which	includes	payment	for	acquisition	of	intangible	assets).

85

86

ActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM ESTActivisionBlizzard 10K       April 2, 2015      3:00PM EST 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
	
	
		
		
		
		
			
	
		
		
		
			
	
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
		
		
		
	
		
		
		
			
			
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
	
		
	
	
		
		
		
		
		
			
	
		
			
		
		
			
	
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
		
			
		
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
			
	
	
	
		
		
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
	
			
			
		
			
	
			
		
		
			
	
		
			
		
		
	
			
	
			
		
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
		
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
	
		
		
	
		
	
		
		
	
		
	
		
		
	
		
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
For the Trailing Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2014
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(Amounts	in	millions)

Corporate Information

GAAP Net Income (Loss)  	

Interest	(Income)	/	Expense,	net		

Provision	(Benefit)	for	income	taxes		

		 Depreciation	and	amortization		

EBITDA    
		 Deferral	of	net	revenues	and	

related	cost	of	sales	(a)		

Stock-based	compensation	expense	(b)		

Fees	and	other	expenses	

related	to	the	Purchase	Transaction	

and	related	debt	financings	(c)			

March 31, 
2014 

June 30, 
2014 

 September 30, 
2014 

 December 31,  
2014 

Trailing Twelve
Months Ending
December 31, 
2014

$	

	293		

	$	

	204		

	$	

	(23)	

	$	

	361		

	$	

		51		

	83		

		19		

  446   

	(219)		

	30		

	50		

	56		

	19			

 329  

	(220)	

	22		

	51		

	(20)	

	22		

 30  

	180		

	22		

	51		

	27		

	29		

 468  

	475		

29		

	835	

	203	

	146	

	90	

 1,274 

	215	

	104	

—	

—	

48			

	(36)	

	13	

Adjusted EBITDA  

$ 

 257  

 $ 

 131  

 $ 

 280  

$ 

 936  

 $ 

 1,606 

(a)	 Reflects	the	net	change	in	deferred	net	revenues	and	related	cost	of	sales.
(b)	 Includes	expense	related	to	stock-based	compensation.
(c)	 Reflects	fees	and	other	expenses	(including	legal	fees,	costs,	expenses	and	accruals)	related	to	the	repurchase	of	429	million	shares	of	our	common		

stock	from	Vivendi	(the	“Purchase	Transaction”)	completed	on	October	11,	2013	and	related	debt	financings.

Trailing	twelve	months	amounts	are	presented	as	calculated.	Therefore,	the	sum	of	the	four	quarters,	as	presented,	may	differ	due	to	the	impact	
of	rounding.

87

Board of Directors

Special Advisors

Domestic Offices

World Wide Web Site

Michael Griffith 
Vice Chairman, 
Activision Blizzard

Transfer Agent

Continental Stock Transfer 
& Trust Company
17 Battery Place 
New York, New York 10004
(800) 509-5586

Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California

Corporate Headquarters

Activision Blizzard, Inc.
3100 Ocean Park Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 255-2000

Robert J. Corti 
Chairman, Avon Products 
Foundation  

Brian G. Kelly 
Chairman of the Board, 
Activision Blizzard 

Robert A. Kotick 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Activision Blizzard 

Barry Meyer 
Former Chairman and CEO, 
Warner Brothers Entertainment

Robert J. Morgado 
Former Chairman and CEO, 
Warner Music Group

Peter Nolan 
Senior Advisor, 
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.

Richard Sarnoff 
Senior Advisor, 
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. 

Elaine Wynn 
Co-founder, Wynn Resorts

Officers

Robert A. Kotick 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Activision Blizzard

Thomas Tippl 
Chief Operating Officer, 
Activision Blizzard

Dennis M. Durkin 
Chief Financial Officer, 
Activision Blizzard

Mike Morhaime 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Blizzard Entertainment

Eric Hirshberg 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Activision Publishing

Brian Hodous 
Chief Customer Officer, 
Activision Blizzard

Humam Sakhnini 
Chief Strategy and Talent 
Officer, Activision Blizzard

Chris B. Walther 
Chief Legal Officer, 
Activision Blizzard

Austin, Texas 
Bloomington, Minnesota
Bothell, Washington
Carlsbad, California
Dallas, Texas
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
El Segundo, California 
Foster City, California
Fresno, California
Irvine, California
Los Angeles, California
Menands, New York
Middleton, Wisconsin
New York, New York
Novato, California
Portland, Maine
Redmond, Washington
Rogers, Arkansas
San Francisco, California 
Santa Clara, California
Santa Monica, California
Woodland Hills, California

International Offices

Birmingham, United Kingdom
Burglengenfeld, Germany
Cantoni, Italy
Copenhagen, Denmark
Cork, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
Hong Kong SAR, China
Leamington Spa, 
  United Kingdom
Madrid, Spain 
Mexico City, Mexico
Mississauga, Canada
Munich, Germany
Paris, France
Quebec City, Canada
São Paulo, Brazil
Schiphol, The Netherlands
Seoul, South Korea
Shanghai, China
Singapore
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockley Park, United Kingdom
Sydney, Australia
Taipei, Region of Taiwan 
Vancouver, Canada
Venlo, The Netherlands
Versailles, France
Warrington, United Kingdom

www.activisionblizzard.com

E-Mail

IR@activisionblizzard.com

Annual Meeting

June 3, 2015, 9:00 am PDT
Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 
90405 

Annual Report 
on Form 10-K

Activision Blizzard’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the 
calendar year ended Decem-
ber 31, 2014 is available to 
shareholders without charge 
upon request by calling our 
Investor Relations department 
at (310) 255-2000 or by mailing 
a request to our Corporate 
Secretary at our corporate 
headquarters.

Non-Incorporation

Portions of the Company’s 
2014 Form 10-K, as filed with 
the SEC, are included within 
this Annual Report. Other than 
these portions of the Form 
10-K, all other portions of this 
Annual Report are not “filed” 
with the SEC and should not 
be deemed so.

Annual Report Design: RWI www.rwidesign.com   
Printer: Earth •Thebault, USA   
© Copyright 2015 Activision Blizzard, Inc.  

	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
	
			
		
		
		
		
	
			
			
		
			
	
			
		
		
			
  
  
   
   
  
	
	
	
	
		
			
		
		
		
	
			
	
			
		
		
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
		
		
		
		
ActivisionBlizzard, Inc.

3100 Ocean Park Boulevard

Santa Monica, California 90405

activisionblizzard.com