In a highly unusual move that sent shockwaves through financial markets, French video game publisher Ubisoft Entertainment SA abruptly postponed the release of its first-half financial results on Thursday, November 14, 2025—the very day they were scheduled to be published.
Trading Halt and Market Reaction
The company, known for blockbuster franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, took the extraordinary step of requesting a temporary halt to trading of its shares and bonds on Euronext until the delayed results are finally published. This decision came alongside the postponement of a media briefing call that Chief Financial Officer Frederick Duguet had been scheduled to host.
Ubisoft's American depositary receipts plummeted as much as 19% following the announcement, reflecting investor anxiety over the unexpected delay. The company's shares in Paris have already suffered a brutal year, declining 49% throughout 2025 and closing down nearly one percent at €6.77 earlier on Thursday.
Company's Explanation and Employee Communication
In a statement addressing the unusual decision, Ubisoft indicated it needed additional time to finalize its financial reporting for the semester. The company committed to publishing its results "in the coming days" but provided no specific date for the release.
Internal communications obtained by Bloomberg News revealed that Ubisoft informed employees the trading halt was implemented "to limit unnecessary speculation and market volatility during this short delay." The company maintains multiple development studios across Canada, making the announcement particularly relevant to Canadian gaming industry professionals and investors.
Broader Context and Recent Challenges
The last-minute postponement marks an escalation of concerns surrounding Ubisoft's recent operational challenges. In May 2025, the company had already signaled trouble when it announced extended development timelines for several major titles and projected zero revenue growth for the fiscal year.
The gaming giant has faced multiple setbacks in recent years, including last year's decision to delay the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows following middling reviews for its Star Wars Outlaws game. These developments have raised questions about the company's ability to maintain its competitive position in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.
Earlier this year, Ubisoft secured a significant financial lifeline through a partnership with Chinese tech conglomerate Tencent Holdings Ltd. The arrangement involved a €1.16 billion investment into a new subsidiary that would control key franchises including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six.
Financial analysts consider same-day earnings postponements exceptionally rare for publicly traded companies, typically indicating either significant accounting issues or major corporate developments that require additional verification. The timing of Ubisoft's decision, coupled with its request for a trading suspension, suggests the company may be dealing with substantial financial or operational matters that could significantly impact investor confidence when finally disclosed.
