Activision (ATVI) president reiterates 2003 revenue view
(Reuters 12/04 09:14:47)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec 4 (Reuters) - The president of
Activision Inc.<ATVI.O>, the No. 2 independent video game
publisher, on Wednesday reiterated the company's 2003 revenue
forecast, which is lower than Wall Street's current view.
Ron Doornink, president of Activision and chief executive
of Activision Publishing, also said video game-related holiday
sales appear to be picking up.
Activision still sees revenue of $934 million for its
fiscal year ended March, Doornink said in a Web cast from the
Credit Suisse First Boston's annual technology conference in
Scottsdale, Arizona. The conference is closed to media.
That view is below Wall Street analysts' average forecast
for annual revenues of $942.6 million, as compiled by research
firm Thomson First Call.
Doornink said sales of video game hardware, which help
drive game sales, appear to be accelerating.
"We're really seeing a pickup across the board," he said.
Game sellers also are making a big holiday advertising
push, Doornink said.
"This is the highest level of marketing support the
industry has ever seen," he said, noting that television ads
for the company's popular "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4" are
currently running.
Activision shares fell 75 cents to $20.15 at midday on the
Nasdaq. The stock remains off its 52-week high of $35.10.
(lisa.baertlein@reuters.com or 650-906-8381))
REUTERS
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