Electronic Arts reported stronger fourth-quarter results as net bookings climbed and profit nearly doubled. The videogame maker posted fiscal Q4 profit of $461 million, or $1.81 a share, up from $254 million, or 98 cents a share, a year earlier.

Net bookings—a metric combining total net revenue and deferred revenue from online-enabled games—rose to $1.86 billion from $1.8 billion in the prior year period. The increase signals continued strength in EA's live-service titles and digital revenue streams.

The better-than-expected results come as Electronic Arts continues to work toward completing a buyout deal. The solid quarterly performance provides momentum as the company navigates the acquisition process, with improved financial metrics reinforcing investor confidence in the publisher's digital strategy.